ROCKLAND COUNTY, N.Y. — The 2025–2026 wild turkey Fall hunting season in New York is officially underway this week, with new regulations and reminders in place for hunters in Rockland County and beyond. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has released its updated guidelines, emphasizing safety, reporting procedures, and conservation efforts.
Fall Season Set for OCT 1–14; Fall Opens Tomorrow
The fall season begins October 1 and ends October 14, with a single either-sex bird permitted. Hunters must immediately fill out and attach the provided carcass tag upon a successful harvest.
The spring turkey season will run statewide from May 1 to May 31, 2026, allowing hunters to take up to two bearded birds, but no more than one per day. Notably, only one bird may be harvested in Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) 1C, which includes parts of Rockland County.
Licensing and Tags
Hunters are allowed only one turkey permit per year, which includes three carcass tags—two for the spring season and one for the fall. Hunters must carry both their valid New York State hunting license and turkey permit while in the field.
If a turkey is harvested but deemed unfit for consumption, the DEC may issue a replacement permit upon surrender of the carcass.
Weapons and Methods: Know the Rules
Hunting is permitted with a bow, a crossbow, a shotgun, or a muzzle-loading shotgun. However, crossbows are restricted to hunters aged 14 or older, and cannot be used in Westchester or Suffolk counties. Rockland hunters are advised to double-check their local WMU for legal equipment.
Shotguns and handguns must use shot between sizes #2 and #9. Rifles, air guns, and handguns firing bullets are prohibited for turkey hunting.
Dogs are not allowed during the spring season, but may be used in the fall. Bait, electronic calling devices, and live decoys are also banned statewide.
Scopes are permitted on any legal hunting implement.
Harvest Reporting and Conservation Efforts
Hunters are required to report their harvest within seven days by calling 1-866-GAMERPT, visiting the DEC’s website, or using the HuntFishNY mobile app. The DEC is asking spring hunters to submit photos of the spur, beard, and tail of harvested turkeys, along with the bird’s weight. These records help monitor age and sex distribution in the population.
For fall hunters, one leg from each turkey should be saved for submission, as it helps biologists assess the health and demographics of the turkey population.
Youth Hunting and Mentorship
During the youth spring hunt, only the youth may carry a weapon and harvest a bird. The accompanying adult must hold a valid license and turkey permit, but is restricted from carrying any hunting equipment. They may assist with calling but may not engage in the hunt directly.
The youth bag limit is one bearded bird, which counts toward their seasonal limit of two.
Wildlife Watch: $200 Reward for Reporting Illegal Hunting
The National Wild Turkey Federation is offering a $200 reward to individuals who provide information that leads to the arrest and conviction of anyone illegally hunting or killing wild turkeys in New York State. Reports can be made anonymously by calling 1-844-DEC-ECOS.
Hunting Safety: A Top Priority
The DEC urges hunters to avoid common mistakes that lead to injuries, including:
- Never stalk a turkey.
- Never shoot at sound or movement.
- Wear blaze orange while walking to and from your hunting site.
- Avoid wearing red, white, blue, or black, which resemble turkey coloring.
The department also warns against the use of “turkey reaper fans”—mobile decoys that may attract other hunters and increase the risk of accidental shootings.
Tick Awareness for Turkey Hunters
Turkey hunters are reminded to take precautions against tick bites, especially during the spring season when ticks are active. To reduce risk:
- Wear light-colored clothing, long sleeves, and pants tucked into socks.
- Apply tick repellent to shoes and clothes.
- Check for ticks daily after hunting.
Deer ticks in New York can carry Lyme disease, the most common tick-borne illness in the state.
Call for Grouse Survey Volunteers
The DEC is also recruiting turkey hunters to assist in monitoring ruffed grouse populations by recording observations during the spring turkey season. Interested hunters can email wildlife@dec.ny.gov with “Grouse Drumming Survey” in the subject line or call 518-402-8883 for more information.
Summary of Key Dates:
- Fall Turkey Season: October 1–14, 2025 (1 bird, either sex)
- Spring Youth Turkey Hunt: April 25–26, 2026 (1 bearded bird)
- Spring Turkey Season: May 1–31, 2026 (2 bearded birds max; 1 per day)
- Report Harvest: Within 7 days via phone, website, or app
- DEC Emergency Line for Violations: 1-844-DEC-ECOS
For more information, including WMU maps, safety tips, and complete regulations, visit the DEC’s official site at www.dec.ny.gov or view the full 2025–2026 Hunting and Trapping Guide online.
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Mathew Alvarez joined Rockland Daily News as a reporter in March 2020, but he’s no stranger to Rockland County. He grew up in New City and graduated from Ball State’s College of Communication, Information, and Media.
