Big Game Briefs: January - March 2003
The Big Game Briefs are a compilation of recent events, program status and anecdotes pertaining to deer and bear management issues across the state. Submissions of local interest from each regional Deer Biologist, along with statewide perspectives from Central Office Big Game staff are consolidated to present a review of current deer and bear management program issues across the state.
REGION 1
2002-03 DEER TAKE
The 2002-03 deer seasons in Suffolk County produced the second highest harvest on record. The 2,148 deer harvested this past season was second only to the 2,278 deer harvested during the 2000-01 season. The adult female harvest of 767 was only 22 shy of the record adult female take in 2000-01. Deer checked by DEC staff at the various check stations throughout the region appeared to be in good physical condition, which could be the result of an excellent acorn crop throughout most of Suffolk county. The increased availability of antlerless deer tags, including consigned DMPs and Bonus DMPs appear to be fairly effective tools for reducing the female segment of the population in areas where hunters have property access.
WINTER CONDITIONS
According to the Brookhaven National Laboratory's monthly snowfall records for this year, some areas of Suffolk county experienced the 7th greatest snowfall, 56.5 inches, since 1947-48. February was the most severe month, with a total of 32.5 inches. Most of February's snow came during one storm. Warmer temperatures followed the snow storms rather quickly and deer were not exposed to extended periods of snow-cover. The excellent acorn crop in the fall of 2002 kept deer in fairly good shape throughout the winter. No significant winter related mortality was reported in the region.
DEER DAMAGE
A total of 76 Nuisance Deer Permits (NDPs) have been issued to date in the region and 74 of those were renewals. Although the deer take during the 2002-03 hunting season was the second highest on record, many of the private lands will not be relieved of deer damage. A significant number of farms that obtain NDPs are surrounded by land that is not accessible to hunters, either because of landowner attitudes about hunting or firearm discharge ordinances. Properties that hunters cannot access provide areas for deer to occupy until the pressure of the hunting season is over.
REGIONAL STAFFING
The Region 1 Wildlife office has remained intact despite the recent retirement incentives.
REGION 3
2002 DEER TAKE
The 2002 total deer harvest in Region 3 (30,038) represents a 9% increase over the total 2001 regional deer take, and close to the 10% increase state-wide. The 2002 buck harvest in the region increased by 7% over 2001, more than the 1% increase state-wide. Regionally, the units with the greatest relative increase in total harvest were WMU 3P (37%) and WMU 3R (30%). The Yearling Antler Beam Diameter (YABD) for bucks harvested throughout the state in 2002 was 19.17 millimeters (mm). The average YABD for bucks harvested in Region 3 was 18.47 mm. Bucks harvested from WMU 3C had the highest YABD (20.86 mm) in the region, while bucks taken from WMU 3K had the lowest YABD (16.41 mm, which was also the poorest antler growth of all the WMU's in the state).
WINTER CONDITIONS
Deer Wintering Area Assessment surveys were conducted in Dutchess, Sullivan, and Ulster County. Although winter conditions were relatively harsh for much of the winter, no large-scale die-offs were observed during the surveys, which were conducted from January to April. Based upon preliminary field work, winter mortality is not expected to have a significant effect on the deer population in the region.
DMAP
In 2002, the region received 166 DMAP permit applications, 150 of which were approved. The number of DMAP participants is about 10 % higher than last year. A total of 2,055 DMAP tags were issued, 1,245 of which were filled, yielding a 61% success rate by Region 3 DMAP participants during the 2002 deer season. The highest DMAP harvest in the region was from WMU 3H (377) and the lowest was from WMU 3C (2).
REGION 4
2002 DEER TAKE
The 2002 Deer Season in Region 4 resulted in a small increase in the buck harvest of about 3% and a moderate increase in total take of 9%. Much of the increase was probably related to the opportunities offered by the new license system, which provided separate tags for the muzzleloading and archery seasons. In a few WMUs, the increased take of female deer during the special seasons made up for low takes on deer management permits. In several other units, larger than expected numbers of hunters applying for DMPs resulted in increases in the total number of permits issued. In these areas, the additional permits contributed to the increased harvest of antlerless deer. Despite the new variables presented by the license structure and DMP issuance procedures, the overall deer harvest numbers were good throughout the region.
WINTER CONDITIONS
By any measure, the severity of this year's winter weather provided a real challenge for the deer population. Wildlife staff surveys of traditional deer yards in the Taconic Highlands, and the central and southwestern portions of the region revealed heavy browsing pressure and some mortality at each site. Determining the number, age, and cause of death of the deer found in these yards proved difficult since all but a few carcasses had been completely consumed by predators. In most locations the only evidence indicating deer mortality was deer hair and a few scattered bones. In a few instances, fawns that were not completely scavenged did show signs of starvation. Surveys in the Mohawk Valley section of the region revealed very little evidence of winter mortality. Overall, winter mortality does not seem to have been a serious problem in the region.
STAFF CHANGES
Region 4 Deer Biologist Jack Moser has opted to participate in the retirement incentive. Jeff Peil, of the Schenectady Office has assumed duties as the new Deer Biologist. Wildlife Biologist Maynard Vance, who has worked closely with deer issues in Columbia and Greene Counties has also retired as of April 1, 2003.
REGION 5
2002 DEER TAKE
The deer take in Region 5 was slightly above average for the 2002 season. The Northern Zone units rebounded somewhat from the reduced take in 2001, largely due to mild winter conditions in 2001-2002. Buck takes in these units were very close to the ten year average. In the four Southern Zone units in the region more Deer Management Permits (DMP's) were issued through DECALS than the desired number. In three of those WMUs (5K, 5N, 5P), the adult female take was higher than desired. These three units will see reduced numbers of DMP's available in the coming hunting season as a result. The buck take in the Southern Zone units was at or slightly below predictions.
WINTER CONDITIONS
The winter of 2002-2003 came early with heavy snows in mid December followed by below average temperatures throughout the winter. Snow depths of over 20 inches were common in the Adirondacks for over 100 days. When snow over 20 inches remains for more than 60 days, deer mortality is expected. At this writing (late March) there is still substantial snow in many wintering areas, making dead deer surveys impossible. One wintering area was surveyed recently and mortality was found to be less than expected, but this area was not one of the hardest hit by snow. When all wintering area surveys are completed, the effect on the deer population will be assessed and appropriate regulation changes made. In any units with heavy winter losses it is probable that the muzzleloading season will be changed to antlered deer only to allow the population to rebuild.
CWD RELATED ISSUES
The Chronic Wasting Disease emergency regulation created much controversy in the Adirondack region. Many individuals and groups continued to feed deer in violation of the regulation. Some tickets were issued by law enforcement after warning the offender about the regulation.
REGION 6
2002 DEER TAKE
In general, the 2002 deer take in Region 6 was similar to the preseason expectations. Buck takes dropped slightly in most areas, and doe harvest increased. To a large degree, these results can be attributed to changes in deer hunting regulations and increased Deer Management Permit availability. With the exception of the Tug Hill region and core Adirondack areas, a higher doe take was desired to prevent populations from growing.
WINTER CONDITIONS
While the 2002-03 will go down as a very severe winter in much of New York, it was severe, but not unusual, by Northern New York standards. Extreme northern portions of the Region were below average in temperature but near normal for snowfall. Further to the south within the Region, snowfall was above average and temperatures were below normal. Winter deer loss levels are still being assessed, but appear to vary by location. Higher than average loss is expected in the Mohawk Valley, Tug Hill and southwest Adirondacks. More normal (but elevated) winter loss is expected in most other portions of the Region.
REGION 7
2002 DEER TAKE
Listed below are the buck take harvest objectives (BTO) and last two years buck take (BT - per square mile) for Region 7's Wildlife Management Units (WMUs).
| WMU | Buck Take Obj.* | 2001 Buck Take | 2002 Buck Take |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7A | 1.8 | 1.8 | 2.0 |
| 7F | 1.5 | 2.0 | 2.0 |
| 7H | 2.8 | 2.9 | 3.2 |
| 7J | 2.4 | 2.8 | 2.7 |
| 7M | 3.5 | 3.1 | 2.7 |
| 7R | 3.6 | 4.6 | 4.6 |
| 7S | 3.0 | 4.1 | 4.1 |
| *BTO = The number of bucks expected to be harvested per square mile when the deer population is at the level recommended by the Citizen's Task Force for the unit. | |||
With the exception of WMU 7M, buck harvests were very similar or rose from 2001 to 2002 and were higher than the unit objective. In WMU 7M harvest was well below objective and lower than expected. We suspect the drop in take was at least partially due to the snow, ice and wind conditions that we had during opening week. This made hunting difficult and downed trees limited hunter access in some areas. This may have effected harvest to some degree in other units as well.
As noted above, buck takes were higher than desired in most units and have been for a few years, and as a result more Deer Management Permits (DMPs) were issued in these units in 2002. The new computerized licensing system, despite some problems, did increase our ability to issue DMPs to hunters.
More DMPs coupled with new regulations, such as DMP consignment, did result in higher doe take in most cases, but in some units it is clear that we realized diminished returns with the issuance of additional permits.
Looking ahead to next year, with the exception of WMU 7M, DMP numbers will remain high, in an effort to reduce deer populations to CTF recommended levels. The winter of 2002-03 likely impacted deer to some degree in some areas and this will be considered as DMP targets are developed for 2003. Hopefully the new opportunities established in 2002, expanded use of venison donation programs, and Mother Nature willing, we will see management progress in 2003. All things considered 2003 should offer excellent hunting opportunities.
WINTER CONDITIONS
As tough as the winter was, it appears deer fared reasonably well in most of the Region. We have fielded surprisingly few reports of suspected winter losses and there seemed to be no shortage of deer as they took to slopes which greened up as winter hesitantly gave way to spring. We will continue to gather information, including spot checking areas, to try to get a better determination on how much of an impact winter had on deer.
KING FERRY QDM PROJECT
Our post season meeting with the participants in the Quality Deer Management (QDM) area was lightly attended, but most of those present spoke positively about the project. Many believed they were seeing a few more bucks and older bucks, and a couple landowners managed to take an older buck during the past season. We are encouraged that participants are committed to remaining with the QDM program.
Winter deer trapping and buck collaring efforts were frustrating. Weather conditions were too cold to trap and handle deer and cost us many days, so despite the snow we had an unproductive trapping season. We tried an expandable collar on one young buck, but unfortunately it threw the collar after a couple days.
CWD RELATED ISSUES
With the exception of a few inquiries about the legalities of food plots for deer feeding, things have been quiet with regard to CWD issues. Regional staff are completing plans to undertake the 2003 CWD survellience collections.
REGION 8
2002 TAKE
Region 8 hunters took a total of 77, 894 deer, including 27,615 adult bucks during the 2002 season. This represents approximately the same level of buck harvest as the previous season. However, the 49,994 antlerless deer taken is about 17% more than 2001 take and represents a record antlerless take for the region. The unusually mild winter of 2001-02 saw deer come through in good shape with the physical condition of deer seen at check stations and meat lockers the best we have observed in quite some time. The record number of antlerless permits issued in 2002, while resulting in a record antlerless take, still left all units above objective levels, some markedly so.
WINTER CONDITIONS
The winter of 2002-03 in Region 8 was among the hardest for deer in recent memory. Very cold temperatures coupled with a long and continual snow pack resulted in some reports of starvation, several of which were confirmed by staff. Southern Tier units seemed more affected than the Lake Plain units. An early spring ice storm may have helped matters somewhat, as many deer were observed browsing on downed tree branches. Ongoing dead deer surveys this spring should enable staff to paint a clearer picture of the extent of winter mortality in the region. It is expected that the winter of 2002-03 will have a small, but noticeable effect on deer numbers this fall, as a result of some starvation losses and also reduced fawn production from poorer physical condition of overwintering does.
CWD RELATED ISSUES
Efforts continue to monitor the region's deer herd for the presence of Chronic Wasting Disease. Sample collection will resume in April towards a minimum goal of 164 specimens distributed throughout the region. As was the case last year, most samples will come from deer killed on existing nuisance permits, with some samples also taken from road kills.
A total of 70 people attended two Regional public meetings during January to provide information and solicit comments on the proposed permanent CWD regulations. Reaction by the public was rather light, with most concerns related to how the proposed regs would impact those in the meat-cutting industry, and importation concerns from PA. The proposed permanent feeding ban did not seem to be an important issue.
DMAP
The total of 723 DMAP permits issued in the Region in 2002 resulted in a total take of 3,496 antlerless deer. While 32% more DMAP permits were issued in 2002 than in 2001, take on those permits only went up about 5%, and is most likely the result of declining success rates in light of the increased permit numbers. An effort to shift nuisance permittees to the DMAP system has further reduced DMAP success rates. We remain committed however, to our continuing effort to address local deer problems through in-season harvest whenever possible, as it is the most practical and efficient method available to reduce deer numbers.
DEER DAMAGE
When out-of-season Nuisance Deer Permits (NDPs) are still needed, we continue to try to issue them in a more efficient manner by auto-renewing some permits during two seasonal time periods through the Digi-Deer computer system. Thirty permit renewals were sent out in January to landowners with a history of previous damage to orchards and nursery stock, with more to go out in May to landowners growing row crops such as corn and beans.
VENISON DONATION PROGRAM
The Venison Donation Program continues to expand within the region and statewide, with 90 processors and 44 counties now participating. The 2002 goal of 100,000 lbs. of processed venison was successfully reached, with 102,000 lbs. donated from sportsmen and farmers across the state. The donations came from approximately 2500 deer that might not have been taken otherwise. On April 9th, the Regional Northeast Food Bank in Latham hosted a Venison Donation Recognition Event. Dignitaries from five agencies and 70 participating organizations, including Commissioner Crotty and DEC Venison Donation Chairman Greg Fuerst of Region 8, were recognized for their efforts and support.
BLACK BEARS
Three bear den visits were completed in the region in early spring, with over 120 interested participants tagging along on two of the events. Rochester TV and two newspapers carried stories, with some very positive messages about bears and our research being spread. The three bears were 14-month-old yearlings that originally were orphaned and eventually rehabilitated by a cooperator in Oswego County. All of the bears had lost about half their body weight from the previous fall, which is not uncommon, especially during a prolonged winter. Students from Finger Lakes Community College will be assisting with radio tracking of the three bears.
STAFF CHANGES
Wildlife Biologist Jim Fodge retired at the end of March, concluding a long and successful career as a deer biologist. Jim was one of the original Deer Biologist Team members when the group first began in 1990. His contributions and accomplishments to both regional and statewide deer programs are many and have helped shape the future of deer management in NY.
Art Kirsch, a veteran Region 8 Wildlife unit member has assumed duties as the new Regional Deer Biologist.
REGION 9
2002 DEER TAKE
The regional deer take was above our predictions. The antlered buck take was 24,974 deer, which was an increase of one percent from 2001. The total deer take for Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Niagara and Wyoming Counties was 71,549 deer, which was a 13.5 percent increase from 2001. One of the major reasons for the significant increase in the anterless harvest can be traced to our new automated license system (DECALS). There had been an anticipation that more hunters would be applying for deer management permits with our computerized license sales. The number of hunters that applied for Deer Management Permits (DMPs) in 2002 increased as much as 33 percent in some Wildlife Management Unit. DECALS also allowed for the issuance of left over DMP's in November. In Region 9, a total of 45,000 remaining permits were issued in five days in early November. The increased harvest of antlerless deer in 2002 resulted in the highest harvest of adult does ever recorded in all of our management units. The end result will be that the total deer population in all of our 15 WMUs should start decreasing toward our management goals in 2003.
WINTER CONDITIONS
Snow conditions varied tremendously this winter. The northern and southern portions on the region had 60 to 110 inches of total snowfall. A band of deep snow angled northeast from central Chautauqua County, thru northern Cattaraugus and southern Erie County to southern Wyoming County. Many locations totaled 200 inches or more of snow, with the Village of Sherman in Chautauqua County receiving a total 277 inches. Winter mortality also appears to have varied greatly, with little or no more mortality occurring in areas with lower snowfall amounts. Wildlife staff have conducted numerous winter browse surveys and dead deer surveys. Most surveys resulted in small numbers of starved deer, with all of the deer being last years fawns. In two locations in some of the highest snowfall areas, a significant number of starved deer were found, including two adult deer among the winter mortalities.
CWD RELATED ISSUES
Public interest has been pretty low since our two regional CWD public meetings in February, during which we had a total of 120 people attend the meetings. We received many positive comments from the public regarding the meetings and the information that we were able to present to our audiences. It is probable that interest in updated CWD information will increase as we get closer to autumn and the start of our 2003 deer hunting seasons. Regional staff members are ready to collect our 2003 CWD samples. Initial collections will focus on road kills found while carrying out routine management activities, plus the collection of samples from deer taken by landowners who have been Nuisance Deer Permits (NDPs) throughout the region.
CITIZEN'S TASK FORCES
Three Citizen Task Force (CTF) meetings were held in the region this spring. In WMU 9F(southeastern Niagara and northeastern Erie Counties) the Task Force recommended a reduction of the deer population by 22 percent. This results in a management goal of 2.5 bucks per square mile. In WMU 9P (central and northern Allegany County), the Task Force recommended that the deer population be reduced by 14 percent, resulting in a management goal of 6.0 bucks per square mile. In WMU 9X (southern Allegany and Cattaraugus Counties), the Task Force recommended that the deer population be reduced by four percent, resulting in a management goal of 5.8 bucks per square mile.
There had been a desire to also have CTF meetings for WMU's 9G and 9T. However, as a result of a shortage of available staff time by Cooperative Extension in those two counties, a decision was made to postpone these meetings until the winter of 2004.
CENTRAL OFFICE REPORTS
DEER
2002 DEER HARVEST
The final Deer harvest figures for the 2002 season were produced later than normal this year. There were three separate databases of hunter reports that needed to be combined to calculate the final harvest estimates, and these actions took longer than anticipated. However, the net result of implementing DECALS, hunter reporting by telephone and several other modifications to our harvest calculation procedures should ultimately result in more timely deer harvest figures beginning with the 2003 season results.
Final statewide deer harvest numbers for the 2002 season were a grand total of 308,216 total deer, including 128,292 bucks. This is the highest ever total deer take recorded in NY and the second highest ever buck take (141,000 in 2000).
The 2002 total harvest represents about a 9% increase over the previous year, while the 2002 buck take is about a 1% rise. Bowhunters and muzzleloader hunters also had successful seasons, with over 33,000 deer taken by archers and almost 14,000 deer take by black powder hunters. Numbers of DMPs for 2002 were intended to produce a harvest about 110,000 adult females, and in fact, the total take figures revealed an adult female harvest of over 113,000 adult females from all hunting efforts.
It is difficult to identify any single change as the primary reason for the harvest increases, however the combined effect of the many changes were introduced likely contributed to the record tally. The 2002 season saw the introduction of the new 3/2 deer license structure, DMP issuance procedures were streamlined by DECALS, scopes and optical sights were legal for use during muzzleloader seasons, DMP consignment and earlier use were authorized, and a number of other subtle changes occurred, the net effect of these new innovations no doubt worked in concert to achieve the record harvest. The 2002 muzzleloader harvest showed a 50% increase over the previous year's take; and specifically, the Southern Zone muzzleloader take rose 300%, from 1,244 in 2001 to 4,872 in 2002. Being able to buy a muzzleloader tag up front, either alone or as a part of the Super Sportsman package probably contributed to the increased level of take, as did participation by those who have asked to use optical sights on their black powder implements during the special seasons.
It also appears that archery hunters took advantage of the availability of additional tags and the opportunity to use their DMPs earlier...in 2001 the bowhunter harvest was comprised of about 80% adult bucks, while in 2002 bucks composed only 64% of the total archery harvest.
DMP ISSUANCE AND USE
In 2002 the DECALS system produced over 770,000 DMPs, far and above the 580,000 issued in 2001. Included in that total were over 100,000 left over DMPs in the First Come-First Served selection period. All desired DMPs were eventually issued in all of the WMUs except the archery only units. The net statewide DMP success rate was just over 19%; slightly lower than in 2001 , but not unexpected given the high number of DMPS issued.
DEER HARVEST PUBLICITY
The statewide deer harvest news release was available to the media in the third week in March, however it did not seem to generate the same levels of interest that were seen in recent years. The War In Iraq and the NCAA Basketball Tournament likely overshadowed some of the interest regarding the positive advances achieved during the 2002 deer season.
A PowerPoint presentation detailing the 2002 deer take, complete with the usual historical trend data was prepared and distributed for regional use. Presentations were made to various statewide organizations including the Conservation Fund Advisory Board, New York Bowhunter's Association, the NYS Conservation Council and the NYS Fish and Wildlife Management Board. These key stakeholders seemed to view very favorably the recent strides made in deer management.
STATEWIDE DEER TEAM MEETING
The February meeting of the Deer Biologist Team was hosted by Central Office and was held at the Rensselaerville Institute on February 25-27. A range of topics were discussed mainly pertaining to the impacts of the changes made during the past season, 2002 harvest, and the issues to be addressed for the 2003 season. A key part of the proceedings were the ongoing CWD meetings, regulations and plans for surveillance for 2003. This meeting also marked the "changing of the guard" in that it was the last meeting for Jim Fodge (R8) and Jack Moser (R4). Best wishes to both for a long and fruitful retirement. Jim was one of the "Founding Fathers" of the Deer Team and brought decades of experience to the forefront of deer management in NYS. Welcome aboard to their very able replacements on the team; Jeff Peil has assumed duties as the Region 4 Deer Biologist and Art Kirsch has taken on the role as Region 8's Deer Biologist.
DMAP (STATEWIDE)
As the final tallies for the 2002 season come in, it appears that the Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) also had another record year, although the rate of growth appears to have begun settling out. In 2002 there were over 2,200 DMAP applications approved, with over 21,000 DMAP tags issued and about 12,500 deer taken with them. While on the surface this only amounts to about 4% of the total statewide harvest, that 4% comes from areas with site specific problems and amounts to 12,500 deer that are removed during the legal hunting season, instead of outside of the season. DMAP users also showed a success rate of about 58%, significantly higher than the 19% success rate noted on DMPs statewide.
CWD RELATED ISSUES
DEC is in the process of developing permanent regulations to reduce the likelihood of chronic wasting disease(CWD), a neurological disease found in deer and elk, from occurring in New York. In response, a series of fourteen meetings were held statewide to inform the public of measures being taken by the State to prevent the introduction of this disease. Attendance included anywhere from 12 to 200 people at these meetings along with DEC wildlife and law enforcement personal and in many instances an administrative law judge and legal recorder being present.
The meetings included a comprehensive presentation on CWD and other related issues such as supplemental deer feeding and proposed permanent regulations. These were followed by a question and answer session ending with an official public comment period.
The majority of the responses in regard to feeding issues were present at all the Northern Zone and Catskill area meetings. Additional concerns were expressed statewide in regards to the importation and transport of live and harvested cervids.
Information from these meetings is continually being collected from the public and will aid in the Departments's development of permanent regulations for CWD. Presently all public comment are being reviewed and will be recorded and will become part of the Hearing Record for these regulations.
On April 9, the Chronic Wasting Disease Part 189 Emergency Regulations were filed with the only change being the addition of the state of Utah as a CWD positive state. This is the fifth temporary regulation issued by DEC on CWD. Final permanent regulations will likely be adopted later in 2003.
The first year of CWD surveillance testing has been completed with over 1,000 tissue samples being collected across the state and being submitted for testing. During this extensive effort CWD was not detected in NYS. The DEC will continue conducting a statewide surveillance effort in 2003.
STAFF CHANGES
Central Office Wildlife Services staff participating in the retirement incentive offered this winter included Principle F&W Technician Sal Cozzolino, and Senior F&W Technicians Bill Corbett and Bruce Weber.
BEAR
2002 BEAR TAKE
The total Black Bear harvest for the 2002-2003 season was 912 bears. These harvests were reported as follows: 550 in the Adirondack range, 278 in the Catskill range and 84 in the Allegany range. These totals represent an increase over the statewide 10 year average. The largest increase is exhibited by the Allegany range whose harvest numbers continue to rise, setting new records each year since 1999. Despite harsh weather bear activity in the Southern Zone was reported well into December providing hunters with ample opportunities for harvest. In the Allegany range harvests were concentrated in the counties of Steuben(33) and Allegany(32). The Catskill harvest fell short of their record of 287 (2000-2001 season) but still produced good numbers overall. Catskill harvests were focused in the counties Ulster(89) and Sullivan (87). Poor food quality and early deep snow falls ended Adirondack bear hunting prematurely. The Adirondack harvest was concentrated in the counties of Hamilton (101), St Lawrence(82), Franklin(76) and Herkimer(75). The black bear harvest brochure will be distributed at the April Bear Team meeting.
BEAR DATA
As a result of staff reductions, BOW Central Office staff will not be able to process bear teeth for age determination this year. Approximately 500 bear teeth samples will be sent to a private vendor for analysis. The ages should be ready to be sent out the hunters by November 2003. This will take care of all back log in age notification, and finally all hunters who submitted acceptable teeth should receive an age. Central Office also received over 100 bear hair samples which were collected by regional staff during the 2002-2003 season. These samples were submitted to the New Jersey Fish & Game Department for DNA analysis in the Tristate bear study.
17Th EASTERN BLACK BEAR WORKSHOP
Central Office staff attended the Eastern Black Bear Workshop in Mt Olive NJ on March 2-5. NYSDEC co-hosted the event which was attended by about 75 people from various groups including but not limited to state and federal agencies, students, and animal rights organizations. The proceedings from the workshop will be published by central office.
NUISANCE BEARS
CO has received about a dozen bear complaint or observation calls this spring. These reports were focused in Albany and Greene counties and one call from the high peaks. We currently have one bear that is in the care of Wildlife Pathologist Ward Stone at the in Delmar. The bear is believed to be a yearling male suffering from starvation. Upon successful rehabilitation the bear will be returned to Delaware county.
