Environment DEC
From the October 2009 issue
Statewide Public Meetings on Deer Management in Progress
Public meetings focusing on the management of the state's white-tailed deer herd are underway. Each September and October, a series of statewide meetings seek public input to identify and prioritize the issues that are most important to hunters and other people concerned with deer. The meetings give the public an opportunity to participate in DEC's long-range deer management planning for New York.
Meeting Components
Meetings will cover deer management issues and options and solicit input from the public.
Each meeting includes
- A brief period of informal discussion with DEC deer biologists and other staff
- A DEC presentation on current deer herd status and management issues and options
- A question-and-answer session during which DEC staff responds to written questions to clarify the information presented
- An opportunity for public comments using response cards, available for anyone to fill out at the meeting or mail in later
Comment Online Too
Additionally, the public may provide comments through DEC's website (see the link below). DEC will review the comments, then craft a survey for deer hunters to get additional feedback on potential ways to address the key issues. Results from the survey will guide DEC in future changes to the deer program, most likely in 2011 or later.
Meetings Schedule
Meetings are held in all nine DEC regions. For a complete listing of dates, times and locations, visit the Public Meetings on Deer Management page on DEC's website.
