Hunting and Trapping News

Watch out for Abandoned Gas and Oil Wells Afield

No one knows the fields and forests of New York State better than hunters and trappers. When you head out this season, help protect critical habitat and water sources by watching for abandoned gas and oil wells.

Report abandoned, unsealed wells that lack identification or are in visibly poor condition. They are dangerous to people, pets and wildlife and can leak, threatening aquifers, streams and ponds. If you think you've located an abandoned well, don't touch it! If you can, take photos and GPS coordinates from a safe distance, and contact a DEC  office at (585) 226-5376 or (716) 372-0645. For more information, visit DEC's Finding & Identifying Oil & Gas Wells webpage. Thank you for doing your part to protect our public lands and wildlife habitat!

How Well Do You Know Your Grouse?

Be mindful of the presence of the NYS-endangered spruce grouse while hunting ruffed grouse in Wildlife Management Units 5C, 5F, 6F, and 6J. DEC biologists have supplemented existing populations of spruce grouse in New York to increase genetic diversity and help aid in the recovery of the state’s population. Spruce grouse and ruffed grouse have several similarities in appearance. Be sure to identify your target before you shoot.

Spruce Grouse vs. Ruffed Grouse

The spruce grouse is a state-endangered bird related to the ruffed grouse. Spruce grouse tend to occur in forested evergreen wetlands, but may venture into deciduous forests, especially during the hunting season. Spruce grouse are frequently seen eating gravel along roadsides during the fall. They are similar in size to ruffed grouse, but have slightly different appearances:

1. Both male and female spruce grouse have a chestnut-colored tail band on a blackish tail that contrasts with the ruffed grouse’s dark tail band on a brown or gray tail (see images below).
2. Spruce grouse tend to sit still or fly to a nearby branch when disturbed. If disturbed by dogs, however, they may fly away.
3. Male spruce grouse appear darker than females and have a red eye-comb that can be seen only during the breeding season (May).
4. Female spruce grouse are very similar in appearance to ruffed grouse in size and color. Differences in the tail band are evident between the two species (see below).

Increased Public Hunting Access on Long Island

DEC wildlife staff, Suffolk County Parks, and the town of Southampton have worked together to add 1,153 acres to a cooperative management program. This program connects adjoining parcels of land to increase public hunting access. This year, an agreement for the management of 900 acres in the Otis Pike area led to the creation of six new parking areas. Two parking spots were added to the recently purchased Cascone property, bringing the total managed acreage of that parcel up to 78 acres. In the town of Southampton, Great Swamp opened 173 acres for archery deer hunting, with two new parking spots for a total of 10 new parking spots this year!