Hunting and Trapping Newsletter

DEC Announces 2021 Bear Harvest

New York bear hunters took 1,346 black bears during the 2021 hunting seasons, including an estimated 403 bears in the Northern Zone and 943 bears in the Southern Zone. This represents roughly 30 percent fewer bears taken in the north and 20 percent fewer in the south than in 2020, but only about 10 percent fewer than the 5-year average harvest in each zone. Throughout the state, there is generally an alternating pattern of high and low bear harvest from year to year, influenced by fluctuating patterns in cub production and food availability. Because bear harvest was greater than average in 2020 and because natural foods for bears were abundant this fall, biologists expected the bear harvest to decline slightly in 2021. However, warm weather through much of the early season likely coupled with the abundant food to reduce bear movements and thereby reduced bear harvest more than expected.

DEC’s 2021 Bear Harvest Summary report (pdf) provides tables, charts, and maps detailing the deer harvest around the state. Past harvest summaries are also available on DEC’s website.

Photo: Thomas Mecca Jr. (right) with his black bear taken in the Town of New Albion, Cattaraugus County, December 2021. Pictured with Thomas are his father Tom Mecca and nephew Mark Mecca Jr

Be Coyote Conscious: Prevent Conflicts with Coyotes this Winter and Spring

Have you heard or seen coyotes around recently? New York is currently in the midst of coyote breeding season, which generally runs from January – March. During this time of year, coyotes are especially active as they mate and begin to set up dens for pups that will arrive this spring. They also tend to be more territorial, which can increase the risk of conflicts with people and pets.

To minimize this risk, DEC recommends that everyone follow the tips outlined below. If a coyote is exhibiting bold behaviors and shows little or no fear of people, contact your Regional Wildlife Office or, in emergency situations, the local police department. Visit  DEC's website for more information on coyotes and preventing conflicts with coyotes.

DEC Announces Falconry, Wildlife Rehabilitator, and Leashed Tracking Dog Examinations

DEC recently announced the following upcoming examinations, scheduled for April 1:

• Apprentice Falconry License Examination (for individuals seeking a license to practice the sport of falconry)
• Wildlife Rehabilitator License Examination (for individuals seeking a license to become a volunteer wildlife rehabilitator)
• Leashed Dog Tracking Handler Examination (for individuals seeking a license to use leashed tracking dogs to find wounded or injured big game animals

The registration deadline for these free exams is Friday, March 25. To provide broad access to these examinations, DEC is offering them exclusively online. To learn more information including details about registration, please visit our website.

For questions or assistance, please contact the Special Licenses Unit by mail (NYS DEC Special Licenses Unit, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4752), phone (518-402-8985), fax (518-402-8925), or email SpecialLicenses@dec.ny.gov.