Hunting is permitted in limited areas at John Boyd Thacher State Park.

Park maps showing defined hunting areas at Thacher and other state parks are available on the State Parks webpage, www.nysparks.com, or by contacting the appropriate park office.

Hunters must possess a current valid applicable Department of Environmental Conservation hunting license and obtain a New York State Parks Hunting Permit from the appropriate Park Office.  They must also sign in and out of the park at the office daily when hunting within the boundaries of the park.

Hunting is not permitted within 500 feet of any building, road, playground, or parking lot.  All trails are considered safety zones where hunting is not allowed.

Deer can be hunted only with muzzleloader, shotgun, or bow.  Possession of rifles or handguns is strictly prohibited.  Loaded guns should not be carried in developed areas or on trails.  Hunters should only load their guns at their hunting site.

Patrons using Thacher Park and other state parks where hunting is allowed may wish to wear brightly colored clothing during hunting season as an added precaution.  Venturing off the established trail systems is prohibited at any time of year, and is particularly unsafe during hunting season.

Patrons are encouraged to contact the appropriate park office or the New York State Park Police if they observe unsafe activities or conditions in the parks.