Environment DEC
From the May 2005 issue
Proposed Deer Hunting Season Changes Announced
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Acting Commissioner Denise M. Sheehan announced a series of proposed changes to the Southern Zone deer hunting season for 2005-06. Public comment on the proposals began on April 6, 2005 and will end on May 23, 2005.
"DEC's final proposals are the result of an extensive public outreach effort that the department conducted in February," Commissioner Sheehan said. "A continuing concern for the long-term efficiency and continuation of hunting as the primary management tool for controlling New York's white-tailed deer population prompted DEC to consider an array of options intended to enhance hunter participation and satisfaction. Our final set of proposals specifically addresses several key concerns, such as enhancing youth hunting opportunities, expanding some seasons, and creating an opportunity to learn more about additional deer management tools."
Prominent Proposals
Changing the opening day of
Southern Zone regular deer season
from a Monday to a Saturday will
provide hunters with additional
opportunities
Among the more prominent proposed changes is moving the opening day of the Southern Zone regular deer season from a Monday to a Saturday. This proposed change specifically provides opening day hunting opportunities for young hunters and others who are unable to take time off from work during the week. A standard Saturday opening day for the early archery season is also proposed to provide similar benefits for bowhunters. DEC is proposing that both the late archery and muzzle loader seasons occurring after the regular season be extended to nine days each, for additional consistency.
Pilot Program
A pilot program to expand the age structure of the buck population is proposed for two wildlife management units (WMUs) located primarily in Ulster County. The proposed antler restriction pilot program is based on a strong level of local support and will require that bucks taken in WMUs 3C and 3J have a minimum of one antler with at least three points to be legal. This proposal is similar to successful alternative harvest programs implemented in other states. Young hunters, under the age of 17, would be exempt from this requirement.
Bear, Turkey and Pheasant Seasons
Because other hunting season dates are aligned with deer hunting seasons, some modifications and adjustments to bear, fall turkey and pheasant seasons are also being proposed. Proposals put forth by DEC include an advancement in the regular open season dates for black bear hunting as well. The Catskill Range's regular bear season is proposed for the first Monday after the opening of the Southern Zone regular deer season, through the end of the Southern Zone regular deer season. The Allegany Range's regular bear season is proposed for the first Saturday after the opening of the Southern Zone regular deer season, through the end of the Southern Zone regular deer season. The fall turkey and pheasant hunting seasons in some areas of western New York are also proposed to be opened on a Saturday and closed on the Friday before the regular season opener in order to maintain the same number hunting days for these species.
One option considered by DEC, but not being advanced at this time, would have established a new and early antlerless-only muzzleloader season. This proposal was not supported by the public input received during DEC's outreach meetings and initial comment period. It is not being considered as a proposal for the 2005-06 season.
Details and Public Comments
To see more detailed descriptions of the proposals, please visit DEC's Web Site. The proposed regulations are published in the New York State Register dated April 6, 2005. The public may provide comments on these changes during the formal 45-day comment period that ends on May 23, 2005. To send written comments on the proposals, please use the first link below, or mail comments to: Big Game Season Changes, NYSDEC, Bureau of Wildlife, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY, 12233-4754.
