Environment DEC
From the October 2009 issue
2009-2010 Waterfowl Season In Progress
Season selections and other regulations for waterfowl hunting this fall have been announced, and some seasons are already in progress. Most duck populations in New York are in great shape this year, due to favorable habitat conditions across the continent for waterfowl nesting and brood-rearing. Duck hunters will see increased harvest limits from 2008 that will hunters to take one canvasback and two scaup per day throughout the 60-day duck season. Tables on the 2009-10 Waterfowl Seasons page on DEC's website show all season categories, dates and bag limits throughout the state.
Geese Limits
Greater snow goose populations reached an all-time high this spring, prompting a special harvest program. (Photo: M. Martin)
While most waterfowl populations benefitted from favorable nesting conditions this year, some important goose populations, including migratory Canada geese and Atlantic brant, experienced poor production because of a record late snow melt across northern Canada. Consequently, desired increases in harvest limits for Canada goose seasons were put on hold, and modest harvest restrictions for brant were necessary. An exception among Arctic-nesting geese is the greater snow goose, which reached an all-time high of 1.4 million birds this spring. A special harvest program that began in spring 2009 will continue in New York next spring to help reduce this population.
Hunting seasons for Canada geese, which started in some areas of the state on September 1 and are set for different geographic areas than other waterfowl seasons, are available on the Regular Canada Goose Seasons page on DEC's website. Hunters should note that a boundary change was made to New York's goose hunting areas for 2009-2010.
Federal Duck Stamp
All waterfowl hunters 16 years of age and older must have a 2009 federal duck stamp to hunt during any of the 2009-2010 seasons. Federal duck stamps cost $15 and are available at most post offices and some sporting goods stores. They also are available by calling toll-free 1-800-852-4897.
Migratory Game Birds
The popular youth waterfowl hunting days are coming up in October for Western New York and in November for Long Island.
All migratory game bird (waterfowl, woodcock, snipe, rails and gallinules) hunters, including junior hunters (ages 12-15), must register with New York's Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program (HIP) prior to hunting in any of the 2009-2010 seasons. HIP registrations are valid from July 1 through June 30 annually (the same as federal duck stamps), so every migratory game bird hunter must register in HIP for 2009-2010 before going afield on or after September 1. Hunters must register every year and in each state in which they plan to hunt migratory game birds. They 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 the new On-line HIP Registration page on DEC's Website.
New York's 2009-2010 Waterfowl Hunting Seasons and Regulations brochure is available on the DEC website, and a copy of the brochure will be mailed to everyone who registered in HIP for New York last year. Copies have been available since September at most license-issuing agents and DEC regional offices (see the DEC Regional Office Directory page on DEC's website). Also, a wealth of information concerning waterfowl seasons, bag limits, hunting regulations, and the seasons setting process is available on the Waterfowl Seasons and Information page on DEC's website.
