New York “Holiday” Muzzleloader Season Returns December 26, 2023-Jan 1, 2024
Muzzleloading enthusiasts can once again ring in the new year with a deer hunt and their muzzleloaders. Starting December 26, 2023, Hunters in New York may return to the woods for the late “holiday” muzzleloader season hunt. My research shows this season is only in place for much of the “Southern” part of the state, but it should be fun nonetheless.
While New York’s muzzleloader season may have started as a “Primitive Season”, it has since evolved, allowing more modern style muzzleloaders.
New York Muzzleloader Requirements
Muzzleloading firearm—is a firearm loaded through the muzzle, shooting a single projectile and having a minimum bore of .44 inch. Scopes or fiber-optic sights may be used at any time. You must possess a New York State Pistol Permit to hunt with a muzzleloading pistol.
New York Hunter Orange Requirement
Any person hunting deer or bear with a firearm or a person who is accompanying someone hunting deer or bear with a firearm shall wear:
a minimum total of 250 square inches of solid fluorescent orange or fluorescent pink material worn above the waist and visible from all directions; or
a minimum total of 250 square inches of patterned fluorescent orange or fluorescent pink consisting of no less than 50% fluorescent orange or fluorescent pink worn above the waist and visible from all directions; or
a hat or cap with no less than 50% of the exterior consisting of solid fluorescent orange or fluorescent pink material and visible from all directions.