Hunting and Trapping Newsletter

Western Zone Duck Season is Open

Duck season in the Western Zone has re-opened. The recent mild winter has shallow marshes ice-free with good numbers of mallards and black ducks around. On the larger water, strong numbers of diving ducks (scaup, redheads, and buffleheads) have begun showing up in the Finger Lakes and along the Great Lakes. For more information on public land waterfowl hunting opportunities, visit the DEC “Places to Hunt” web page.

Canada goose season in the West Central area closes on Sunday December 1st, while the South Canada goose area remains open throughout the length of the Western Zone second split continuing until January 13th. For a full list of all waterfowl season dates, please visit DEC's website.

DEC Reminds Successful Hunters and Trappers to TAKE IT, TAG IT, REPORT IT

With big game hunting seasons upon us, DEC would like to remind hunters who take a deer or bear to report their harvest. In addition, trappers who take a bobcat, fisher, marten, or otter must have the animal pelt-sealed by DEC staff.

Reporting your deer or bear can be done via phone, the DEC website, or mobile app. Call a DEC regional wildlife office to make arrangements to get your otter, bobcat, fisher, or marten sealed. 

Hunters and trappers play a crucial role in game management. Data collected from harvest reports are used to track populations of game species and to ensure that hunting and trapping opportunities are sustainable. Reporting your harvest is not just the law, it’s an important tool in wildlife management. So, if you have success this fall – TAKE IT, TAG IT, REPORT IT.

Reporting Your Harvest:
Online: http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/8316.html
By phone: 1-866-426-3778
Mobile App: For download information, see http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/8316.html