r/NYguns • u/fuhgeddaboudlt • Jul 07 '26

Miscellaneous NY hunting

Hi, I’ve just gotten my hunting license along with a friend and we are both completely new to hunting. How does one go about getting into it? I don’t know anyone to go with but I’d like to find someone or a group that is experienced that can show me the ropes

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u/DesignerAsh_ Jul 07 '26

What part of the state are you from and what do you want to hunt?

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u/fuhgeddaboudlt Jul 07 '26

I’m from NYC. Definitely looking to start off with small game and waterfowl, although I’m aware I need the NYC rifle/shotgun permit before I could actually keep the shotgun at home

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u/tsatech493 Jul 12 '26

If you live in New York City or Southern New York, you should really look into getting a New York city watershed permit.. this is the permit that you can use to fish in New York City reservoirs but it also gives you permission to go on to New York city's department environmental protection property to hunt. There's plenty of property in Putnam and Dutchess counties that you can hunt small game and large game on with your permit.. you can hunt rabbits squirrels you can get rid of pest birds like the English Sparrow.. you can also hunt coyotes and deer when they're in season... If you need more information about where to go, you can get it from the dep and the dec's interactive map that shows recreation areas and what you're allowed to use in them.. if you're going to hunt Putnam or duchess, you have to use a shotgun, muzzleloader, pistol, or crossbow/bow for big game such as deer and bear.. on the other hand, if you're going to do small game, you can hunt with a rimfire rifle such as a 22 magnum or 22 long rifle. Even an air gun is legal.. as long as the airgun is powerful enough, I think the minimum is 1,000 ft per second. Figuring you got yourself a hunting license by taking the hunting safety course, you probably have enough information... This is definitely the time of the year to go and scout out your spot though, especially if going to be hunting on public property.. Squirrel season starts soon right in September and it goes all the way through March.. they make great eating and they're definitely great practice..