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New in area (Callicoon, NY). Looking to connect with some hunters to partner up for some pheasant, turkey and deer (rifle) hunting. Preferred Sullivan County or Delaware County. Happy to be part of a drive. Have no joined any club yet, so public is only option for me.... Regards, Boris

We are only a few days away from the 2014 Bow Season for the Southern Zone and Suffolk County, the Northern Zone kicked off their Season on the 27th. We want to wish everyone a safe and successful bow hunting season! Please make sure you keep us updated with reports of your hunts successful or not. We actually had someone in the Northern zone already post with a buck down, check it out here: http://huntingny.com/forums/topic/24478-2014-hunting-ny-archery-harvest-thread/ If you are a part of the 2014 Whitetail Challenge please find your thread that was made just for you to post, your username will be in the subject. http://huntingny.com/forums/forum/73-2014-huntingny-whitetail-challenge/ The rules and other info can be found in the thread at the top of that forum category as well. Please make sure you checkout the rule changes on the Sticky Topics. We wanted to point out a few important threads on the http://huntingny.com/forums/ forums to check out. The 2014 "Live From the Stand / Woods" thread is up and ready for posting live action and photos from the woods. -> http://huntingny.com/forums/topic/24012-live-from-the-stand-woods-2014/ Keep in mind, crossbows are now legal for hunting, however use is restricted to certain times and areas. For more info please see this post from the NY DEC: http://huntingny.com/forums/topic/23878-ny-dec-finalizes-rule-changes-for-crossbow-hunting/ As always there are some amazing trail camera photos up, some real nice deer have been posted over the last few days -> http://huntingny.com/forums/forum/23-trail-camera-pictures/ There are a ton of new threads to read over in the Bow Hunting section to get you ready for the season opener, http://huntingny.com/forums/forum/16-bow-hunting/ If you are a Facebook user, please give us a "Like" our Facebook page here: http://www.facebook.com/HuntingNY and help spread the word. The site has grown leaps and bounds since started, there are over 317,970 posts as of today! Please remember to tell friends and family about the site, you can even forward them this email / link. If you have a hunting related business (ex. hunting store / archery shop), hunting club or organization, or a hunting related website you want to share with members we have opened up a link sharing system here: http://huntingny.com/links Just select the category and click "Add Link" on the right side of the page. Thank you and be safe! This post has been promoted to an article

I was hoping someone could direct me to a deer processor/s located in the Elmira area either in Chemung County or in PA? Bath is further than I want to drive.

The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) reminded hunters to apply for deer management permits (DMPs) this week, ahead of the October 1 deadline, DEC Commissioner Joe Martens announced today. DEC’s wildlife biologists carefully analyze harvest information in conjunction with deer population objectives, developed with valuable input from citizen task forces, to establish deer management permit quotas for each Wildlife Management Unit (WMU). WMUs are the geographical units DEC uses to set hunting and trapping seasons in New York State. New York hunters can apply for up to two deer management permits once they have secured a hunting license. DEC’s computerized licensing system allows hunters to immediately learn the outcome of their permit application. The likelihood that a hunter will be selected for a permit is largely based on the number of deer management permits to be issued in a Wildlife Management Area and the number of hunters that historically apply for those permits. To date, applications for deer management permits have been slightly lower than in previous years. “Deer management permits for the 2014-15 hunting season have been available since the first week of August and we want to encourage hunters to apply for deer management permits in advance of the October 1 deadline,” Commissioner Martens said. Sporting licenses and permits can be purchased at one of DEC’s 1,100 license sales outlets statewide. Licenses can also be ordered by telephone at 866-933-2257, or online at http://www.dec.ny.gov/permits/6101.html. The 2014-2015 hunting and trapping licenses are valid for one year beginning September 1, 2014. Under a new state law that took effect in February, fishing licenses and recreational marine fishing registrations are now valid for 365 days from date-of-purchase. Funds from the sale of all sporting licenses are deposited into the Conservation Fund, which is used to manage New York’s fish and wildlife populations and protect and manage fish and wildlife habitat. This post has been promoted to an article

Hello there. I'm a lifelong archer, living in NYC, and my mom got me into hunting last year. We were shooting at a 3D range and her hunting buddies couldn't believe the shots I was making at 60 yards, I had no idea I was any good, it's just something I've done for fun for a long time and I guess I got pretty good. So I started doing some reading about conservation and I love to cook and I also love backpacking, so I just put those things together and got myself a proper hunting setup and got myself licenced this year. This last weekend I just went up to the Catskills for the early bear season. I hunted out of my tent solo in the forest and holy cow I'm hooked. It's bananas in the bush. I'm so used to being on trails there's a whole other world when you're off the trails. It was physically demanding (I'm in pretty good shape but I feel broken right now), and I feel an incredibly amazing positive energy coming from this experience. Confronting my lifelong fears of bears (I've been solo backpacking for a long time with maybe my dog but usually alone) ... I went into the woods with my pack, some water, my PSE Xforce (it's a beast), Montec G5 broadheads sharpened to a surgical edge and some scents I made following the NYS rule of 1.5 oz. I bought some small glass 2oz bottles and mixed extracts of anise, caramel and vanilla. Damn it's a strong smell. I know the area I was hunting quite well so I went straight to where I knew the bears were moving. Scat everywhere. I've been doing my research and following Cameron Haines, reading his books and it all fell into place. I'll try and keep this brief here and recount my experience under the bear threads where they may help other. No luck but using the Trimble app I logged at least 3 absolutely perfect hiding spots with 10 - 40 yard shots, perfectly hidden with tons of scat and water sources nearby. Exhilarating!

youngster from early summer.

Wow, time flies, its that time of the year again! Bow season starts in less then a month. I hope everyone had an fun summer, had time to shoot your bows, sight in your rifles, setup their stands and get everything ready for this season. Be sure to check out and signup for the 2014 HuntingNY Whitetail Challenge - > http://huntingny.com/forums/topic/23984-2014-huntingny-whitetail-challenge/ The 2014 deer season is almost upon us, and we are having our first annual deer hunting contest, The HuntingNY 2014 Whitetail Challenge! You can sign up for the contest by replying to the thread, sign up starts now and will end at Midnight on September 28, 2014. In the contest section, each hunter will get their own thread. Entries should be posted in the 2014 Whitetail Challenge section under your thread. Contest entries must be submitted by Midnight on January 2, 2015 (Sorry, Suffolk special gun season not included). For all info/rules please see the forum thread. We wanted to point out a few important threads on the http://huntingny.com/forums/ forums to check out. Keep in mind, crossbows are now legal for hunting, however use is restricted to certain times and areas. For more info please see this post from the NY DEC: http://huntingny.com/forums/topic/23878-ny-dec-finalizes-rule-changes-for-crossbow-hunting/ The 2014 "Live From the Stand / Woods" thread is up and ready for posting live action from the woods. -> http://huntingny.com/forums/topic/24012-live-from-the-stand-woods-2014/ Did you get a DMP? http://huntingny.com/forums/topic/24005-dmp-surprise/ As always there are some amazing trailcamera photos up, some real nice deer have been posted over the last few weeks -> http://huntingny.com/forums/forum/23-trail-camera-pictures/ We just posted up a new topic, http://huntingny.com/forums/topic/24013-what-have-you-done-this-year-to-prepare-for-the-2014-hunting-season/ - What have you done this year to prepare for the 2014 season. Jump on and let us know! There are a ton of new threads to read over in the Bow Hunting section to get you ready for the season opener, http://huntingny.com/forums/forum/16-bow-hunting/ If you are a Facebook user, please give us a "Like" our facebook page here: http://www.facebook.com/HuntingNY and help spread the word. The site has grown leaps and bounds since started, there are over 317,970 posts as of today! Please remember to tell friends and family about the site, you can even forward them this email / link. If you have a hunting related business (ex. hunting store / archery shop), hunting club or organization, or a hunting related website you want to share with members we have opened up a link sharing system here: http://huntingny.com/links Just select the category and click "Add Link" on the right side of the page. Thank you and be safe! This post has been promoted to an article

Its that time again! This is our fifth year for doing this thread and its always a lot of fun! Post in this thread using your smart phone (or other device you can get to the internet with) from your stand / woods with your thoughts, current conditions, pictures, sightings, etc. Don't forget, the site is Tapatalk enabled!

Hello, and glad to be a member of HuntingNY.com. I wanted to send a note to let people know that Charles Alsheimer will be in Eden, NY on Saturday, September 13th to give a presentation on whitetail deer biology, alunar nalysis of the rut, wildlife photography and Charles’ personal story of faith. As you may already know, Charlie is a nationally known whitetail deer expert, hunter, photographer and speaker (http://charliealsheimer.com). It will be a great show and there will be lots of door prize and Chinese auction give-aways, right now at almost $4,000 in outdoor related prizes. More details below: "An Evening with Charles Alsheimer" “Whitetails: A Photographic Journey Through the Seasons”, including Charlie’s Lunar Rut Research Sponsored by: St. Paul's Lutheran Church's L.E.G.O.S. HOUSE "A community spiritual support center" Saturday, September 13th, 2014 Eden Jr./Sr. High School 3150 Schoolview Road Eden, NY 14057 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM Door Prize Give-aways: to include: a muzzleloader, a Mathews bow, as well as many other prizes Large Chinese Auction: Currently almost $4,000 in prizes and auction give-aways! The more tickets that sell, the more we buy to give away! Tickets: Show only: $10.00 per person Show plus full meal: $16.00 per person (limit of 250 people, pre-sale only) Meal includes: roasted quarter chicken, pulled pork sandwich, various side dishes, beverage, dessert Come talk to our Pros: between 5:00 – 6:45 PM, there will be a number of outdoor Pros assembled to talk with you prior to the show about their area of expertise. Food Donation: We will also be collecting food for the Eden / North Collins Food Pantry – please bring a non-perishable food donation to help support the pantry. Tickets for sale at: Go to www.EdenDeerShow.com for more information and to purchase tickets, or contact Kevin at (716) 361-7458. Pre-sale tickets recommended. Attached is a flyer for more information. Please help spread the word for this great show and new community center as well, thank you! Alsheimer Show Flyer, Final.pdf

One year I was bow hunting and saw the smallest fawn and doe and had a close encounter with both. Thinking back this must have been last years fawn who reproduced. Question: Have you ever seen this and if so how often? I was reading it can be 10-50% depending on food, habitat and climate.

This might be the coolest thing about deer in the last few years. Such a cool thing, this was on tv awhile back but recently released a short film over it. Enjoy and don't forget about Mothers Day! http://huntervids.com/videos/mule-deer-migration-joe-riis-photography/

I'm new to the page and just wanted to say hello. Getting geared up for the turkey opener this week. I have been hunting for 10 plus years and once I was turned onto bow hunting it was game over from there.

Hunters harvested approximately 243,550 deer during the 2013-14 hunting seasons, nearly equivalent to the statewide take last year, state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Joe Martens announced today. “Governor Cuomo’s NY Open for Fishing and Hunting Initiative offers many hunting opportunities statewide for sportsmen and sportswomen for the growing population of deer,” said Commission Martens. “Throughout the state, hunters play an essential role by helping to maintain healthy and ecologically sound deer populations.” The 2013 deer take included approximately 128,850 antlerless deer (adult females and fawns) and about 114,700 adult bucks (1.5 years or older), both estimates being within 4 percent of the 2012 take (see table below). Hunters in the Northern Zone walked out of the woods with roughly 32,300 deer, including 19,500 adult bucks. In the Southern Zone, excluding Long Island, hunters took 208,300 deer, including about 94,200 adult bucks. To compare these harvest estimates with other past seasons, go to: http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/42232.html. This year marked New York’s second Youth Deer Hunt, held over Columbus Day Weekend. During the Youth Deer Hunt, 14 and 15-year-old junior hunters could take one deer, antlered or antlerless, with a firearm when properly accompanied by a licensed and experienced adult mentor. An estimated 8,860 junior hunters participated in the Youth Deer Hunt, resulting in 1,275 deer taken (728 adult bucks and 547 antlerless deer). A photo gallery showcasing successful junior hunters is atwww.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/85926.html. More Antlerless Deer Need to be Taken This year’s harvest shows a continuing trend of concern to DEC deer managers. In many Wildlife Management Units (WMUs), including portions of southeastern New York and the Lake Plains region of western New York, harvest trends indicate that deer populations are too high - above levels recommended by local stakeholder groups who live, hunt or manage land in those areas. Even with very liberal opportunities for take of antlerless deer, not enough females are being taken to reduce populations to desired levels. In these areas, DEC and hunters must begin considering new ways to the increase antlerless deer take to achieve deer populations that are compatible with ecosystem health and consistent with the public’s interests. Older Bucks Becoming a Larger Portion of Adult Buck Harvests Hunters took a record number of bucks (approximately 55,300) aged 2.5 years or older in 2013. These older bucks, which many hunters desire, accounted for 48 percent of harvested adult bucks statewide in 2013, compared to only 33 percent (45,350) in 2000 when New York’s deer population peaked, and only 28 percent (about 33,000) in the early 1990s. In part, this is influenced by the overall size of the deer population, which in much of the state is larger than desired. Although mandatory antler restrictions in 11 WMUs in southeastern New York are a contributing factor, many New York hunters outside those areas are voluntarily choosing not to take young bucks, thereby letting these bucks get another year or two older before they are taken. Deer harvest data are gathered from two main sources: harvest reports required of all successful hunters, and DEC staff’s examination of nearly 16,200 harvested deer at check stations and meat processors. Statewide harvest estimates are made by cross-referencing these two data sources. Much additional information about the 2013-14 deer harvests, including charts and maps describing the harvest, is available on DEC’s website at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/42232.html. Governor Cuomo’s NY Open for Fishing and Hunting Initiative is an effort to improve recreational opportunities for sportsmen and sportswomen and to boost tourism activities throughout the state. This initiative includes streamlining fishing and hunting licenses, reducing license fees, and improving access for fishing and increasing hunting opportunities in New York State. In support of this initiative, this year's budget includes $6 million in NY Works funding to support creating 50 new land and water access projects to connect hunters, anglers, bird watchers and others who enjoy the outdoors to more than 380,000 acres of existing state and easement lands. These 50 new access projects include building new boat launches, installing new hunting blinds and building new trails and parking areas. In addition, the 2014-15 budget includes $4 million to repair the state's fish hatcheries; and renews and allows expanded use of crossbows for hunting in New York State. This year's budget also reduces short-term fishing licenses fees; increases the number of authorized statewide free fishing days to eight from two; authorizes DEC to offer 10 days of promotional prices for hunting, fishing and trapping licenses; and authorizes free Adventure Plates for new lifetime license holders, discounted Adventure Plates for existing lifetime license holders and regular fee Adventure Plates for annual license holders. This post has been promoted to an article

Started a new topic for this year for those who want to share some photos... You can either post them here, or start a fresh topic for your own photos.

Who uses them. How do you use it. Low pitch, high pitch anyone try using the can with your mouth? Works good for an extra long call. When do you use it. Early late day? Early season late season. What type of luck have you had. Favorite call. I love using doe in heat can's the big can and medium are my favorite. I never really used buck grunt calls until a few years ago and love the buck roar but use it sparingly. My main call is a basic grunt tube set with a high pitch to indicate a young buck that others would like to push around. I have called in 3 bucks with the can and took two, second one was coaxed in the final 50 yards with the grunt tube at a high pitch indicated before. I tend to use the calls less if I can not find deer and more when located or believed to be in the area. Early season I almost never use calls but as the rut progresses into late October and early November I tent to "play" with calls more often. I did the Ma MAA call by mouth and WOW 2 doe charged me but I know that they had a fawn, SHOCKED at the reaction but loved the effectiveness, just wish the buck in the valley reacted the same! Bad use of a call at the time but man it was fun! I do not use the calls that often, maximum of 5 times a day and more than 20 minutes apart minimum. I always wanted to talk to deer and find Peter Feduccia,s videos to be extremely helpful. One think I notice is deer from over 100 yards away and closer have a uncanny ability to pin point your location and keeping motionless is key especially when calling. Now if I can just get my scent under control I might actually see more deer! In the off season I love to play with calling Long Island deer. Helps me see how they react and what calls seem more effective. Nice to test calls in a non hunting situation to get a handle of the effectiveness of the ones you are using. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14NucAEvZBc One of his videos, highly recommend his DVD's.

Well if you are looking for a new place to hunt we might be able to help you out. On March 3, 2014 at 7:30 AM Cotton-Hanlon will be publishing their list of woodlots that are available for lease here on this page http://cottonhanlon.com/leasing.html Typically we have a dozen or two woodlots come open for lease ranging in size from 20 acres to over 500 acres. There is a really good chance we'll have leases opening in the following counties: Steuben, Schuyler, Chemung, Toiga, Tompkins, Cortland and Oswego counties. Remember it's first come first served so make sure to check the website right at 7:30 AM on March 3rd. If you have any questions before then please do not hesitate to shot me an email [email protected] or post the question here. I know there are several C-H lessees that regularly post on this forum, they might be willing to add their two-cents on any questions you post. Bob O'Brien Chief Forester Cotton-Hanlon, Inc. http://cottonhanlon.com/index.html

Deer Management Focus Area Open Until January 31, 2014 A special deer hunting season to help control the deer population in and around the city of Ithaca, Tompkins County, will be open until January 31, 2014, State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Regional Director Ken Lynch announced today. The Deer Management Focus Area (DMFA) program was initiated in 2012 in the Ithaca area to expand the use of hunting to assist local communities burdened with overabundant deer populations. The DMFA encompasses 60,000 acres of land in and around the city of Ithaca, including the city and town of Ithaca, the villages of Cayuga Heights and Lansing, and parts of the towns of Danby, Caroline, Dryden, Lansing, Enfield, Newfield and Ulysses. During the special January season in the DMFA, registered hunters are authorized to shoot two antlerless deer per day using a shotgun, muzzleloader, handgun, or bow (if they have bowhunting eligibility). Hunters must still comply with all state trespassing laws, as well as all applicable local ordinances governing the discharge of firearms. To participate, hunters must register with the DMFA program and download a permit, carcass tags and a hunting activity log. Both the DMFA permit and carcass tags must be carried while hunting in the DMFA and are valid only within the DMFA. All DMFA hunters must record their deer hunting activity and harvests on the hunting activity log regardless of their success or hunting activity level, and are required to submit the log form to DEC by February 7. Instructions are provided on the permit and log form. For additional information about the DMFA, including a map of the DFMA that includes boundaries, a description of available hunting lands, or to register and download a permit, carcass tags and a hunting activity log . This post has been promoted to an article

The NY DEC's new e-licensing system to purchase sporting licenses and report harvest numbers is now up and running. You can check it out here: https://aca.dec.accela.com/dec/ This post has been promoted to an article

Curious to see what sort of animals have been spotted in Nassau. Post a picture or verbalize your sighting. The attached picture was taken in Oyster Bay. I've heard of deer heading as far west as Fresh Meadows!

I wanted to know if any of you guys have ever had any luck getting a deer tag for long island shotgun season even if you missed the registration back in september on the DEC site. I assume no, but I was talking to a guy when I was recently fishing in montauk and he said something along the lines of ny dec happy to provide tags for long island because numbers are too high? is that total BS? Thanks guys

Unfortunately I have hardly had a chance to get into the stand much this year, due to that glorious thing called work. I have read some reports online that the Rut was going to start slightly later this year from around Nov.15th to Nov.29th. I went out Monday afternoon(it was 65degrees, sunny, and windy) and was using Tink's Doe in Rut and some estrous bleats. I had a Monster Buck come in about 50 yards away behind some heavy brush. He stopped and put his nose in the air, then looked in my direction for about 3 minutes, then turned and slowly walked away. I am heading back out this afternoon and was wondering if I should stay away from scent today, bleats?? Is the Rut winding down or is it the prime time right now??? any Suggestions?? Thanks

I'm sure most of you saw that Oklahoma locked buck rescue but this one might have it beat that happend a few days ago. I only say that because these guys were in water. Then again it was actually less dangerous! http://huntervids.com/videos/hunters-save-entangled-10-pt-buck-in-river/

Four young men are facing up to $1,700 in fines after New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) police officers discovered evidence of the group capturing two deer fawns and posting pictures of the incidents on Instagram. “The pursuit and capture of native wildlife is not tolerated in New York State,” DEC Regional Director Peter A. Scully said. “Although these young men may have thought their actions were harmless and trivial, serious consequences can occur due to these types of actions. Wildlife can be dangerous and unpredictable, and DEC’s environmental conservation offices deserve recognition for their successful pursuit of this case.” On October 31, 2013, DEC environmental conservation officers (ECOs) were provided with two images captured from the online photo sharing site Instagram. Those images provided by an anonymous complainant, depicted young men posing with a live yearling whitetail deer. In both pictures, one man, later identified as George Salzmann, 18, of Calverton, was holding the stressed deer. On November 01, 2013, several ECOs recognized Salzmann and three friends at a local business in Calverton and questioned them about the deer. Presented with evidence proving he had been in possession of a live deer, Salzmann eventually admitted he captured two deer. The resulting interview showed Salzmann took custody of that deer along Grumman Boulevard in Calverton. Salzmann's friends, Conor Lingerfelt, 19, of Jamesport, Joseph Sacchitello, 20, of Riverhead, and Anthony Infantolino, 20, of Wading River, were all involved with the illegal capture of the second deer. The ECOs determined that the subjects had captured the deer out of thrill, using a vehicle to chase down and capture at least one of the deer alongside a fence on Hulse Landing Road. Tickets were issued for the illegal take and pursuit of protected wildlife -- white tailed deer – and for failing to tag a six point buck deer head that Salzman possessed at his home. All tickets are violations that carry a potential fine of up to $250 each. The young men are to appear at the Town of Riverhead Justice Court on November 27, 2013. All native species of wildlife are protected under New York State law. The pursuit and capture of any native wildlife is illegal without an appropriate permit. These actions cannot only significantly stress or injure a wild animal, but also may endanger the individual attempting to capture the animal. In addition, certain wildlife are not well suited for life in captivity and may carry diseases that can be transmitted to people. Individuals who spot illegal activities are encouraged to call DEC’s Environmental Conservation Police at (631) 444-0250 during business hours, and 1-877-457-5680 or 1-800-TIPP-DEC at all other times to report suspected illegal activities.

If you have a Doe Tag, are you going to use it opening day or wait? I know some guys like to take the first available shot doe or buck (if you have the tags). Some like to hold off a few days before taking a doe. What do will you do?

What time will you be in your stand / blind / spot on opening morning of gun season? Looks like civil twilight is at 6:16 am and sunrise is at 6:46 am.