Hunting and Trapping Newsletter

Bears Already?

It’s not too early for New York homeowners to think about bear-proofing their properties. While most of our bears remain in their dens due to the cold temperatures and snow coverage across much of the state, they will soon venture out with the warmer days and begin searching for food. With the abundant natural food sources available last year, many bears went into dens in good shape and well-prepared for the long winter. That being said, male black bears will typically lose between 15 and 30 percent of their body weight, while reproductive sows can lose up to 40 percent. Because of this, bears emerging from their dens, usually beginning in mid-March, are hungry and looking for an easy meal. While ample natural spring foods are available, like skunk cabbage, grasses and other vegetation, some bears will seek out bird feeders or unsecured garbage. Folks who feed birds in bear country should begin emptying feeders and cleaning up dropped seeds before mid-March, or anytime you observe signs of bear activity. It’s also a good time to make sure garbage cans are secured and stored in a sturdy building. Bears are opportunistic feeders and will remember where they find easy food, then return to that location frequently. By removing bear attractants, you’re helping to keep both people and bears safe. Do your part, and encourage your neighbors to do the same!

Deer Season is Over but the Hunt for Sheds Begins

As winter progresses through March, whitetail bucks shed their antlers as testosterone levels drop in response to lengthening days. When the snow begins to melt in late winter, some hunters and antler enthusiasts head out to the woods and fields in search of these hidden treasures.

Trying to find a shed antler among the brush and melting snow may seem like trying to find a needle in a haystack, but with some diligence and practice, your efforts may be rewarded. Winter deer yards are good places to start. During bouts of extreme cold and snow, deer will congregate in lower elevation areas with good southern exposure and evergreen cover to break the wind. Experienced shed hunters scout these areas pre-season in hopes of increasing their odds. Be cautious not to begin searching too early. Deer may still be congregated on their winter ranges and susceptible to disturbance. Shed hunters should also refrain from making “antler traps,” which are baited devices intended to snag an antler as the deer feeds. Not only is it illegal to feed deer, but these devices can cause antlers to be pulled off prematurely, potentially leading to infection and slow death of the deer.

Shed hunting can be a fun family activity and a rewarding reason to get outdoors in the late winter and early spring. As hunters choose to Let Young Bucks Go and Watch Them Grow, shed hunting can also provide clues as to what type of bucks might be around during next hunting season. Give it a try, you might discover your next hobby!

For more, see the Conservationist articles “Searching for Sheds" (PDF) and “Antlered Art" (PDF).

NYS Hunting Safety Statistics for 2021: Safest-Ever Season For New York Hunters

DEC documented nine hunting related shooting incidents (HRSI) last year, one of which was fatal. This marked the lowest number of HRSIs since New York’s hunter safety program was signed into law in 1949. Overall, the number of incidents continued the downward trend in HRSIs observed over the past 70 years. For comparison, 166 incidents were recorded in 1966, 13 of which were fatal.

Seven of the nine HRSIs that occurred last year were two-party firearm incidents, and two were self-inflicted. All nine hunters were experienced. All of the incidents could have been prevented if hunting safety rules had been followed. Wearing hunter orange or pink when afield, controlling the muzzle at all times, and identifying the target and beyond, are major principles taught in DEC's hunter safety courses. For more information on hunter safety basics, visit DEC's website.

For the past several years, DEC has tracked and investigated Elevated Hunting Incidents (EHIs), previously called tree stand incidents. EHIs are under-reported, and DEC is not always notified when falls occur. In 2021, 10 EHIs were reported, and one was fatal. Nine of the hunters were not wearing a safety harness. One hunter was wearing a safety harness, but it was not connected to the tree at the time of the fall. The proper use of tree-stands and tree stand safety equipment will help prevent these injuries and fatalities. Used correctly, a harness keeps the hunter connected from the time they leave the ground to the moment they get back down.

More information, including the 2021 Hunting Safety Statistics (PDF) and the 2021 Tree Stand Safety Statistics (PDF), is available on DEC's website.