Search the Community

The 2011 regular deer and bear hunting seasons open at sunrise on Saturday, Nov. 19 in New York's Southern Zone, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Joe Martens announced today. The two big game seasons close at sunset on Sunday, Dec. 11. “Hunters provide a valuable public service by keeping deer and bear populations in check. Regulated hunting is the most effective and efficient tool to maintain wildlife populations at levels that are compatible with our communities and natural resources,” Commissioner Martens said. “We expect deer harvests to be up slightly from last year, and with expanded bear hunting opportunities in the Southern Zone, big game hunters should have an exciting season.” The Southern Zone regular deer season is New York’s most popular hunting season, with participation from about 85 percent of New York’s 560,000 licensed deer hunters. Harvest during this season accounts for nearly 60 percent of the total statewide deer harvest. The remainder occurs in the Northern Zone, on Long Island, and during special seasons when only archery or muzzleloading firearms may be used. Following the regular deer and bear seasons in the Southern Zone, late bowhunting and muzzleloading seasons will open at sunrise on Monday, Dec. 12 and close at sunset on Tuesday, Dec. 20. Hunters taking part in these special seasons must possess either bowhunting or muzzleloading privileges. In the Northern Zone, the regular deer and bear hunting season opened Oct. 22 and will close at sunset on Dec. 4. This zone generally includes the Adirondacks, Tug Hill Plateau, Eastern Lake Ontario Plain, and the Champlain and St. Lawrence valleys. A late muzzleloading season for deer will be open in portions of the Northern Zone from Dec. 5 to Dec. 11. Hunters should be aware of several important programs and recent changes as they prepare for the 2011 regular Southern Zone hunting season. · New Bear Hunting Areas: Bear hunting has been expanded in eastern New York to now include the counties east of the Hudson River from Westchester County north to Washington County, and is open during the same time periods as deer hunting. · Crossbows: Crossbows may be used during the regular deer and bear hunting seasons and during the late muzzleloading seasons. See DEC’s website for more information: www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/68802.html · Black Bear Tooth Collection: Successful bear hunters are asked to submit a tooth of their bear so DEC can age the bear and monitor bear population dynamics. See the bear tooth collection website for instructions at: www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/45598.html. · Mandatory Antler Restrictions: A new law covers the portion of wildlife management unit (WMU) 3A that lies south and west of State Route 28 (which includes parts of Ulster, Sullivan and Delaware counties) and requires that bucks taken in this part of the unit have at least one antler with three or more points that are at least one inch long. The law applies to all public and private lands and all hunting seasons in the affected portion of the unit. Mandatory antler restrictions are also in effect in WMUs 3C, 3H, 3J, and 3K (which include portions of Ulster and Sullivan counties). Only hunters under the age of 17 are exempt and may take any antlered deer with at least one antler measuring three or more inches in length. See DEC’s website for more information:www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/27663.html · Harvest Reporting: Hunters are required to report their harvest of deer and bear within seven days. Failure to report harvested deer or bear is a violation of NYS Environmental Conservation Law. Hunters may report via an online reporting system (www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/8316.html) or by calling the toll-free automated reporting system at 1-866-GAME-RPT (1-866-426-3778). · Junior Hunters: Junior Hunters (14 and 15 years old) can hunt deer and bear with a firearm when appropriately accompanied by an experienced adult. See the junior hunter mentoring webpage for program requirements and to download the mentored youth hunter permission form: www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/46245.html · Venison Donation: Hunters are encouraged to participate in the Venison Donation program. By filling your permits and donating your deer, you help accomplish the needed deer management and you can feed less fortunate families. For more information see: www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/8351.html. · Trespass: Property owners who have problems with trespassers should contact DEC’s tip line 24 hours a day/seven days a week at 1-800-847-7332. For more information about posting property against trespass see: www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/8371.html. Although safety-conscious hunters have significantly reduced the number of firearms-related injuries, studies show that individuals wearing hunter orange clothing are seven times less likely to be injured than hunters who do not wear the bright fluorescent color. Hunters are encouraged to review hunting safety tips (www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/9186.html) and pay careful attention to basic firearm safety rules that can prevent hunting related shooting incidents: · Point your gun in a safe direction. · Treat every gun as if it were loaded. · Be sure of your target and beyond. · Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot. · Remember to wear hunter orange. For specific descriptions of regulations and open areas, hunters should refer to the 2011-12 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide at:www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/37136.html. Hunters are urged to review all regulations and safety tips contained in the guide. This post has been promoted to an article

NY DEC: We have now posted our Assessment of Public Comment on the draft NYS Deer Management Plan, 2012-2016 at www.dec.ny.gov/animals/7211.html. We reviewed all of the input received on our draft deer management plan, and we appreciate the time and effort that so many took to express their personal and organizational views in writing. We prepared this Assessment of Public Comment as a brief overview of what seemed to be the principal issues identified with the draft plan, and we offer our response to those issues. Attached is the Assessment of the public comments in PDF form. This post has been promoted to an article deerplanapc.pdf

This Saturday, October 1, 2011 marks the start of a new license year. Hunters should clean out their pockets of old tags and begin carrying the 2011-2012 hunting license and tags this Saturday. October 1 is also the deadline to apply for Deer Management Permits (DMPs, "doe tags"). See www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/30409.html for where DMPs are available and the probabilities of getting selected for 1st or 2nd choice DMPs in each Wildlife Management Unit (WMU). We've issued roughly 70% of our DMP target so far, which is fairly typical at this point since many hunters, like me, wait until the last few days of the application period to purchase their license and apply for a DMP. Additionally, October 1 is the opening day of Regular Season for deer in Suffolk County (WMU 1C). Deer hunters in WMU 1C may use their Regular Season Deer Tag, special season either-sex or antlerless tag, or DMP tags for WMU 1C, but all deer hunting during the Suffolk County regular season is with bowhunting equipment only. Bonus tags are also available to hunters who take an antlerless deer on a DMP for WMU 1C. Remember, responsible hunters report their game harvest. Not only is reporting your deer, bear, or turkey harvest required by law, it is also good game management. If you have not yet reported your take via our website, give it a shot this year. Click the reporting icon at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/8316.html or follow the "Hunt" link from our home page www.dec.ny.gov for the internet harvest reporting system. It's quick, easy and it provides us with important data to manage effectively. This post has been promoted to an article

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Joe Martens today announced that information about the upcoming waterfowl hunting seasons, including season dates and updated regulations, is now available on the DEC website at http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/28503.html. This year’s season selections were developed by a team of DEC biologists from around the state, with input from waterfowl hunters, including hunter task forces. DEC has looked to task forces to help select waterfowl hunting season dates for more than a decade. “New York’s unique configuration of waterfowl management zones provides hunters with open seasons and hunting opportunities in a broad range of areas in the state from September to April,” said Commissioner Martens. Duck Season Outlook: Most duck populations in New York are doing well this year due to excellent habitat conditions across the continent for waterfowl nesting and brood-rearing. However, breeding populations of eastern mallards and wood ducks - the two most commonly harvested ducks in New York – were lower this spring than in 2009, and Atlantic Flyway biologists are concerned about a long-term decline in eastern mallards that became more apparent in recent years. Sixty-day duck seasons were approved by federal and state authorities for another year, but this situation will be closely monitored in the future. Bag limits for all duck species will be the same as in 2010-11 and can be seen at http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/28888.html. Goose Season Outlook: September Canada goose seasons have just ended, but hunters can look forward to another 45 days or more (depending on area) to pursue these popular game birds later this fall and winter. Resident geese remain abundant in many areas of the state, and migratory populations that pass through New York were estimated to be higher last spring. Hunters are reminded that Canada goose seasons are set for different geographic areas of the state than other waterfowl seasons; therefore maps should be closely reviewed. A special spring season for snow geese will continue for the fourth year in all of upstate New York. These birds have become so abundant that they are causing harm to wetland habitats throughout their range. Special spring 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. Zone Boundary Change in Eastern New York A minor boundary change was made this year for waterfowl hunting zones in eastern New York. The affected area lies mostly in Washington and Saratoga counties, and a very small portion of Warren County. The new boundary that divides the Northeastern and Southeastern zones extends from Route 28 in Saratoga County, east along Route 29 to Route 22 in Greenwich (Washington County), then north along Route 22 to Route 153, then east along Route 153 to the Vermont line. Waterfowl hunters in this area should be sure to check the new boundaries before going afield. All other zone boundaries are unchanged. Federal Duck Stamp and State Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program: Hunters 16 or older must have a 2011 federal duck stamp to hunt during any of the 2011-2012 seasons. Federal duck stamps cost $15 and are available at most post offices and some sporting goods stores. They are also available by calling toll-free 1-800-852-4897 or at www.duckstamp.com. Stamps must be signed across the face by the hunter before they become valid, 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 2011-2012 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: Commissioner Martens 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. Waterfowl Consumption Advisory The New York State Department of Health (DOH) periodically evaluates data on chemicals in wild waterfowl to ensure that hunter harvested birds can be eaten without concerns about adverse effects on human health. The current advisory states that “Mergansers are the most heavily contaminated waterfowl species and should not be eaten. Eat no more than 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.” In recent years, DEC has worked with DOH and other state and federal agencies to conduct chemical testing of meat from Canada geese captured and removed from urban, suburban and park locations around the state. This was done primarily to allow that meat to be donated to food pantries and soup kitchens. Based on favorable results this summer, approximately 2,450 pounds of goose meat (nearly 10,000 servings) were made available to needy people. These findings also affirm that consumption of hunter-harvested geese in accordance with the above guidelines should not be a human health concern. Recent preliminary data and other studies suggest that waterfowl that reside in the Hudson River between Hudson Falls and Troy may have PCB levels higher than waterfowl from other parts of the state. Therefore, it is particularly important to strictly follow the DOH advice (e.g., to eat no more than two meals per month and avoid eating fat and skin) for waterfowl taken from the Hudson River between Hudson Falls and Troy. To help further minimize PCB exposures, you may want to consider harvesting your waterfowl from other locations, particularly during the early season when many of the available birds are likely to be resident waterfowl. Because PCBs may have a greater effect on young children or the unborn child, it is particularly important for women of childbearing age and children under 15 to minimize their PCB exposures. For the latest DOH advice on consumption of waterfowl or other game, go to: www.health.ny.gov/environmental/outdoors/fish/health_advisories/advice_on_eating_game.htm. For More Information New York’s 2011-2012 Waterfowl Hunting Seasons and Regulations brochure is available on the DEC website and from most license-issuing agents and DEC regional offices. For more information about waterfowl hunting in New York, including public hunting areas around the state, go to http://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 http://www.dec.ny.gov/about/558.html . Habitat Stamp: Commissioner Martens also encouraged all outdoor enthusiasts to consider purchasing a Habitat/Access Stamp, an optional stamp that helps support the 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 http://www.dec.ny.gov/permits/329.html . This post has been promoted to an article

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced that the recreational scup fishery, originally scheduled to close on September 27 (October 12 for Party/Charter vessels) has been extended for 90 days by emergency regulation. For anglers fishing from shore or on private vessels, the minimum size (10 ½") and bag limit (10 fish) remain unchanged during the extended season. For paying passengers fishing from a party or charter vessel (P/C), the current 40-fish bag limit remains in place only through October 11. Thereafter, the bag limit returns to 10 fish. The 11-inch minimum size for P/C fishermen remains unchanged through the rest of the year. All anglers are reminded that recreational scup fishing in federal waters closed on September 27. Federal waters occupy portions of Block Island Sound, all of the Atlantic Ocean beyond three miles from shore, but not Long Island Sound. Anglers are also reminded to check regulations in neighboring states before fishing there. Both Connecticut and Rhode Island, with whom New York shares the local scup population, have extended their seasons as well. DEC is extending the season based on data that show that the scup stock is rebuilt to very high abundance, and that commercial and recreational harvest on the coast is projected to fall nearly 10 million pounds short of this year’s allowable harvest of these popular food and sport fish. Also, increased access to the robust stocks of scup could redirect fishing effort and reduce the ecological risks faced by the local tautog population which has been declared overfished. DEC filed the emergency regulations with the Secretary of State’s Office on Tuesday, September 27. It will take effective immediately, thus allowing for an uninterrupted continuation of the 2011 New York recreational scup fishery. Marine fishing regulations can be viewed on the DEC website at: http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7894.html. For additional information about the regulations, contact DEC Marine Resources Division at 631-444-0435. This post has been promoted to an article