Small Game Season Dates & Limits
Where does DEC stock pheasants?
New for 2022, DEC is launching an interactive mapper that shows where pheasants are released throughout New York. Please note that many of these lands are privately owned and pheasant stocking is only permitted with the participation of landowners. Be sure to respect the land and any special rules that may be in place. To view the map, visit: https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/9349.html
Protect Rabbits & Hares from RHDV2
Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2 (RHDV2) is highly lethal to rabbits and hares. It is easily transmitted through direct contact between rabbits or contact with contaminated objects. RHDV2 is extremely hardy, remaining contagious on surfaces for 3 months. If it enters NY’s wild rabbit and hare populations, it will be impossible to control and could result in significant population declines. To protect these species:
- Avoid contact with domestic rabbits.
- Wear disposable gloves when handling rabbit and hare carcasses.
- Properly dispose of rabbit carcasses in trash that’s taken to a landfill or by burying deep enough to prevent scavenging.
- Disinfect all hunting gear after out-of-state travel with a 10% bleach solution (1-part household bleach, 9 parts water).
- Avoid travel to states that have confirmed RHDV2 outbreaks, and do not bring rabbit carcasses killed in other states to New York.
- Avoid transporting rabbits or hares to train hunting dogs.
- Although dogs cannot get sick from RHDV2, they can transmit the virus, so minimize contact between dogs and rabbit carcasses.
- Immediately report sick rabbits or unusual rabbit mortalities to DEC's Wildlife Health Program (518-478-2203; [email protected]).
