DEC to Operate Two Deer and Bear Check Stations on Opening Weekend

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DEC to Operate Two Deer and Bear Check Stations on Opening Weekend

Hunters can Help DEC's Data Collection and Research Efforts

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced today that the agency will operate two deer and bear check stations on opening weekend of the regular big game season and encourages hunters to visit these stations.

DEC's Region 9 annual check station, located on Route 16, in Holland, Erie County (northbound about one mile south of the town of Holland), will operate Saturday, Nov. 19 from noon until 8 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 20 from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Participation is voluntary and helps DEC gather valuable data to help assess the status of the area's big game population.

In cooperation with Cabela's®, DEC will also be hosting a second check station on Sunday, Nov. 20 from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. at the Cheektowaga Cabela's, located at 2003 Walden Ave. Participants will be entered into a drawing to win a Hunter's Processing Package valued at more than $400.

"We welcome hunters to participate in DEC's data collection and research efforts again this year," said Ken Baginski, DEC Regional Wildlife Manager. "Although it is a completely voluntary program, we encourage hunters to take a few extra minutes to help increase our knowledge about the 2017-18 Big Game Harvest, and to provide us with valuable biological data for ongoing and future big game studies."

Hunters are encouraged to bring their deer to the check station where DEC staff will determine deer age and collect other important biological and harvest information. With black bear season opening the same day as deer season again this year, staff will check harvested bears, as well.

Technicians from State Department of Health may also be present at the check station to examine deer for ticks and collect samples to test for Lyme disease.

As in previous years, hunters wishing to donate their harvest to "Hunters Helping the Hungry" sponsored by the Venison Donation Coalition, may drop off a deer at the Holland check station during days of operation before 6 p.m.

 

http://www.dec.ny.gov/press/77537.html