Hunting and Trapping Newsletter

Report Your Turkey Sightings This August

While you are exploring the forests and fields around your home or driving through the state’s beautiful landscapes this summer, be sure to keep an eye out for wild turkeys.

DEC uses reported observations of wild turkeys to track changes in abundance and productivity (number of poults produced per adult hen) over time and in different parts of the state. It also helps forecast hunting prospects for the coming fall season and for subsequent spring seasons. Download survey forms from DEC's website or submit your observations online. Thanks for your help!

Photo by: S. Sanford

DEC Proposes Stronger Deer-Feeding Prohibitions

DEC is accepting comments through September 1 on a proposal for feeding wild deer and moose and the use of 4-Poster™ devices. The proposal strengthens and clarifies the existing prohibition on intentional wild deer and moose feeding.

Prohibiting wild deer and moose feeding is a best management approach to reduce risks associated with communicable wildlife diseases, minimize conflicts with deer, and protect wildlife habitats. The proposal also requires products packaged to be sold as a food or attractant for deer or moose carry a clear label stating that such use is illegal in New York. It would continue to provide appropriate exceptions for wildlife plantings, agricultural practices, livestock husbandry, and research and nuisance abatement actions permitted by DEC.

Additionally, this proposed rule defines the application procedures and conditions for issuing a permit to use a 4-Poster Tickicide™, including the requirement that automated feeding devices used with a 4-Poster™ be used only in the context of a comprehensive management approach that also addresses local deer abundance. See Feeding of wild deer and moose, use of 4-Poster™ devices section on DEC's website for the full proposal and instructions on how to provide comments. 

DEC Proposes Bear Hunting Expansion

DEC is accepting public comments through September 1 on a bear-hunting proposal that would add Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) 4W in Delaware and Sullivan counties to the early bear hunting season beginning in 2020. This is intended to moderately increase the bear harvest in the WMU to reduce bear population growth. Early season bear hunters may use a bow (with appropriate bowhunting eligibility), crossbow, muzzleloader, handgun, shotgun, or rifle (where allowed).

See Early Bear Hunting Season in WMU 4W for the full proposal and instructions on how to provide comments. 

DEC Accepting Applications for Sponsored Pheasant Hunts through September

DEC is accepting applications for sponsored pheasant hunts. The program enables interest groups to obtain pheasants for use in sponsored hunts to engage more people with the outdoors, especially youth, women, novices, veterans, and people with disabilities. Applications to participate in the program are due September 1, 2019.

Sponsored hunts are free, non-competitive events coordinated by a group, club, individual, or organization. Dedicated local sportsmen and sportswomen share their expertise with beginning hunters in a supportive environment. This program gives individuals the chance to embark on a life-long pursuit of hunting and outdoor enjoyment.

In addition to the pheasants reared for fall stocking throughout New York State, staff at DEC's Reynolds Game Farm raise 2,000 pheasants each year for sponsored hunts across the state. DEC provides up to 50 game-farm-raised pheasants to each sponsoring organization free of charge for these hunts.

Volunteers are key to this program's success. If an individual or a group would like to sponsor a hunt, please contact the DEC regional office for an application (a list of DEC regional offices is provided below). You may also view program requirements and download an application on DEC's website. DEC's regional wildlife offices must receive all applications no later than September 1, 2019. DEC will notify successful applicants via phone. If DEC approves an application, the applicant will be required to make arrangements with staff at the Reynolds Game Farm, located in Ithaca, Tompkins County, to coordinate a delivery time, date, and location.

R1 - Nassau and Suffolk counties:
SUNY at Stony Brook
50 Circle Road
Stony Brook, NY 11790
(631) 444-0310

R3 - Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester counties:
21 South Putt Corners Rd.
New Paltz, NY 12561
(845) 256-3098

R4 - Albany, Columbia, Delaware, Greene, Montgomery, Otsego, Rensselaer, Schenectady and Schoharie counties:
65561 State Hwy 10, Suite 1
Stamford, NY 12167
(607) 652-7367

DEC Launches New 'DECinfo Locator' to Increase Transparency and Access to Data and Reports

DEC recently launched DECinfo Locator, an interactive map that provides access to DEC documents and public data about New York's environment and outdoor recreation resources. This first-of-its-kind DEC mapping application generates results specific to locations across the state and includes 50 interactive data layers. Several information layers can be active at the same time, allowing users to see the many ways DEC is working to protect and enhance the state’s environment and recreational opportunities.

Among other uses, the public can:

• Find state lands managed by DEC and places to view wildlife 
• Look up the rules, regulations and featured activities for a nearby Wildlife Management Area
• Access a web page with details about allowed uses on a nearby Conservation Easement including hunting

To access the mapping application, visit the DECinfo Locator web page. Learn more about its features from the DECinfo Locator Tutorial on YouTube.