Hunting and Trapping Newsletter

DEC Announces Furbearer Trapping and Hunting Seasons

With 16 species of furbearers living in New York, furbearer hunting and trapping opportunities are abundant. Coyote hunting season began Oct. 1 across much of the state and hunting seasons for other furbearers such as bobcat, raccoon, and fox began on Oct. 25. Hunting season dates and zone boundaries for all furbearers can be found on DEC's website and in the Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide.

Trapping season dates vary by species and geography, with raccoon, fox, and bobcat opening on Oct. 25, and beaver, mink, and muskrat opening on Nov. 1 in northern New York and Nov. 10 across the Southern Zone. Trappers should check the regulations guide or DEC's website for opening dates in their area. Trappers should also note changes to special permit requirements for fisher trapping seasons.

All harvested marten, fisher, otter, and bobcat need to be sealed by a DEC representative within 10 days after the close of the season in the Wildlife Management Unit where the fur was taken. Harvesters should contact their regional wildlife office to make pelt sealing arrangements prior to showing up.

Fisher and Marten Permit Updates

Earlier this year DEC proposed regulations that would remove the requirement for the free special fisher trapping permit as sufficient data has been gathered during previous seasons so the special permit is no longer necessary. Unfortunately, due to a delay in the regulatory process, amended regulations were not adopted prior to the start of the 2021 trapping season. To simplify the process for trappers this season, DEC has created a self-issued fisher trapping permit for trappers.

DEC automatically sent fisher permits to those that applied for a Fisher Trapping Permit in 2020. Trappers that did not receive a permit can download one from DEC's website. Trappers are not required to submit the lower jaw, head, or carcass of any fisher taken during the 2021 trapping season. In addition, trappers do not have to complete or submit a Fisher Trapping Activity Log this season. Trappers do still need to have a trapping license and they need to have all harvested fisher sealed by DEC staff.

Please note that a separate permit is required for trappers wishing to pursue marten. This permit does include an activity log. Contact DEC's Region 5 Wildlife Office in Warrensburg at 518-623-1240 to obtain a marten trapping permit.

“My First” Hunting and Trapping Printable Certificates Now Available

If you or someone you know harvests their first deer or turkey, or traps their first muskrat or beaver this fall, you can remember that “first” with a printable, personalized certificate available on DEC's website.

“My First” certificates are currently available for deer, bear, turkey, waterfowl, pheasant, and furbearer. You can upload your own photo into a certificate, or use a certificate with a stock picture, enter the hunter or trapper's name and method and date of harvest, then print the finished certificate on your home printer.

To get started, go to https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/92267.html and scroll down to the section titled "My First Certificates."