Adirondack/Lake Champlain Fishing and Hunting Hotline

Welcome to the NYS DEC Region 5 Fishing and Hunting Hotline. This is the January 26th edition. Region 5 covers northeastern New York State including much of the Adirondack Region and Lake Champlain. Region 5 administers DEC programs in Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Hamilton, Saratoga, Warren, and Washington Counties. Information on this page is specific to DEC Region 5.

NOTE: There are numerous web sites that provide fishing activity information. Use the terms "fishing forum" or "fishing information" with the name of waterbody in any internet search engine to locate those web sites.

General Information

Sporting Licenses

The 2011-2012 Hunting, Fishing, and Trapping licenses and Deer Management Permits (DMPs) are now on sale. The 2011-2012 sporting licenses are valid through September 30, 2012. (8/25)

Licenses and permits can be purchased at one of DEC's 1,500 license sales outlets statewide. Sporting licenses can also be ordered by mail, by telephone and via the internet - purchasing a sporting license.

License buyers should have the following items ready when applying: complete name and address information, customer ID number, proof of residency information (driver's license number or non-driver's ID number to qualify for a resident license), and, if purchasing by phone or Internet, credit card and card expiration date. Hunting license purchases require individuals to provide proof of hunting education certification or a copy of a previous license, or this information must already be contained in their DECALS file.

See the 2011-2012 Sporting License Press Release and Sporting Licenses for further information.

The New York Hunting & Trapping 2011-12 Official Guide is available on the DEC web site at this time.

TIPP - Turn in Poachers and Polluters

Report environmental crimes to the Department of Environmental Conservation 24 hour dispatch at 1-800-TIPP DEC (1-800-847-7332).

DEC has launched an online form for citizens to report environmental violations. The new web page assists those who can provide thorough and relevant information about an alleged violation. The form prompts the complainant to describe what occurred, when it happened and where the violation was witnessed. Complainants may remain anonymous or confidential. Detailed initial complaints assist DEC Environmental Conservation Officers (ECOs) in a timely and complete investigation of complaints and potential arrests against those who are violating environmental laws. (12/7)

See the TIPP web page or the press release for more information.

Field Notes

Field Notes is a weekly newsletter by the Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources (DFWMR) that provides information on programs and activities associated with the management of fish, wildlife and marine resources, and offer information on available fish and wildlife recreational opportunities. You can view archived newsletters or subscribed to have the newsletter e-mailed directly to you by visiting the Field Notes web page.

Contribution Programs

DEC encourages all outdoor enthusiasts to consider purchasing a Habitat/Access Stamp and/or a Trail Supporter Patch. These stamps and patches help support the DEC's efforts to conserve habitat and increase public access for fish and wildlife-related recreation and maintain non-motorized trails. Buying a $5 stamp or patch or donating directly to the Conservation Fund is a way to help conserve New York's fabulous wildlife heritage and enhance outdoor recreation in New York State.

Additionally, anyone - not just hunters and anglers - can help feed the hungry by contributing to the Venison Donation Program at all license issuing outlets. Individuals should inform the license sales agent that they want to make a donation of $1 or more to support the program.

Participate in Citizen Science to Benefit Wildlife Management

Each year, thousands of hunters, trappers, and anglers help DEC monitor wildlife populations by recording their wildlife observations while afield. To learn about how you can participate in the Cooperator Ruffed Grouse Hunting Log, Bowhunter Sighting Log, Winter Wild Turkey Flock Survey and other citizen science programs.

Out of State Hunting

It's that time of year for planning your out of state hunts. While you're busy applying for out of state hunting licenses and lottos, be sure you are not forgetting one of the most important elements: your original Hunter Education Certificate. Not all states accept New York State hunting licenses to purchase a license or apply for a lotto. You may need to produce and carry your original Hunter Education Certificate while in the field. States such as Colorado, Montana, and North Dakota require original Hunter Education Certificates. Other states may require a Hunter Education Certificate or a recent hunting license. Check out the International Hunter Education Association website for more information regarding other states requirements for hunting including license requirements and blaze orange mandates. If you have lost your Sportsman Education Hunting Certificate call: 1-888-HUNT-ED2. If you want to hunt out of state, and have never taken your Sportsman Education Hunting Class, the time is now. Remember to take your class well in advance of your trip. Sign up early, as many classes fill quickly. Find a sportsman education class scheduled in your county.

Nuisance Wildlife Control Operators

There are no exams scheduled at this time.

Other Notes of Interest

Winter Conditions

Snow Cover: Currently there are between 1 and 8 inches of snow on the ground depending on the part of the region, with more in the higher elevations. time temperatures are hovering either side of freezing while night time temperatures remain below freezing. A wintry mix is forecasted for Friday, as always check weather forecasts and conditions before going out. (1/26)

Prepare for Cold Temperatures: Dress in layers of wool, fleece and other non-cotton clothing. Wear a hat and gloves or mittens. Drink plenty of water as dehydration can lead to hypothermia and eat plenty of food to maintain energy levels and warmth. (1/26)

Snowmobiles: Gates have been opened on many of the snowmobile trails in the northern and central portion of the Adirondacks, but most gates have not been open in the southeastern portion of the Adirondacks due to lack of snow. Snow conditions are variable, check with the DEC, the local snowmobile club or other sources for current trail conditions before going snowmobiling. Skiers and snowshoers using designated snowmobile trails should keep to the sides of the trail to allow safe passage. (1/26)

Ice on Water: Ice has formed on lakes and ponds. Ice fisherman, skiers, skaters and others have begun accessing many waters. As always, check the depth of ice before crossing and avoid inlets, outlets and ice on or near running water. Ice that holds snow may not hold the weight of a person. (1/26)

Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) Required: Boaters are reminded all persons aboard a pleasure vessel less than 21 feet regardless of age must wear a personal flotation device from November 1st to May 1st. (11/3)

DEC Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs)

Kings Bay WMA: The two gates are open allowing ice anglers to access Kings Bay and Catfish Bay on Lake Champlain. The Town of Champlain has improved the shoulder of Point Au Fer Road, directly west of Scales Road, allowing easier access for snowmobiles and ATVs. However, the Town asks ice anglers to please park as far off Scales Road as possible so emergency vehicles and snow plows can safely pass and to obey the No Parking signs along Point Au Fer Road. (1/12)

Lewis Preserve WMA: The Brandy Brook has jumped its bank creating a braided stream channel across the main foot trail adjacent to the existing foot bridge. Hunters, hikers should use caution while attempting to cross this new stream channel as it is very deep and swift moving. (10/19)

Maps and information have been updated for all Region 5 DEC Wildlife Management Areas. (10/6)

DEC Conservation Easement Lands

Santa Clara Tract Conservation Easement Lands: Public use of the easement lands is open, however, public hunting is prohibited until the end of the year. Public hunting will once again be allowed on January 1, 2012. (12/8)

DEC Boat Launch Sites

The Chazy Lake Boat Launch is essentially unusable due to the water level draw down by the Town of Dannemora. The concrete ramp ends several yards from the water's edge. (10/19)

The West Lake Boat Launch in Fulton County is presently not suitable for launching of trailered boats. Storm runoff resulting from Irene deposited a large quantity of gravel in the area of the ramp. Car top boats can still be launched. (9/13)

All DEC boat launch sites are now operational, though the pump station remains closed at the Peru Dock (Lake Champlain) Boat Launch. (8/25)

The newly constructed Downtown Plattsburgh Boat Launch Site is open and ready for use. (5/26)

Parking Areas for Public Fishing Access

An Anglers Parking Area on the Hutchins Swamp Road (aka North Moss Rd) in the Town of Lewis, Essex County, is severely damaged, and the Hutchins Swamp Road is closed due to damage from Irene's flood waters. The road and parking area provided access to Public Fishing Rights on the North Branch of the Boquet River. (9/13)

Adirondack Forest Preserve Roads

Perkins Clearing Conservation Easement Lands: Snow on the roads precludes the use of motor vehicles at this time. (1/5)

Moose River Plains: Snow on the roads precludes the use of motor vehicles at this time. (1/5)

Lake George Wild Forest: Most roads designated for public motor vehicle use are open and in good shape including the Dacy Clearing Road and the Dacy Clearing Parking Area in the Town of Fort Ann, Washington County and all ADA accessible roads with motor vehicle access for people with a Motorized Access Permit for People With Disabilities (MAPPWD) Permit holders. (10/6)

A few roads in the Hudson River Recreation area are open but have significant washouts and should only be accessed by 4-wheel drive and other high clearance vehicles, these include: (10/6)

River Road;
Buttermilk Road north of the Town line; and
Gay Pond Road before Campsite #13.

The following roads or sections of roads remain closed to motor vehicles due to damage caused by Hurricane Irene, they are passable on foot: (10/6)

Buttermilk Road Extension north of the Gay Pond Road;
Gay Pond Road past Campsite #13; and
the access road to Darlings Ford Waterway Access Site

In the Hudson Recreation Area, the two designated accessible campsites at Scofield Flats and the two designated campsites at Pikes Beach are all open for camping. People with a Motorized Access Permit for People With Disabilities (MAPPWD) may access these campsites with motor vehicles. Call the Warrensburg office (518-623-1209) for the current combination and conditions. See the Hudson River Special Management Area web page for more information and maps on the facilities, including ADA accessible facilities, in this area. (10/6)

DEC Proposes Changes to Baitfish Transport Regulation

DEC is proposing changes to the baitfish transport regulation that will allow baitfish to be transported overland within defined "transportation corridors" for use within the same waterbody from which they are collected. See the press release for more information on proposed changes and the web page on the current baitfish transport regulation

Motorized Equipment in Wilderness, Primitive and Canoe Areas

DEC has adopted a regulation prohibiting the use of motorized equipment in lands classified as wilderness, primitive or canoe. Public use of small personal electronic or mechanical devices such as cameras, radios or GPS receivers are not affected this new regulation. See Section 196.8 in the DEC Regulations. (2010)

Storage of Personal Belongings on State Land

Please be aware that the State Land Use Regulation was revised, effective May 2009, to prohibit the placing structures or personal property on state land without authorization from DEC. Boats, camps, etc. should be removed from state lands or they will be removed by Environmental Conservation Officers or Forest Rangers. Exceptions include to the prohibition include: (2010)

a geocache that is labeled with the owner's name and address and installed in a manner that does not disturb the natural conditions of the site or injure a tree;
a camping structure or equipment that is placed and used legally pursuant to Part 190 regulation;
a legally placed trap or appurtenance that is placed and used during trapping season;
a tree stand or hunting blind that does not injure a tree, is properly marked or tagged with the owner's name and address or valid hunting or fishing license number, and is placed and used during big game season, migratory game bird season, or turkey season; or
a wildlife viewing blind or stand that is placed for a duration not to exceed thirty (30) days in one location per calendar year, does not injure a tree, and is properly marked or tagged with the owner's name and address or valid hunting or fishing license number.

Fishing

Fishing Regulations

The number of allowable lines for angling in freshwater in New York State has been increased to three, with the exception of Lake Champlain where the limit remains two. (8/25)

Prior to heading out, anglers should be sure to check the 2010-2011 Freshwater Fishing Regulations for the water they plan on fishing. Numerous exceptions to the statewide regulations exist in each DEC region. See Special Regulations by County section for the individual waters that have exceptions to these general regulations.

2010 Temiscamie Hybrid Brook Trout Shortfall

There will be a significant shortfall in the number of Temiscamie hybrid brook trout (so called hybrids) available to be stocked this fall. State wide stocking policies call for approximately 300,000 fall fingerling hybrids to be stocked into nearly 300 different lakes and ponds in DEC's Region 5 and Region 6, but only 100,000 hybrids are on hand to be stocked this fall. A shortage of "fall fingerling" sized brook trout for stocking this fall will affect brook trout fishing in ponds 1 - 2 years from now. See the 2010 Temiscamie Hybrid Brook Trout Shortfall web page for additional information. (9/23)

Aquatic Invasive Species

Aquatic invasive species, such as spiny water flea, didymo (aka rock snot), alewives, water chestnut and Eurasian milfoil, can have significant impacts on the ecosystem of waters, the fish communities, and human recreation. People - mainly boaters and anglers - are most common cause of the spread of aquatic invasive species. People can prevent their spread by following these steps:

INSPECT your fishing and boating equipment and remove all mud, plants and other organisms that might be clinging to it.

DRY your fishing and boating equipment before using it on another body of water.

CLEAN your fishing and boating equipment if it cannot be dried before its use in another body of water.

More information can be found on the web pages

Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS)

Viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS) virus is a serious pathogen of fresh and saltwater fish that is causing an emerging disease in the Great Lakes region of the United States and Canada. It does not pose any threat to human health. VHS can cause hemorrhaging of fish tissue, including internal organs, and can cause the death of infected fish. Once a fish is infected with VHS, there is no known cure. Not all infected fish develop the disease, but they can carry and spread the disease to other fish. VHS has been blamed for fish kills in Lake Huron, Lake St. Clair (MI), Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, the St. Lawrence River and Conesus Lake (Western NY). The World Organization of Animal Health has categorized VHS as a transmissible disease with the potential for profound socio-economic consequences.

More information on VHS can be found at

Health Advisories on Fish

The NYSDOH has issued the 2010-2011 advisories on eating sportfish and game. Some of fish and game contain chemicals at levels that may be harmful to human health. See the DEC web page on Fish Health Advisories for more information and links to the Department of Health information.

The Lake Champlain Fish and Wildlife Management Cooperative

The final Strategic Plan for Lake Champlain Fisheries is now available. The plan includes guiding principles for ecosystem management, sustainability, natural reproduction of native species, and adaptive management. The plan also addresses key management challenges such as non-native and nuisance species, use of stocking, application of genetics, protection of habitats, use of science-based management, management accountability, fish diseases, and human dimensions of fisheries management. More information, including a link to plan, can be found on the Lake Champlain Sea Lamprey Control web pages.

Lake Champlain Sea Lamprey Control

The US Fish & Wildlife Service is now the lead agency for the Lake Champlain Sea Lamprey Control Program including applying for permits from the state agencies in Vermont and New York. (8/25)

Three tributaries and one delta were successfully treated in 2011, these were the Boquet River and the Ausable delta complex in New York and the Hubbardton River in Vermont and the Poultney River in both Vermont and New York. Due to high water levels, treatments of Mount Hope Brook and Putnam Creek, both in New York, were unable to be completed. (10/27)

See the Lake Champlain Sea Lamprey Control web pages for more information.

Stocking

Fall stocking, including aerial stocking of remote waters, is completed for this fall. Fall egg take is also complete. The 2011 Fish Stocking lists will be made available in late spring of 2012. (11/22)

The list of 2011 Spring Stocking Targets is now available and as is the 2010 Fish Stocking list.

General Fishing Information

Ice Fishing: Ice fishing season is open and ice anglers have begun accessing waters in the Adirondacks. DEC reminds ice anglers to be safe and aware of the ice fishing regulations. Below are some recent tips, but check the 2012 Ice Fishing press release and the ice fishing web page for additional tips and information. (1/5)

Ice Safety
- Check for sufficient ice thickness before venturing onto the ice, remember ice thickness can vary every body of water and even within the same body of water.
- Be cautious around inlets, outlets and other areas of moving water.
- Keep a reasonable distance from docks and boat houses where "bubblers" may be installed to reduce ice buildup.
- Remember ice with snow, snowmobile tracks or even footprints doesn't guarantee that the ice will hold the weight of a person.
Regulations
- Check the the 2011-2012 Freshwater Fishing Regulations for ice fishing regulation and the Special Regulations by County to determine the waters where ice fishing is permitted.
- New regulation allows anglers up to three lines and five tip-ups, except on Lake Champlain where it remains two lines and five tip-ups and as noted in special regulations for specific waters.
- Each tip-up must be marked with the anglers's name and address, and the angler must be present when the lines are in the water.
- All ice shanties must be marked on the outside with the owner's name and address in letters at least 3 inches high.
- Follow bait fish regulations to prevent the spread of harmful fish diseases and invasive species, check the special regulations for specific waters to make sure bait fish are allowed on the water you plan to fish.
- Use only certified disease-free bait fish purchased at a local tackle store or use only personally collected bait fish for use in the same waterbody in which they were caught.

Salmon Runs: 69 salmon were processed and released at the Willsboro Fish Ladder this past fall..

River Changes: Due to the recent Tropical Storm Irene anglers should be advised that there was significant debris washed into both the Ausable and Boquet Rivers. Anglers should be aware of new hazards underwater. Also some changes in the river course and topography may be present. New pools may have formed where there was previously riffles and riffles may be found where there was previously pools. (9/13)

Fishing Seasons

Black Bass season is closed but catch-and-release fishing for bass is allowed in the following Region 5 Counties; Clinton, Essex, Warren, Washington, Saratoga, and Fulton Counties. (12/1)
Trout season is closed statewide with the exception of portions of the West Branch Ausable River, Saranac River, Kayaderosseras Creek, Battenkill and a few ponds such as Lake Clear and Lake Colby in Franklin County. Select tributaries of Lake Champlain and Lake Champlain itself are open to fishing all year. Check the Special Regulations by County for more detailed information.
Pike, Pickerel, and Tiger Muskie seasons are open.
Walleye season is open.Muskellenge season is open.

Ice Fishing Regulation (Changes are in bold)

Balfour Lake, Town of Minerva, Essex County is open to ice fishing for smallmouth bass, yellow perch and pumpkinseed.
Glen Lake, Town of Queensbury, Warren County is now open to rainbow trout fishing.
Galway Lake, Town of Galway, Saratoga County is open to walleye, pumpkinseed, yellow perch, rock bass and black crappie fishing.
Seventh Lake, Town of Inlet, Hamilton County is now open to rainbow trout, lake trout, yellow perch, landlocked salmon, brook trout and smelt fishing.
Sixth Lake, Town of Inlet, Hamilton County is now open to whitefish, rainbow trout, yellow perch, lake trout, landlocked salmon and smelt fishing.
Lake Jimmy, Town of Newcomb, Essex County is now open to ice fishing.
Lake Sally, Town of Newcomb, Essex County is now open to ice fishing.

Three (3) hand lines and five (5) tip-ups may be used, except if noted in the Special Regulations section of the fishing guides. Lake Champlain remains two (2) hand lines and fifteen (15) yip-ups.

Reminder to all anglers; the 2011-2012 Freshwater Fishing Regulations are now in effect. There have been some changes from the 2010-2011 regulations guide - new changes are highlighted. Also see the Special Regulations by County section for the individual waters that have exceptions to these general regulations. (10/19)

For detailed fishing information contact the local bait shops. Hunting guides, fishing guides and the reclaimed ponds list can be obtained by calling the office during regular business hours at (518) 623-1240 for the Warrensburg Office or (518) 897-1333 for the Ray Brook office.

Hunting and Trapping

Regulation

The New York Hunting & Trapping 2011-12 Official Guide is available on the DEC web site at this time.

Be sure to check current hunting regulations, seasons and the Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) map and descriptions before going into the field.

Regulation Changes for the 2011-12 Hunting Season

Junior Bowhunters: 12 & 13 year olds can purchase a Junior Bowhunting license for big game hunting

Crossbows: With proper certification, crossbows may now be used for hunting big game during any big game season in which the use of a shotgun and muzzleloader is permitted and all late muzzleloading seasons. (See page 12 of New York Hunting & Trapping 2011-12 Official Guide for more information.)

Modified Longbow Authorization: With proper authorization, hunters with permanent or temporary physical disabilities, and who are unable to draw and hold a bow, may use a bow equipped with a device to hold it in a drawn position.

Game Harvest Reporting: Hunters now have 7 days to report their game harvest. Hunters may report their harvest of deer, bear or turkey through an improved online system at or by calling 1-866-426-3778.

Expanded Bear Hunting in the Southern Zone: Black Bear hunting will be allowed for the first time in Wildlife Management Units 5S & 5T in Washington County.

Woodcock Season: The woodcock season has been expanded from 30 days to 45 days in 2011.

Waterfowl Hunting Zone Boundary Changes: The boundary between the Northeastern and the Southeastern Waterfowl Hunting Zones now runs east along Route 29 to Route 22, north along Route 22 to Route 153, east along Route 153 to the New York - Vermont boundary

Be a Mentor to a New Hunter or Trapper

Adult hunters and trappers are encouraged to pass along their traditions and become a mentor for a junior hunter or trapper. The junior hunter and trapper mentoring program allows 14- and 15-year-olds to hunt big game with a firearm while accompanied and supervised by an experienced adult hunter. It also allows unlicensed youth less than 12 to accompany and assist a licensed trapper who is at least 18 years of age and has at least three years of trapping experience. See the New York Hunting & Trapping 2011-12 Official Guide for more details about these opportunities

NYS Sportsman Education Program

All first-time hunters, bowhunters and trappers must pass one or more courses before they can get a license in New York State. Trained instructors certified by the Department of Environmental Conservation teach safe and responsible outdoors practices and the important role of hunters and trappers in conservation. All courses are free of charge, but space may be limited. As hunting seasons approach, many classes fill quickly. Find a sportsman education class scheduled in your county and sign up early!

DEC Region 5 Pheasant Release Sites

Clinton County
- Lake Alice Wildlife Management Area in the Town of Beekmantown
- North of Brand Hollow Road on the west side of Rt. 22 in the Town of Schuyler Fall
Essex County
- Split Rock Mountain Wild Forest near the junction of Lake Shore Road and Clark Road in the Town of Westport
Fulton County
- Near the intersection of Route 140 and Turn Hill Road off exit 15 of the Northway in the Town of Ephratah
Saratoga County
- Daketown State Forest in the Town of Greenfield
Washington County
- Carter's Pond Wildlife Management Area in the Town of Greenwich
- Along Eldridge Lane in the Town of Hartford
- Eldridge Swamp State Forest off of County Highway 313 in the Town of Jackson

Small Game

Frog and turtle hunting season is closed
Snipe, Rail and Gallinule season is closed
Woodcock season is closed
Squirrels (grey,black and fox) season is open
Crow season is open
Ruffed Grouse season is open
Cottontail Rabbit season is open
Pheasant season is open
Coyote season is open
Varying Hare season is open
Bobcat season is open in all Region 5 WMUs, except 5R which does not have a season
Fox, Raccoon, Skunk, Opossum and Weasel seasons are open

See Small Game web page for more information on seasons and regulations.

Deer

Deer hunting seasons are closed at this time.

Help feed the hungry by contributing to the Venison Donation Program at all license issuing outlets. Individuals should inform the license sales agent that they want to make a donation of $1 or more to support the program.

See the Big Game web page for more information on seasons and regulations.

Bear

Bear hunting seasons are closed.

See the Big Game web page for more information on seasons and regulations.

Wild Turkey

Turkey hunting season is closed.

See the Turkey Hunting web page for more information on rules, regulations, safety and hunting tips.

Waterfowl

Please note that the boundary between the Northeastern and the Southeastern Waterfowl Hunting Zones now runs east along Route 29 to Route 22, north along Route 22 to Route 153, east along Route 153 to the New York - Vermont boundary.

Lake Champlain Waterfowl Hunting Zone
- Snow Goose is closed
- Duck season is closed
- Brant season is closed
Northeastern Waterfowl Hunting Zone
- Snow Goose season reopens February 24 and closes April 15
- Duck season is closed
- Brant season is closed
Southeastern Waterfowl Hunting Zone
- Ducks seasons is closed
- Snow Goose season reopens March 1 and closes April 15
- Brant season is closed
Canada Geese Hunting Seasons
- Lake Champlain Hunting Area - Closed
- Northeast Hunting Area - Closed
- Hudson Valley Hunting Area - Closed
- East Central Hunting Area - Closed

Waterfowl Seasons and Information provides more details including information on waterfowl hunting zone and Canada geese hunting area boundaries. An electronic version of the 2011-12 Migratory Game Bird Hunting Seasons and Regulations Guide to view or download is also available.

Furbearers (Trapping)

Fisher season is closed
Marten season is closed
Bobcat season is open in WMUs 5S & 5T until February 15, it closed in all other Region 5 WMUs
Mink and Muskrat season is open in until April 15 in all Region 5 WMUs except 5R, 5S & 5T where it closes April 7.
Coyote, Red Fox, Gray Fox, Raccoon, Skunk, Opossum and Weasel season is open until February 15 in all Region 5 WMUS. The use of bait or lure is prohibited with body gripping traps set on land between December 11 and February 15 in all Region 5 WMUs, except in WMUs 5R, 5S & 5T.
Otter season is open until April 7 in all Region 5 WMUs except 5S & 5T where it closes February 28. There is no trapping season in 5R.
Beaver season is open until April 7 in all Region 5 WMUs

The New York Hunting & Trapping 2011-12 Official Guide is available on the DEC web site at this time. See the Trapping Seasons and Trapping Regulations for more information.