For Release: Wednesday, October 20, 2004
DEC to Issue Additional Deer Management Permits
Hunters Previously Denied May Receive DMP Through Lottery Process
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Erin M. Crotty today announced that approximately 10,000 Deer Management Permits (DMPs) will be issued to hunters who were previously denied permits earlier this year during the DMP Instant Lottery.
"New York's sportsmen and sportswomen represent the foundation of the State's deer management programs and goals," Commissioner Crotty said. "Hunters have enjoyed a proud legacy in New York State and we look forward to continuing that success this year. Issuing these permits enhances our ability to properly manage the abundant deer population here in New York."
Deer Management Permits, which allow hunters to harvest antlerless deer, are issued for Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) to control deer populations in specific regions. DEC received fewer DMP applications by the October 1, 2004, application deadline than expected. DEC has randomly select among applicants who applied earlier this year but were denied DMPs in WMUs during the initial instant lottery. Permits will be issued until sufficient numbers of DMPs are issued to achieve optimum management in each WMU.
DEC has completed the random selection and has begun to mail permits. The mailing will take a few weeks, but all hunters who are selected for a DMP during this process should receive the permit before November 1, 2004. Approximately six to seven percent of the hunters previously denied a DMP will receive a permit through this process.
Hunters not selected for a DMP will not receive a mailing from DEC. Hunters are urged to wait for their permits to arrive by mail. Selection for one of the leftover permits will not affect any preference points issued to hunters who were not selected for their first permit during the original application period.
In addition, DEC will also reopen the DMP application process starting November 1, 2004 on a first-come, first-served (FCFS) basis for WMUs that have not yet reached target totals. The applicable WMUs will be announced in the near future.
04-126
