HuntingNY

Cut the crap out. Its not needed or wanted on these threads. If you want to talk trash to each other by all means do it in a PM or go meet somewhere and hash it out. Last warning.

Please Note WMU 8N is also included above which was not part of the original press release from the DEC.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today unveiled new regulations concerning deer and bear hunting, DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos announced today. These regulations increase opportunities for junior hunters to take bears, rescind an antlerless-only rule from 2015 in portions of southeastern New York and the Lake Plains, reduce antlerless harvests in two management units in the western Adirondacks, and clarify when special season tags may be used by bow and muzzleloader hunters. “We rely on hunters to help us meet our science-based population management goals, and these new regulations will help us explore alternative season structures that will advance improved population management,” said Commissioner Seggos. “The youth hunt has been very popular with families across the state, and we’re pleased to offer this expanded opportunity for junior hunters.” The new bear hunting regulation now includes the taking of bears in the youth firearms hunt over Columbus Day weekend that was previously a deer-only event. The 2015 regulation that prohibited harvest of antlered deer during portions of the bow and muzzleloader seasons in Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) 1C, 3M, 3S, 4J, 8A, 8C, 8F, 8G, 8H, 8N, 9A, and 9F has been rescinded, allowing the take of both antlered and antlerless deer during the entire bow and muzzleloader seasons in these units. In these WMUs, deer populations are above desired levels, and the antlerless-only rule was implemented in 2015 as part of a multi-phase process to increase antlerless harvest. However, reported harvest of female deer did not differ substantially between the WMUs with the antlerless-only periods and nearby WMUs without the rule, nor did the antlerless-only periods increase reported female take as desired. In contrast, deer populations in WMUs 6F and 6J have been declining, so harvest of antlerless deer is now prohibited during the early muzzleloader season in these units. Winter weather conditions are a primary driver of deer abundance in the northern part of the state, and the winters of 2013 and 2014 were especially harsh. Coupled with mild conditions this past winter, reducing the harvest of antlerless deer should prevent further population decline and stimulate growth. The DEC expects this change to be temporary. The final regulatory change is simply a technical correction to clarify that hunters who purchase both the bow and muzzleloader license privileges may use the Bow/Muzzleloader either-sex and Bow/Muzzleloader antlerless-only deer tags in either season or both in one of the seasons with the appropriate implement. This has always been DEC's intent, but ambiguity in the previous wording of the regulation could have led to confusion. Hunters who purchase just one of the special season privileges are still only allowed to use the Bow/Muzzleloader tag during that particular special season. Under the 2016-17 budget, Governor Cuomo’s NY Open for Fishing and Hunting Initiative provides $3 million for State land access projects and $4 million for hunting and fishing infrastructure. The 2015-16 budget also created a new capital account, which, along with federal Pittman-Robertson funds, will be used to manage, protect and restore fish and wildlife habitat and will improve and develop public access for fish and wildlife-related recreation. This year’s commitment builds on the previous $6 million in funding for 50 new projects to provide access to approximately 380,000 acres of existing State lands for recreation, including boat launches, bird-watching areas, trails and hunting blinds, and $8 million for upgrades and improvements to fish hatcheries statewide. View full article

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced that sporting licenses and Deer Management Permits for the 2016-17 season will be available for purchase beginning August 1. Licenses and permits can be purchased at any one of DEC’s license-issuing agents, in person, by telephone, or online. Hunting and trapping licenses are valid for one year beginning September 1, 2016. “Hunting, trapping and fishing opportunities in New York have never been better and are an essential economic driver for communities across the state,” DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said. “Governor Cuomo’s continued commitments to the NY Open for Fishing and Hunting initiative are bolstering our efforts to provide world class hunting and fishing opportunities statewide. DEC is committed to enhancing our science based management programs to provide for abundant opportunities for our sportsmen and sportswomen to go afield during the upcoming hunting and trapping seasons.” Under the 2016-17 budget, Governor Cuomo’s NY Open for Fishing and Hunting Initiative provides $3 million for State land access projects and $4 million for hunting and fishing infrastructure. The 2015-16 budget also created a new capital account, leveraging federal funds to manage, protect and restore fish and wildlife habitats – an initiative that will improve and develop public access for fish and wildlife-related recreation. Outdoor recreation and sporting activities continue to generate significant economic revenue across the state. According to the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, sportsmen and women spent $4.95 billion on hunting and fishing in New York in 2011 and support more than 56,000 jobs across the state. In addition, spending by hunters and anglers generated $623 million in state and local taxes in 2011. Revenues from the sale of all sporting licenses provide direct support to the state’s efforts to protect, preserve and enhance wildlife species and the habitats they depend on. Deer Management Permits Deer Management Permits will be available at all license-issuing outlets or by phone, internet or mail through October 1, 2016. Deer Management Permits, which are used to ensure proper management of the deer herd, are issued through a random selection process at the point of sale. Customers who are selected will receive their permits immediately. The chances of obtaining a Deer Management Permits remain the same throughout the application period - hunters do not need to rush to apply for a Deer Management Permit on the first day of sale. The 2016 chances of selection for a Deer Management Permit in each Wildlife Management Unit are available online, through License Issuing Agents, or the Deer Management Permits Hotline at 1-866-472-4332. Detailed information on the program is available here. The new Hunting & Trapping Regulations guide, which provides an easy to read compendium of all pertinent rules and regulations, will be available in August at all license issuing outlets and on the DEC website along with a list of license-issuing agents. You can also find that list at our online License Center or by contacting the DEC Call Center at 1-866-933-2257. Expanded Call Center Hours Starting August 1, the DEC Call Center will be accessible from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays through October 1, 2016. Regular call center weekday hours (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) will resume on October 2. Individuals should have the following items ready when buying a license: Complete name and address information DEC customer ID number (if applicable) Proof of residency (e.g., driver’s license or non-driver’s ID with a valid NYS address) and, if purchasing by phone or internet, a valid credit card. If not already entered in DEC’s automated licensing system, individuals are required to provide proof of hunter or trapper education certification or a copy of a previous license for all hunting and trapping license purchases. Other Programs: Free Sportsmen Education Training Courses Offered DEC works closely with thousands of dedicated certified instructors statewide to provide sportsmen education training courses free of charge. Courses are offered for Hunter Education, Bowhunter Education, Trapper Education and Waterfowl Identification. Courses do fill quickly, so anyone interested should register soon. Education courses are added continuously throughout the year, so be sure to check the on-line system frequently to find a course near you. To locate a nearby hunter or trapper education course, visit DEC’swebsite at http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7860.html or contact a local DEC office for assistance. New Opportunities for Junior Hunters & Trappers In an effort to foster the next generation of hunters in New York, the DEC has expanded opportunities for junior hunters (licensees ages 12-15) and trappers (under 12 years old) by designating special youth hunts for deer, wild turkey, pheasants, and waterfowl through the Mentored Youth Hunter and Trapper Program. These opportunities allow youth hunters and trappers to spend time in the field with experienced adults and gain the necessary knowledge and skills to become safe and responsible members of the hunting and trapping community. You can find more information about these programs and other opportunities for junior hunters and trappers here. Habitat Stamps and Trail Supporter Patch DEC encourages all outdoor enthusiasts to consider purchasing a Habitat/Access Stamp and/or a Trail Supporter Patch. These stamps and patches support the state’s efforts to conserve habitat, increase public access for fishing and wildlife-related recreation, and maintain non-motorized trails. Buying a $5 stamp or patch or donating directly to the Conservation Fund is a simple way to help conserve New York’s rich wildlife heritage and enhance outdoor recreation in the state. The Venison Donation Program Additionally, anyone - not just hunters and anglers - can help feed the hungry by making a monetary contribution to the Venison Donation Program at any license issuing outlet. Individuals should inform the license sales agent if they are interested in making a donation of $1 or more to support the program. Since 1999, these funds have been used by the Venison Donation Coalition for the processing of more than 330 tons of highly nutritious venison, the equivalent of 2.8 million meals served. For more information about the Venison Donation Coalition program, visit DEC’s website at http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/8351.html. Participate in Citizen Science to Benefit Wildlife Management Each year, thousands of hunters, trappers and anglers help the DEC monitor wildlife populations by recording their wildlife observations while afield. Information on how to participate in the Cooperator Ruffed Grouse Hunting Log, Bowhunter Sighting Log, Winter Wild Turkey Flock Survey and other Citizen Science programs is available on DEC’s website at http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/1155.html. View full article

What have you done this year to prepare for the 2016 season? Have you added new stands / blinds? (Post pictures!) New Bow / Gun? Practiced for weeks on end? Do you have any crazy rituals? What have you done this year to prepare for the 2015 season? Food? Whats going on at camp and what are you bringing?

Finally (almost) fixed the index page (home page). Fixed a few other odds and ends.. I'm shot.

2016-17 Hunting Season Dates are on the attached PDF. I started to add these dates to the calendar on the site as well. Eventually would like to list them all out below. Not sure why the DEC insists on a PDF file. Broke out the images below for reference as well. Hunting Season PDF - huntseasons16.pdf huntseasons16.pdf

should be fixed now, the upgrade borked everything

Unfortunately I can't control tapatalk (third party app).

You can now login via Facebook, Google or Twitter. Fixed some color issues.

Working on this one, seems there might be away to enable that again.

Account Settings - added a link on the side menu.

Please note there is no difference between your login name and display name with the upgrade. You must login with your forum "display name". If you don't know what it is just reset your password.

Forum Upgrade Feedback Thread - Please comment Still working on all of the colors / themes etc, and there are a lot of background tasks still running for the upgrade. Search might be slow / not working. Images are being converted, etc etc... I like it so far, plus the site feels snappy. Thoughts?

Watch the cursing...

Driving me nuts!

332.5 After a morning pee.

I rather a sucky day hunting then spending the day at work. Which equates to a never sucky hunting day regardless of the outcome.

Stand / Condo or... "to-may-to, to-mah-to"

Yea using Tapatalk or the regular web version should work fine.

New York State offers a wonderful diversity of options for deer hunters, with vastly different habitat types, an array of public hunting lands, and deer hunting opportunities that span four months. For hunters seeking solitude and freedom to cover lots of ground, the Adirondack Mountains in northern New York and the Catskill Mountains in southeastern New York offer thousands of square miles of wilderness hunting. For hunters seeking to maximize their success, the highest harvest densities routinely occur through the western Finger Lakes Region, and great opportunities also exist in suburban areas throughout the state. For hunters seeking the greatest prospects for large antlered bucks, the Lake Ontario Plains of western New York is a good option. For hunters seeking to extend their time afield, deer hunting runs through the end of December in Westchester County (bowhunting only), and Suffolk County's special firearms season runs through January. Statewide, we are anticipating deer harvests to be slightly lower in 2015 than in 2014, largely due to some deer mortality this past winter and resulting reductions in antlerless permits in parts of the state. The 2014/15 winter was more severe than average, with fairly prolonged periods of deep snow and sub-zero temperature, particularly in the western Catskills and southwestern New York, and was the second rough winter in a row in portions of northern New York. DEC staff observed numerous cases of fawn mortality and fielded many similar reports from the public in these areas during late winter and early spring. In many Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) where winter was particularly harsh and where we would like to stabilize or increase deer populations, we reduced our target allocation of Deer Management Permits (DMPs; antlerless tags) by 20-30% from what was issued in 2014 to counter the impacts of winter deer mortality. However, deer populations in large portions of central New York, the Finger Lakes, Lake Ontario Plains and a few units in southeastern New York remain above desired levels, and we intend to issue similar or more DMPs to maintain harvest pressure on antlerless deer in these areas. Thus, on balance, about 3% fewer DMPs will be available statewide in 2015 than were issued in 2014. New Antlerless Harvest Rules in several WMUsNew this fall, DEC has implemented several changes that affect hunters in parts of the state during the bow and muzzleloader seasons. In WMU 6A, despite no DMPs since 2011, antlerless harvests must be further curtailed to allow the deer population to grow toward desired levels. Because about half of the antlerless harvest in 6A currently occurs during the early muzzleloader season, DEC has adopted a rule to temporarily make the early muzzleloader season in this unit valid for antlered deer only. This change should sufficiently reduce the antlerless harvest to stimulate desired population growth while still allowing the minimal antlerless harvest that occurs during bow season and the late muzzleloader season. In contrast, in WMUs 1C, 3M, 3S, 4J, 8A, 8C, 8F, 8G, 8H, 8N, 9A, and 9F, deer populations are above levels desired by local stakeholders, resulting in unacceptable impacts to residents and local ecosystems. In these units, offering increasing numbers of DMPs each year has no longer been a productive way of increasing antlerless take, yet greater antlerless deer harvests are needed. Harvest report data reveal that only 5.2% of successful hunters in these WMUs reported taking 3 or more deer (including bucks), and only 1.2% of successful hunters reported taking 4 or more deer. Additionally, reported harvests during the early bowhunting season in these WMUs are disproportionately skewed toward antlered bucks compared to other hunting seasons. Thus, DEC recently adopted a rule to redirect hunter effort toward antlerless deer by making the first 15 days of the early bowhunting season and all of the late bowhunting and late muzzleloader season in these units valid only for antlerless deer. Greater cooperation by bowhunters in removing antlerless deer in similar ratios as during other seasons and increased harvest of antlerless deer during the late seasons will benefit the broader public who are affected by negative deer-related impacts. More information about these changes can be found at New Antlerless Hunting Rules for 2015. Buck Harvest Management DEC is also finalizing our analysis of potential buck hunting regulations to determine what approaches, if any, may be most appropriate considering hunter values in various regions of New York. Hunters continue to be much divided in what they value about buck hunting. While many hunters have voiced a desire to reduce harvest of yearling (1.5 year old) bucks to have a greater chance of taking an older buck with larger antlers, many hunters also prefer to have the freedom to choose which buck they harvest and to practice restraint voluntarily. Our process of sorting all this out is described in an article on pages 22-23 of the 2015-16 New York Hunting & Trapping Guideand at the Buck Harvest Management webpage. We anticipate completing the analysis and being ready to provide more information to hunters later this fall. Stay tuned! In the meantime, many New York hunters have continued an encouraging trend by voluntarily choosing to pass young, small antlered bucks. As a result, the availability and harvest of older, larger antlered bucks has been increasing. It is clear that the choices hunters make matter. To see and take bigger bucks, I suggest hunters consider voluntary antler restrictions. Help Protect NY Deer from Chronic Wasting DiseaseThough we have found no new cases of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in New York deer since 2005, DEC continues to take the threat of CWD very seriously. Hunters should too. CWD is always fatal to deer. If introduced, CWD could spread rapidly and will be practically impossible to eliminate from the wild deer herd once established. Preventing CWD from entering New York is the most effective disease management strategy. Hunters can help protect New York's deer herd from CWD by following these tips: Do not use deer urine-based lures or attractant scents. If you hunt outside of New York, debone or quarter your deer before bringing it back, and follow the law about importing carcasses or carcass parts from outside of New York. See CWD Regulations for Hunters. Dispose of carcass waste in a landfill, not just out on the landscape. Report any deer that appears sick or acting abnormally. Hunt only wild deer and support fair chase hunting principles. Checkout the full article here: http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/37304.html This post has been promoted to an article

Waterfowl Hunting Seasons Provide Diverse Opportunities across the State New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Acting Commissioner Marc Gerstman today announced that information is now available about the upcoming waterfowl hunting seasons, including season dates and updated regulations. “New York’s unique configuration of waterfowl management zones provides hunters with open seasons in various parts of the state from September to April,” said Acting Commissioner Gerstman. “This year’s season selections were developed by a team of statewide DEC biologists, with input from waterfowl hunters. DEC has looked to task forces to help select waterfowl hunting season dates for more than a decade and appreciates all the help they have offered to help make these selections.” The season dates and regulations can be viewed in full detail on the DEC website at http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/28503.html. Waterfowl hunting zone descriptions and boundaries are available at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/28497.html. Duck Season Overview: Most duck season dates are similar to last year, but there are some changes to daily bag limits. The daily limit for canvasbacks has been increased from one bird per day to two based on above average breeding population and nesting conditions this spring. In contrast, the daily bag limits for sea ducks (eiders, scoter and long-tailed ducks) have been reduced from seven to six in the Special Sea Duck area on Long Island, with species restrictions of no more than four eiders, four scoters, or four long-tailed ducks. In addition, the bonus daily bag limit for sea ducks has been eliminated in the Special Sea Duck zone; sea ducks count as part of the regular daily duck limit in all areas of the state. Further restrictions to sea duck season length and bag limits are expected in the fall 2016. Possession limits for all ducks are three times the daily bag limit. Duck hunting seasons begin with designated youth waterfowl hunts in each zone of the state. These youth hunts are for junior hunters (12 to 15 years of age) accompanied by a licensed adult hunter (including current Harvest Information Program (HIP) registration and duck stamp – see below). The adult should not possess a firearm while accompanying a youth who is hunting ducks on any of these days. The daily bag limit for ducks and brant during the youth hunts is the same as during the regular season and three per day for geese. The youth hunts are held on weekends in each zone of the state, as follows: Northeastern Zone – September 19-20 Lake Champlain Zone – September 26-27 Southeastern Zone – September 19-20 Western Zone – October 3-4 Long Island Zone – November 14-15 Goose and Brant Season Overview: September Canada goose seasons begin September 1 throughout upstate New York, and on September 8 for central and eastern Long Island, and hunters can look forward to another 50 days or more (depending on area) to pursue these popular game birds during the fall and winter. Resident geese remain abundant in many areas of the state with the population estimated to be approximately 240,000 birds statewide, and migratory populations that pass through New York were estimated to be similar to recent years. Hunters are reminded that Canada goose seasons are set for different geographic areas of the state than other waterfowl seasons, so be sure to review the maps and season dates closely at: www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/28496.html. Canada goose season dates and bag limits in most areas are similar to last year. A special conservation season for snow geese, in addition to the regular hunting seasons in each zone, will be open in all of upstate New York fromJanuary 16 through April 15. These birds have become so abundant that they are causing harm to wetland habitats throughout their range. Special seasons have been established in many eastern states and provinces to increase hunter harvest and help reduce this population. The daily limit for snow geese is 25 per day, and there is no possession limit. Electronic calls and shotguns capable of holding more than three shells may be used to take snow geese at any time when all other waterfowl hunting seasons are closed. The daily bag limit for Atlantic brant has decreased from two to one bird per day due to three consecutive years of poor productivity and decreasing population trends; however, the season length remains unchanged at 30 days. Federal Duck Stamp and State Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program: Hunters 16 or older must have a 2015 federal duck stamp to hunt during any of the 2015-16 seasons. This year’s stamp features a pair of ruddy ducks painted by New York artist, Jennifer Miller of Olean. The federal duck stamp cost increased from $15 to $25 this year, the first price increase for the stamp in 24 years. The United State Fish and Wildlife Service establishes the cost of the duck stamp. They are available at most post offices, some sporting goods stores, by calling toll-free 1-800-852-4897, or at http://www.fws.gov/birds/get-involved/duck-stamp/buy-duck-stamp.php. Ninety-eight percent of the proceeds from the duck stamp go toward migratory bird conservation and habitat acquisition. Stamps must be signed across the face by the hunter before they become valid for hunting, but they do not have to be attached to the hunting license. All migratory game bird (waterfowl, woodcock, snipe, rails and gallinules) hunters, including junior hunters (age 12-15), must register with New York's Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program (HIP) prior to hunting in any of the 2015-16 seasons. Hunters must register every year and for each state in which they plan to hunt migratory game birds, and also must carry proof of compliance whenever going afield. To register in HIP, call toll-free 1-888-427-5447 (1-888-4 ASK HIP) or visit www.NY-HIP.com. Hunting Safety: Acting Commissioner Gerstman reminded hunters to follow simple safety guidelines and to use good judgment when choosing a time and place to hunt. Being considerate of other people enjoying the outdoors or who live nearby can help avoid potential conflicts and ensure a safe and enjoyable season. As coastal areas become more populated, new landowners unfamiliar with the safety, ethics and traditions of waterfowl hunting sometimes respond by seeking to limit hunter access to popular waterfowl hunting areas. Hunters should be considerate and try to minimize disturbance of local residents whenever possible. More information about avoiding conflicts between waterfowl hunters and waterfront property owners can be found atwww.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/94213.html. Waterfowl Consumption Advisory: The New York State Department of Health (DOH) evaluates data on chemicals in wild waterfowl to assess the possible effects of those chemicals on human health. The current advisory states that: "Mergansers are the most heavily contaminated waterfowl species and should not be eaten. Eat up to two meals per month of other wild waterfowl; you should skin them and remove all fat before cooking, and discard stuffing after cooking. Wood ducks and Canada geese are less contaminated than other wild waterfowl species and diving ducks are more contaminated than dabbler ducks. Recent data indicate that waterfowl residing in the Hudson River between Hudson Falls and Troy have higher PCB levels than waterfowl from other portions of the Hudson River and are likely to have higher PCB levels than waterfowl from other areas of the state. To help reduce PCB exposures, you may want to harvest your waterfowl from other locations on the Hudson River or in other areas of New York State, particularly during the early season when many of the available birds are likely to be resident waterfowl (i.e., non-migratory). Because PCBs may have a greater effect on young children or an unborn child, it is particularly important for women under 50 and children under 15 to minimize their PCB exposures. For the latest DOH advice on consumption of waterfowl or other game, please visit the Department of Health website at: www.health.ny.gov/environmental/outdoors/fish/health_advisories/advice_on_eating_game.htm. Status of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in NY Wild Birds: To date, highly pathogenic avian influenza, which is of great concern to poultry producers across North America has not been found in wild birds in New York State. DEC and USDA staff will sample wild waterfowl this fall and winter in a continued monitoring program. Hunters are advised to practice good hygiene and take necessary precautions to minimize risks to themselves and their hunting dogs, such as: wear rubber gloves when cleaning game; wash hands with soap and water after handling game; disinfect utensils used to clean game; and dispose of carcasses in areas where domestic poultry will not come in contact with the remains. More information can be found at: www.aphis.usda.gov/publications/animal_health/2015/fsc_hpai_hunters.pdf Habitat Stamp: Acting Commissioner Gerstman also encouraged all outdoor enthusiasts to consider purchasing a Habitat/Access Stamp, an optional stamp that helps support DEC's efforts to conserve habitat and increase public access for fish and wildlife-related recreation. Buying a $5 stamp is a way to help conserve New York's fabulous wildlife heritage. More information about purchasing a Habitat Stamp is available at www.dec.ny.gov/permits/329.html. For More Information: New York’s 2015-2016 Waterfowl Hunting Seasons and Regulations brochure is available now on the DEC website and will be available from most license-issuing agents and DEC regional offices by early September. For more information about waterfowl hunting in New York, including public hunting areas around the state, go to www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/28175.html or contact any DEC wildlife office. Contact information for all regional offices can be found on the DEC website www.dec.ny.gov/about/558.html. This post has been promoted to an article