Early big game hunting season begins this weekend across New York state, New York state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar announced Friday.

Early bear season begins Sept. 7 in 11 of New York's Wildlife Management Units and early antlerless deer season begins Sept. 14.

"DEC’s early big game seasons are designed to manage deer and bear populations at levels that are in balance with available habitat and in alignment with hunter and New Yorkers’ recreational preferences,” said Mahar. "By participating in these early big game seasons, hunters not only help manage wildlife populations, they also get an early start on filling their freezers with sustainably sourced meat while enjoying additional time outdoors with family and friends."

WMUs for the early bear season include 3A, 3C, 3H, 3J, 3K, 3M, 3P, 3R, 4P, 4R, and 4W. WMUs for the early antlerless deer season include 1C, 3M, 3R, 3S, 4J, 8A, 8C, 8F, 8G, 8J, 8N, 9A, and 9F.

In WMUs 3M, 3R, 8A, 8F, 8G, 8J, 8N, 9A, and 9F, hunters may use firearms, crossbows, or vertical bows during the early antlerless deer season; only vertical bows can be used in WMUs 1C, 3S, 4J, and 8C. Hunters may use firearms, crossbows, or vertical bows in all WMUs enrolled in the early bear season. The use of rifles is prohibited in Rockland County (most of WMU 3R) during any season.