From the September 2007 issue

DEC Announces 2007-2008 Waterfowl Season Selections

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced the season selections and other regulations for waterfowl hunting this fall. These selections will become official as soon as federal and state rule-making procedures are made final in the next several weeks. Experienced and novice hunters are urged to make plans now to spend more time outdoors this fall by taking advantage of the diverse waterfowl hunting opportunities available statewide.

Hunters also are urged to follow simple safety guidelines and to use good judgement 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 often respond by seeking to limit hunter access to important waterfowl hunting areas. Hunters should consider voluntary measures to avoid disturbing local residents whenever possible.

Canada goose, waterfowl, gamebirds, hunting

Based largely on hunter input, duck seasons accommodate different interests in each zone

This year's season selections were developed by a team of DEC biologists from around the state with feedback from waterfowl hunting enthusiasts. New York's waterfowl seasons are based upon federal regulatory requirements and hunter input.

Stamp and Registration Requirements

All waterfowl hunters 16 years of age and older must have a 2007 federal duck stamp to hunt during any of the 2007-08 seasons, including those held in September 2007. Federal duck stamps cost $15 and are available at most post offices and some sporting goods stores.

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 2007-2008 seasons. HIP registrations are valid from July 1 through June 30 annually, so every migratory game bird hunter needs to register in HIP for 2007-2008 before going afield on or after September 1 this fall.

Oak Orchard and Tonawanda WMAs

Special permits will be issued for the opening day and opening weekend of duck season to hunt waterfowl at two popular state-managed locations--Oak Orchard and Tonawanda wildlife management areas (WMA) in Genesee and Niagara counties. The intent of the special permits is to promote hunter safety and improve the quality of hunting on days when these areas see more use.

No special permits are required to hunt other game species at Oakwood or Tonawanda. If goose season is open during the opening day and/or opening weekend of duck season, goose hunters will be required to obtain the special permit as well. Hunters are advised to confirm final dates before hunting any waterfowl.

Permit Lottery

The special permits will be distributed by a random lottery. Hunters must choose from six options: Oak Orchard opening day, Oak Orchard first Saturday, Oak Orchard first Sunday, Tonawanda opening day, Tonawanda first Saturday and Tonawanda first Sunday.

To apply for the lottery, hunters must send in a postcard with their name, address and their first three choices, clearly indicated and in order of preference. Applicants also must have completed a Waterfowl Identification Course, and their course certificate number must be indicated on the postcard. Applications will be accepted through September 15 and must be mailed to the New York State Bureau of Wildlife, 1101 Casey Road, Box B, Basom, New York 14013. Each permittee will be allowed to bring one companion over the age of 18 and an additional companion 18 years old or younger.

Duplicate permits will not be issued to hunters who have already been issued a permit to hunt on the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge. Any cards submitted by hunters who have been selected to hunt on Iroquois on opening day or the first Saturday will be excluded from the lottery for those days at both Oak Orchard and Tonawanda.

Reporting Banded Birds

DEC staff and cooperators annually band more than 5,000 ducks and geese to help monitor populations and harvest pressure. Hunters are encouraged to report any banded birds they shoot to the federal Bird Banding Lab, which helps managers determine appropriate hunting regulations for each species.

Sampling Birds for Avian Virus

DEC staff will be working with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Wildlife Services staff again this fall and winter to test wild waterfowl for the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus (HPAI). Sampling and testing of wild birds is part of an international effort to provide early detection of H5N1 virus in North America. DEC requests the cooperation of hunters and others in the sampling if they are approached in the field and asked to allow samples to be collected. Primary species of interest include mallards, diving ducks, Canada geese and brant. Sampling entails a simple swab of harvested birds and recording of information about each bird and where it was taken.

More Information

Copies of New York's 2007-2008 Waterfowl Hunting Seasons and Regulations brochure are available from most license-issuing agents, DEC regional offices and some post offices. For additional information about waterfowl hunting in New York State, contact any DEC wildlife office, or check DEC's website.