Be Safe, Responsible, and
Respectful during Fall and Winter Hunting Seasons
With the Southern Zone
regular big game season beginning Nov. 20 throughout much of the southern
part of New York State, Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)
Commissioner Basil Seggos is encouraging
outdoor enthusiasts to respectfully share the woods and follow
common-sense safety precautions this fall and winter.
As New Yorkers head outdoors
in search of new adventures this fall and winter, it is critical that
visitors are courteous, careful, and responsible when sharing the
woods," Commissioner
Seggos said. "Most
public lands across New York State are open to multiple forms of
recreation, from hiking and nature photography to hunting and trapping.
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, DEC encourages outdoor
enthusiasts to be aware of and show regard for other adventurers and
share the woods."
New this year, DEC requires
big game hunters using a firearm to
wear hunter orange or pink and encourages non-hunters to
wear blaze orange, blaze pink, or another bright color during fall and
winter months to be seen more easily and from greater distances. In
addition, wearing bright colors makes it easier for Forest Rangers,
Environmental Conservation Police Officers, and other rescue personnel to
find lost, sick, or injured people afield.
Pet owners are encouraged to
affix a bright colored vest or scarf on their dogs and keep pets leashed at all times. Trapping seasons for many
species are open throughout the fall and early winter. Although rare, traps
set for furbearers like raccoons and coyotes can also capture dogs that
are not under control. Trapping is a highly regulated activity and
regulations are strongly enforced. Trappers are required to take an
educational course before getting a license and DEC works closely with
the trapping community to minimize risks to non-target wildlife and
domestic animals.
Hunting is among the most
popular forms of wildlife recreation in the state, drawing an estimated
600,000 New Yorkers afield each year. Hunting is safe and economically
important, helping to manage wildlife populations and promote family
traditions, while fostering an understanding and respect for the
environment. Hikers should be aware that they may encounter hunters
bearing firearms or archery equipment on trails. Hunters should likewise
recognize that they may encounter hikers and others enjoying the
outdoors. Hunting-related shooting incidents involving non-hunters are
extremely rare.
Hunters looking for solitude
can minimize the disturbance associated with other forms of recreation by
following a few tips. Before a season opens, when hunters are scouting
for the perfect spot or stand location, take the time to check if the
planned location is popular. Avoid crowding other hunters and recognize
that if a hunting location is near a sought-out hiking spot or stand
location, noise can be a factor. If a referred hunting spot is too
crowded, identify an alternative location ahead of time.
DEC maintains hiking, biking,
skiing and, snowmobile trails in many areas of Forest Preserve lands in
the Adirondack and Catskill parks, as well as in State Forests, Wildlife
Management Areas, and Unique Areas open to hunting. Earlier this year,
DEC launched the 'Love Our New York Lands' campaign to encourage visitors
to State-owned and managed lands to practice responsible recreation. The
campaign is responsive to the steady increase in the number of visitors
to State Lands, both during the COVID-19 pandemic and in the decade
prior. Love Our New York Lands bolsters ongoing State-and partner-led
efforts to educate the public about how to responsibly enjoy outdoor
recreation on public lands without negatively impacting natural
resources.
Find recreation options by
visiting Love Our NY Lands - NYS Dept. of Environmental
Conservation or checking out DECinfo Locator - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation.
Many trails are accessible to people with disabilities. Check out DEC's
YouTube playlist, with tips for how to plan and prepare for a hike Hiking Essentials - YouTube, and DEC's
Hunter Education playlist for more information Basic Rules of Hunter Safety - YouTube.
Hunting Within State
Parks
The New York State Office of
Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation offers many places to hunt,
including 81 parks, three historic sites, three golf courses, and 50 boat
launches that provide opportunities to hunt a variety of wildlife
including big game, small game, turkey, furbearers, waterfowl, and
migratory bird species. In addition to a valid hunting license, all
hunters wishing to take advantage of select hunting seasons within State
Parks must obtain a regional hunting permit for each individual park.
Trapping is not allowed in State Parks. For more information, visit
the New York State Parks website.
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