Waterfowl Hunting Program
The Suffolk County Department of Parks as part of its continuing effort to provide a variety of recreational opportunities will once again be offering a waterfowl hunting program. Suffolk County Parks has additional restrictions beyond the current regulations set forth by the U.S. Department of the Interior and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. All efforts have been made to offer our patrons a diversified outdoor experience. From the Carmans River in Southaven Park to the beach at Cedar Point Park on Gardiners Bay, a variety of hunting opportunities await sportsmen.
Regular Duck Program:
PARK LOCATIONS:
Season Dates:
Southaven, Hubbard & Cedar Point:
Open Saturday, November 23, 2024, to Sunday, December 1, 2024, on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays ONLY. Open Saturday, December 7, 2024, to Sunday, January 26, 2025, on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays ONLY.
CLOSED on Wednesday, December 25, 2024, and Wednesday, January 1, 2025.
Montauk:
Open Saturday, November 23, 2024, to Sunday, December 1, 2024, on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays ONLY. Open Saturday, December 7, 2024, to Sunday, January 5, 2025, on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays ONLY. In addition, open January 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26, 2025.
Open Saturday, December 9, 2023, to Sunday, December 31, 2023, on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays ONLY. In addition, open January 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 & 28, 2024.
CLOSED on Wednesday, December 25, 2024, and Wednesday, January 1, 2025.
Drawing For Blinds:
Each park will have a drawing for blinds. All persons wishing to be included in the morning draw must register at the Check Station twenty (20) minutes before sunrise. Drawings will be fifteen (15) minutes before sunrise. Morning draw participants at Southaven must return to the check station and be checked out by 11:30 AM. All persons wishing to be included in the afternoon draw at Southaven must register by 11:40 AM and the drawing will be at 11:45 AM. Participants at Hubbard, Cedar Point and Montauk must stop hunting at 3:00 PM and return to park office for check-out (there is no separate afternoon drawing at these parks).
All parties must be present at time of drawing. Parties of two or three who wish to hunt together are permitted one draw slip for each member of the party, however, all names must appear on each draw slip, and if drawn, the group must hunt together. Parties not accepting blind assigned by draw will forfeit their chances for a blind in that drawing. If needed, there will be subsequent drawings for vacated blinds during the day.
DECOYS:
If needed, waterfowlers will be issued a bag of Parks Department decoys, which must be returned in good condition when checking out. Personal decoys may be used, however, there may never be more than 12 decoys displayed in a spread at one time.
DOGS:
While dogs are permitted for waterfowl hunting (retrieval purposes) they must be leashed at all times except when in the process of retrieving game. Owners must have license and proof of inoculations with them and must show them upon request.
BAG LIMIT (per person, three (3) per day):
Ducks: 3 Birds, cannot include more than:
- 2 Wood Ducks
- 2 Black Ducks
- 2 Canvasback
- 3 Mallards (2 of which can be a hen)
- 2 Wood Ducks
- 2 Redheads
- 1 Pintail
- 1 Scaup (except 2 may be taken from Jan. 9 to Jan. 28)
Geese: The limit for Canada Geese is
3 per day at Southaven and
2 per day at Hubbard, Cedar Point and Montauk.
This is in addition to the Parks 3 duck limit.
NOTE: White-Fronted Geese may be taken as part of the daily limit of Canada Geese.
SHELL LIMIT: 12 shells per person, per session/outing
Sea Duck Program:
PARK LOCATIONS:
Cedar Point County Park (631) 852-7620
Season Dates
Open Saturday, November 23, 2024, to Sunday, December 1, 2024, five days per week, Wednesday through Sunday.
CLOSED on Thursday, November 28, 2023.
Open Saturday, December 7, 2024, to Sunday, January 26, 2025, five days per week, Wednesday through Sunday.
CLOSED on Thursday, November 28, 2023.
Drawing For Blinds
Drawing at check station one-half hour before sunrise; there is no afternoon drawing. All hunting ends at 12:00 noon. Vacated blinds may be reassigned during the morning.
Decoys:
None provided.
Bag Limit (per person):.
Sea Ducks:
The daily limit of 6 ducks includes all mergansers and sea ducks (scoters, eiders, and long-tailed ducks). No more than 4 total sea ducks of which no more than 3 scoters, 3 long-tailed ducks, or 3 eiders (1 of which can be a hen) may be included with daily bag.
Shell Limit: NONE
At Smith Point & Cupsogue County Parks waterfowl hunting is permitted for the entire Federal/State season to those possessing a valid Green Key Card, no other fees are charged. No blinds or decoys are provided; however, temporary blinds may be used but must be removed at the end of the day’s hunt. Park all vehicles and access hunting areas as directed by park personnel. All State and Federal Laws apply, as well as additional rules and regulations established by the Suffolk County Department of Parks. Hunters may be requested to sign in and out at check stations. For further information contact the Administration Office at (631) 854-4949.
Under a cooperative agreement with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, thousands of additional acres of Parklands are open for hunting, some of which offer waterfowling. For additional information, contact NYS DEC at (631) 444-0310.