The season opens today for crossbow hunters in the North Country going after deer.

During the archery season, big game hunters may use crossbows Oct. 15 through 24 in the Northern Zone, which includes St. Lawrence County. Regular bowhunting season runs through Oct. 24 as well.

The regular deer season begins Oct. 25 in northern New York.

A special muzzleloader season opens Saturday, Oct. 18 and runs through Oct. 24, followed by a late muzzleloader season for deer from Dec. 8 to 14 in the Northern Zone.

Following the completion of the state Department of Environmental Conservation’s Black Bear Management Plan, bear hunting opportunities have greatly expanded in New York. An early bear hunting season is open now in the Northern Zone, closing Friday, Oct. 17.

Regular bear season begins Oct. 25 in the Northern Zone and runs through Dec. 7.

For more information, visit DEC’s web pages at:

• Crossbow Hunting: http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/68802.html

• Black Bear Management Plan: http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/7215.html

Small game hunters have had the chance to go after coyotes since Oct. 1, whereas seasons for other furbearing species (raccoon, fox, bobcat and others) generally open on Oct. 25, when trapping seasons open as well. The areas open for bobcat hunting and trapping were expanded last year, and a special permit is required to take bobcats in those areas. Those interested in participating in the special permit program can contact the local DEC Wildlife office in Watertown at 482-4900.

Duck hunting season is set to open Oct. 25.