Hunting and Trapping Newsletter

Statewide Survey of NY Landowners About Black Bears is Underway

DEC is partnering with the Center for Conservation Social Sciences (CCSS) at Cornell University on a survey of roughly 11,000 randomly-selected New York landowners to better understand public perceptions of and preferences for black bear population levels. The survey is being sent out this fall to owners of both large and small residential properties, and covers both rural and urban areas.

The questionnaire asks about positive and negative experiences people have had with bears, their perception of population trends, and their views on the potential benefits of and detriments to living among bears. The information from this survey will be used in conjunction with biological data about bear abundance and information on conflicts between people and bears to set population objectives for various parts of the state.

People who receive the survey are encouraged to respond. Collecting information from the public on their view of appropriate wildlife population levels and the potential impact of wildlife on people is an important part of decision-making in wildlife management.

Questions about the survey can be directed to CCSS at 607-255-2828 or wfs1@cornell.edu. For more information, visit the DEC website on Black Bear and read the “New York State Black Bear Management Plan”. Questions about the black bear management program can be directed to 518-402-8883 or: wildlife@dec.ny.gov.

A Hunter's Role in Wildlife Management

Did you know that only about 50 percent of hunters report their deer, bear and turkey harvests each year, even though it’s required by law? 

Did you know that a hunter can be fined up to $250 for failing to report? Reporting a harvest within seven days of take is not only your legal obligation, it’s also essential to proper wildlife management. When hunters report their harvest, they are playing a crucial role in the management process, providing important biological data which is used to help estimate the number of deer, bear and turkey in each area of New York State and set management objectives. At a time when hunter numbers are declining, it’s more important than ever for hunters to take seriously their role in wildlife management, to be good role models and mentors for younger generations, and to do their part to preserve their hunting traditions. Reporting your harvest is easier than ever, so this fall please remember to Take It, Tag It, Report It!  Visit our website for details on Game Harvest Reporting.       

Caption: Cory Dente of Delmar NY with a 10 point buck he harvested in the 2018 early bowhunting season. Cory reported his harvest through the HuntFishNY mobile app.

Protecting New York’s Deer Herd  - A Health Update

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Continues to be a Threat to Wild Deer in NY

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is now in wild deer and farmed deer in Pennsylvania and farmed Red Deer in Quebec. DEC will again be conducting CWD surveillance across the state during and after the deer hunting season. The only effective way to keep CWD out of New York is by preventing the importation of infectious materials, infected carcasses, or infected live animals. We need deer hunters to help keep this disease out of New York. If you would like to know more about CWD and how to protect New York’s wild deer and moose, see “New York State Chronic Wasting DIsease Prevention, Surveillance, and Response.

No Tuberculosis (TB) in Wild Deer in NY

Recently, graphic photos and an article titled, “Hunters warned to be on the lookout for bovine tuberculosis in deer” circulated electronically. As a result, DEC received a flurry of e-mails and phone calls. People were asking about tuberculosis (TB) in deer in New York. The article was specifically about TB in wild deer in Michigan. In fact, Michigan is the only state in the nation that has TB established in wild deer. DEC has not found TB in any wild deer in New York. If you would like more information on TB in Michigan, visit Michigan Emerging Disease Issues.