- Big Game (Deer/Bear) Early Archery Season Opens Oct. 1, ends Nov. 18, 2022
- Crossbow Season (Deer/Bear) Opens Nov. 5, runs through Nov. 18, 2022
- Firearm Season (Shotgun, Handgun, Rifle, Crossbow, Bow) Opens Nov. 19, ends Dec. 11, 2022
- Muzzleloader & Late Archery (Deer/Bear) Season Opens Dec. 12, ends Dec. 20, 2022
Chautauqua County is the land of big fish and big game hunting opportunities. Steelhead commence their runs as the autumn air chills the waters. Look for steelies in Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Silver, Walnut and Canadaway Creeks. Center-pin fly rod fishing is popular, traditional fly fishing gear and open-face spinning gear works well too. Most steelhead anglers catch and release their fish.
For deer, Chautauqua County is 100 percent CWD-free. There were 8,461 whitetail deer harvested in Chautauqua County last year, including 3,978 adult bucks greater than 1.5 years old, with 3.1 to 4.0 bucks harvested per square mile. Some 20 percent of those greater than 3.5 years old. Big deer abound here. An estimated 39 percent of the deer were harvested with a bow. There were 41 black bear harvested, 14 during bow season, 2 during muzzleloader, and 25 with firearms.
The diverse landscape of Chautauqua offers an assortment of fruit-bearing hardwood trees that deer use as a feeding zone, they graze and bed down nearby. Many of these also make a perfect landing zone for tree stands of all types. Likewise, conifer forests provide cover and comfort for ground stand locations or the good old-fashioned 5-gallon bucket turned upside down. To assure big game hunter safety, please wear a full body harness and use a lifeline if you are going vertical. The wild health food mix for big game in Chautauqua County includes apple orchards, corn fields and vineyards - deer grow fast and big. The rolling hills support forests of sweet white oak and beech trees that drop sugary acorns and high protein nut stock preferred by deer. Berry bushes and grape fields afford sweet mealtime for increasing numbers of black bears.
In Chautauqua County, access is free to hunt in any of our 14 State Forests. Chautauqua County is prime with public and private hunting land across more than 1,000 square miles of mostly undisturbed country land. These provide free access to nature for hunting, trapping, wildlife viewing and photography. Disabled hunters have privileged access to more than 13,000 acres in eight of the 14 state forests here.
Daily hunting hours for deer and bear are 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset. When hunting deer or bear with a firearm, note that hunters must wear a minimum of 250 square inches of fluorescent orange or fluorescent pink above the waist, OR wear a hat or cap with no less than 50 percent of the exterior consisting of solid fluorescent orange or fluorescent pink material, and be visible from all directions,.
The big game NYS hunting hours are now 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset. Sunday hunting is allowed in all areas of New York. For hunting in state parks, confirm regulations with the park before hunting.
During big game and turkey hunting seasons, you must report taking a turkey within 7 days using the online NYSDEC Harvest Reporting System (called DECALS) or by calling 1-866-426-3778. If you are entering the woods in total darkness, please wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from sharp branch ends. The deer and bear are abundant here. When hunting for big game or turkey, be sure of your target and beyond. Be safe.
Chautauqua County Hunting Season NEW RULES Summary:
• New Holiday (Deer Only) Season for Muzzleloader/Archery Opens Dec. 26, ends Jan. 1, 2023
• New Big Game (Deer & Bear) Hunting Hours: 30 Minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.
• New Autumn Turkey Hunting Season: Opens Oct. 15, end Oct. 28, 2022 - shooting hours are sunrise to sunset.
Please join us for the adventure and excitement of steelhead fishing and big game hunting in Chautauqua County, NY. Plan a mini-vacation and enjoy.
Outdoor media and editors are authorized and encouraged to use this release with their own by-line. Photo Credit must be provided as shown.
Outdoor Media Contact: Dave Barus - Fishing & Hunting Promotions Associate, Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau, P.O. Box 1441, Chautauqua, NY, 14722; email: dbarus35@yahoo.com; Cell: 716-597-4081