The timing of October’s full moon may be perfect for New York hunters in search of white-tailed deer this year.
In the Empire State, the bowhunting season for whitetails starts Sept. 27 in the northern zone and Oct. 1 in the southern zone, which is every part of the state south of the North Country region, according to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Regular white-tailed deer hunting season starts around the same time — Oct. 1 — in Westchester and Suffolk counties.
Here’s what to know.
What’s special about October’s full moon?
This year’s Harvest Moon — where the full moon is closest to the autumnal equinox — will rise on Monday, Oct. 6, the Old Farmer’s Almanac says.
It’s also the first of the year’s three supermoons, which is the largest and brightest full moon of the year because it’s at the closest point to Earth.
Why is this good for hunters?
Hornell Evening Tribune outdoors columnist Oak Duke says changing light affects deer in many ways, from hormonal changes to physical changes.
The bright light from the Harvest Moon at the beginning of October will stimulate melatonin flow, which keeps the deer from breeding, before shortening days and increasing darkness leads to dissipating melatonin levels and the start of the breeding season — or the Whitetail Rut.
The best time to hunt whitetail is right around and during the rut because their activity increases, according to outdoor recreation retailer Field and Stream.
“Whitetails will have their biological clocks set by this amazing Harvest Moon and the equinox,” Duke says. “And one month later, the annual whitetail rut peaks during the first and second week of November this year.”
Emily Barnes reports on consumer-related issues for the USA TODAY Network’s New York Connect Team, focusing on scam and recall-related topics. Follow her on X and Instagram @byemilybarnes. Get in touch at ebarnes@gannett.com.