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Hunting and Trapping Seasons are Here
Fall means hunting and trapping seasons in New York State. Whether you are turkey hunting on Long Island, deer hunting in western New York, bear hunting in the Adirondacks or fox trapping in central New York, many state lands are open for hunting and trapping.
For the first time, junior hunters aged 14-15 will be able to hunt deer during a special youth firearms deer season over Columbus Day weekend, October 6 through October 8. DEC's website has more information about the rules for the Youth Firearms Deer Hunt.
There are state lands in nearly every county, and most are free to use. Wildlife management areas, state forests and even some state parks provide great opportunities. So join the nearly 700,000 people who hunt in New York State. Don your hunting gear and enjoy a great American tradition. Consider buying a Super Sportsman license to enjoy all of New York's hunting and fishing opportunities.
Check out DEC's Places to Hunt to find public lands near you.
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Enjoy Autumn Kayaking
 Durable and easy to transport and use, kayaks are an affordable way to get out on the water. Whether you're a novice or a veteran kayaker, New York State offers hundreds of places and a host of ways to enjoy its many scenic waters during the fall. Take a wild ride down whitewater rapids, or drink in autumn's kaleidoscope of color while paddling on a mirror-calm lake.
DEC's website offers videos on kayaking in the Adirondacks and selecting the right kayak for the kind of adventure you're seeking. You can quickly locate the perfect place to launch your kayak, too. Remember to wear a helmet for whitewater rafting, and always wear a personal flotation device.
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Hike of the Month: Mt. Loretto Unique Area, Staten Island
Hikers at Mt. Loretto can wander through three ecosystems: beach, wetlands and grasslands. Enjoy walking along the property's old road system as a large container ship navigates the channel, coming so close to shore you feel you could almost touch it. Test your bird identification skills as you pass by three ponds that host a multitude of ducks and geese. From the Wetlands Trail, gaze across New York Bay for a view of Sandy Hook National Recreation Area. The three trails are each about a mile long, and bicycles are welcome on the paved sections of the beach and wetlands trails.
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Biking the Canalway Trail
 Among New York State's hundreds of miles of scenic bike routes, the most famous is the network of roads and former rail lines that follow the historic Erie Canal from Albany to Buffalo. This 400-mile route attracts thousands of cyclists annually.
Each July, Parks and Trails New York sponsors an eight-day ride called Cycling the Erie Canal Bike Tour that provides full support for cyclists who ride the entire length. Self-guided, inn-to-inn tour information is also available, and it breaks up the ride into three sections for those who would rather take it in smaller bites.
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X-treme Birds in Central New York
 For an intense bird-watching experience, nothing rivals New York's Montezuma Wetlands Complex during fall migration. Bring binoculars and cameras to capture Canada and snow geese filling the sky, while below, tundra swans feed on vegetation. Endless flocks of other waterfowl from familiar mallards to spectacularly marked wood ducks dive and dabble in the open water. More than 20 shorebird species forage in the mudflats, sometimes under the watchful gaze of a hungry peregrine falcon or merlin. Lucky visitors might witness the stirring sight of a bald eagle on the wing or perched in a tree.
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New York is All About Autumn Colors
Autumn in the Adirondacks is every bit as breathtaking as anything you'll find in New England. You can enjoy some of the brightest and boldest colors by visiting the Lake George area around Columbus Day or later, when they generally peak. The crisp air is ideal for donning your hiking boots, hopping onto your bicycle or paddling your canoe or kayak for a stress-free journey and a closer view. Brilliant golds, oranges and reds against a dark background of evergreens are reflected in the lake's surface, doubling your pleasure. Pack a picnic, take your binoculars and have your camera ready to photograph your favorite sights. If you prefer your views from the comfort of your car, consider traveling one of the region's scenic byways or driving up Prospect Mountain. To ensure you'll arrive at just the right time to see the best colors of the season, take advantage of I Love NY's weekly fall foliage report.
The Hudson Valley has some great colors too. Head out to Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center on Saturday, October 13 for the Annual Harvest Festival. For additional information, visit the Stony Kill Foundation website.
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