Hunting in New York: Regulations for Hunting With Dogs

Hunting and dogs have gone hand in hand for decades. There might not be a better companion for a hunting trip than man's best friend, but for people hunting in New York, there are some rules and regulations in place for both the protection of the dogs as well as the well-being of everyone involved in the hunt. Here is a look at regulations that everyone should keep in mind when hunting in New York with dogs.

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1. Black Bear Hunting

Anyone wanting to use a dog when hunting black bears must have a black bear tracking dog license issued by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). The training for dogs are used to track, tail, and pursue the bears while hunting. The dogs also have to be a certain breed, which is outlined on the state's official site. A person cannot get a bear tracking dog license if they have ever been convicted of the illegal taking of a bear. All hunting in New York using dogs to track bears must use at least two dogs, but no more than eight.

2. Dog Training for Wild Game

There are specific dates that people are allowed to train dogs for hunting in New York. No hunter can take the dogs in the field to train wild black bears without special permission. Training of dogs in the field for hunting coyotes, bobcats, foxes, and raccoons can only take place from July through April. All other training can take place from the middle of August through the middle of April, according to the DEC. Outside of those dates, hunters cannot take dogs afield for training purposes.

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3. Small Game Hunting

Dogs may normally be used to hunt small game. There is an exception as hunters are not allowed to use dogs to hunt turkeys in the spring. You can turkey hunt with a dog during the fall hunting season. Also, in the northern zone of the state, hunters cannot use a rifle larger than a .22 caliber if they are using a dog, nor are they allowed to use a shotgun with a ball, buckshot, or slug, or use a crossbow, unless they are coyote hunting. Any training on private property can only be accomplished using blank ammunition unless it is open season, according to the DEC.

4. Leashed Tracking Dogs

Leashed tracking dogs used to recover dead, wounded, or injured big game animals have to be certified and licensed through the DEC. Once licensed, these dogs can be used at any time, day or night, until the last day of big game season. A big game hunter must accompany the dog when tracking and recovering the animal. As of 2015, the license costs $50 and is valid for five years.

This article is for information only. Please check current regulations before hunting.

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