November Outdoor Discovery

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.

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. Join the nearly 750,000 people who hunt in New York State. Don your hunting gear, and enjoy a great American tradition. Check out DEC's Places to Hunt to find public lands near you.

Hike of the Month: Esopus Fire Tower at Maurice D. Hinchey Catskills Visitor Center

Town of Shandaken, Ulster County

Enjoy the spectacular view from New York’s newest fire tower, located at the Maurice D. Hinchey Catskills Visitor Center. The tower offers an introductory fire tower experience for those visiting the Catskills, providing unencumbered views of the Upper Esopus Valley and surrounding Catskill mountains. As the fire tower is located on the grounds of the visitor center, it allows visitors to experience the tower without having to undertake the typically challenging hike of several miles to reach a Catskills fire tower. The visitors center also features a 0.75-mile, accessible loop trail that traverses around the center.

The Maurice D. Hinchey Catskills Visitor Center serves as a gateway for outdoor enthusiasts to learn about the Catskill Park's opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors.

Watchable Wildlife: Huyck Preserve and Biological Research Station

Town of Rensselaerville, Albany County

Among the natural treasures found on the Huyck Preserve and Biological Research Station are hardwood stands more than 200 years old, Lake Myosotis, Lincoln Pond and the dramatic Rensselaerville Falls. These different environments provide a haven for a rich array of flora and fauna. Enjoy a hike on the more than 12 miles of trails open daily from dawn to dusk. Trails snake along the Rensselaerville Falls, meander through peaceful old-growth forests, circumvent both Lake Myosotis and Lincoln Pond, and wind through several 80-year-old pine and spruce plantations. From the trails you can explore and experience the forests, lakes, and streams of the Huyck Preserve and view a variety of wildlife, including beavers, deer, great blue herons, bald eagles and shore birds.

Admission is free to walk and hike the trails, picnic, fish and boat (non-motorized) on Lake Myosotis, and for skiing and snowshoeing in the winter.

Fishing for Steelhead in the Great Lakes Tributaries

One of the best times to fish for steelhead (a migratory rainbow trout) is late October through November, before the water turns colder. They feed aggressively in the tributaries of Lake Ontario and Lake Erie during this time. As the water temperature drops below 40 degrees, the run slows down, but warmer periods will bring new fish into the tributaries in January and February.

There are 22 Lake Ontario tributaries and nine Lake Erie tributaries that have steelhead runs which are supported by DEC stocking efforts, ranging from small creeks to large powerful rivers. Fishing for returning adult steelhead is generally best on the stocked tributaries, however steelhead can run any stream that flows into lakes Erie or Ontario. To become a highly successful steelhead angler, it pays to spend a lot of time getting to know one or two rivers of the size and type you prefer to fish.

November 11 (Veterans Day) is a free fishing day when anyone can fish the freshwaters of New York State and no fishing license is required! All other freshwater fishing regulations still apply.

Steelhead Fishing in Lake Erie Tributaries

Steelhead Fishing in Lake Ontario Tributaries

Celebrate Native American Heritage Month in November

Centuries before the first European settlers arrived in New York, indigenous people (Native Americans) had established civilizations, with cultures and customs that shaped our state. Today, New York has nine state recognized nations:

• Cayuga Nation
• Oneida Indian Nation
• Onondaga Nation
• Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe
• Seneca Nation of Indians
• Shinnecock Indian Nation
• Tonawanda Seneca Nation
• Tuscarora Nation
• Unkechaug Indian Nation

DEC has an Indian Nations Affairs Coordinator in the Office of Environmental Justice who works with these nine nations that share our same goals of protecting and conserving New York's natural resources. 

Visit one of the many museums with exhibits devoted to our first inhabitants to celebrate Native American Heritage Month.

Nature Notes

Beavers rarely leave the water for any extended duration of time. You can find them inhabiting wooded streams, the margins of lakes, ponds, reservoirs, swamps, marshes, and many other sources of year-round water.

Upcoming DEC Events

Family Nature Quest – Animal Signs, 11/9 at 10:30 AM, Reinstein Woods EEC

Family Fun: Terrific Turkeys, 11/9 at 2:00 PM, Five Rivers EEC

Family Fun: River Otter Ramble, 11/16 at 10:00 AM, Five Rivers EEC

Explore Hidden Gems of Nature, 11/30 at 10:00 AM, Reinstein Woods EEC

Other Upcoming DEC Events

Conservationist Magazine

Don’t miss the October Conservationist for highlights of some exciting outdoor fall activities, including the start of many hunting seasons. You can also read about a man’s mishap while hunting from his favorite tree stand, learn how conservation easements create new outdoor recreation opportunities, and learn about a woman’s first experience fishing the famed Salmon River. There are also some amazing photos celebrating the autumn season in New York. You will find all this and more in the October Conservationist.

Subscribe online or call 1-800-678-6399 to receive the Conservationist year-round.