Hunting and Trapping Newsletter

Tracking Resident Canada Geese

Banding ducks and geese has been a central part of managing these species since the early 1900s that continues to be extremely important. Each year, DEC biologists, technicians, partner agencies/universities and volunteers from around New York State band over 3,500 Canada geese and nearly 8,000 migratory game birds (e.g. geese, ducks, woodcock, and rails). These banding programs are vital to understanding population dynamics, movements, and reproduction. Last year we made a video on how and why we band Canada geese.  Watch the video. For more general information on migratory game bird banding, check out DEC's website.

DEC Encourages New Yorkers to Take Steps to Live Responsibly with Black Bears

DEC encourages New Yorkers to take a few simple precautions to avoid conflicts with bears. By taking these steps, you can reduce the potential for conflicts with bears and other wildlife in your backyard.

In the summer, people see bears more frequently. Bears are active, dispersing to new habitat, searching for mates, and foraging for food to gain the fat needed for next winter. Meanwhile, people are also more active outdoors and recreating in areas that may be shared with bears. With this increased activity comes a greater potential for human-bear conflicts, especially when bears find food near people.

New Yorkers living in bear country, which includes much of upstate New York, are asked to take a few simple steps this summer to protect their communities and bears from harm:

• Secure garbage indoors or in a locked outbuilding until the morning of pickup
• Remove birdfeeders
• Clean grease from grills
• Secure livestock/pet food that may be stored outdoors
• Properly store scented items when camping or backpacking

For more information, please watch DEC’s video on “Bears In The Backyard” or visit DEC's webpage on reducing human-bear conflicts.