Night Vision Hunting Regulations in New York

The night can be a hunter's best friend because large game and predators come out more frequently at night. However, in New York, as in most of the 50 states, you must follow rules and regulations during nocturnal hunting.

  1. Hunting at Night

    • New York along with the other 49 states enforces a strict policy that deer hunting is allowed only between the hours of sunrise and sunset. Any hunting after these hours can be subject to a fine and is considered poaching. For predators, such as coyotes and fur bearers (fox, coyote, bobcat, skunk, weasel and opossum) hunting is legal at night within limitations.

    Spotlights

    • The state regulates use of spotlights to be legal within certain guidelines. These apply for fishing, hunting of game and predators. For game the regulations apply to daytime or dusk hours. A hunter may use a spotlight to spy on the animal under these circumstances. However, a hunter may not use a spotlight in any circumstances as a way to help in a kill. These rules apply:

      • The hunter must be in a vehicle and not carrying a weapon. This applies to anyone in the vehicle unless the weapon is a handgun or has been unstrung in the case of a bow or locked into the trunk of the vehicle.

      • The lights must not be provided by a vehicle.

      • You must not be within 500 feet of a home or farm unless you have permission from the owner.

    Night Vision Devices

    • Night vision devices such as green radar in scopes and/or binoculars are illegal for use on game. Night vision devices are frowned upon for use with hunting fur bearers. The owner must have proof and a valid license to show that he was hunting an approved animal. Night vision devices are legal for hunting dangerous animals that have attacked persons or their property. This, too, requires an approved permit.

    Other Lighting Devices

    • The use of artificial lighting sources is illegal when hunting for any game, big or small. This includes laser sightings, flashlights when not used to spot the game and star-reflecting scopes. For hunting predators or fur bearers, a hunter can use these items when properly regulated and with the correct weapons. Any deviation from these regulations will be met with a harsh fine and a possible withdrawal of a hunting license.