gmane.recreation.nys.dec.nybiggame

2012 Black Bear Harvest Report is Available

Wild White-tailed Deer and Black Bear List — 2013-03-19T20:19:51

NY Big Game,
 
The 2012 black bear harvest summary is now available on our website at
www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/42232.html.  Check out the PDF version for a full
series of tables and charts of the 2012 bear take.
 
Earlier today, DEC issued the following press release.

 

 
DEC: 2012 IS ONE OF THE HIGHEST BEAR HARVESTS ON 
RECORD IN NEW YORK 
 
New York bear hunters took 1,337 black bears during the 2012 hunting
seasons, making last year the third highest bear harvest on record in
New York, state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)
Commissioner Joe Martens announced today.  Only the 2003 harvest (1,864)
and 2009 harvest (1,487) surpassed last year’s take.   
 
“New York has excellent bear habitat and vast, accessible public lands
that offer exciting opportunities for bear hunting,” said Commissioner
Martens. “Black bears are thriving in New York, and they represent a
great resource for all New Yorkers. Through the NY’s Open for Hunting
and Fishing Initiative, Governor Cuomo is improving op

2012 Sets a New Record for Hunting Safety in New York

Wild White-tailed Deer and Black Bear List — 2013-02-11T20:54:20

NY Big Game,

DEC distributed the following news announcement earlier today.

 







2012 SETS A NEW RECORD FOR HUNTING SAFETY IN NEW YORK

Continued Improvement Shows Success of New York’s Hunter Education
Program

 

The 2012 New York hunting season had the lowest number of
hunting-related shooting incidents on record, New York State Department
of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Joe Martens announced
today. As the tradition of hunting continues, with numerous and
expanding opportunities for sportsmen and sportswomen to go afield,
hunting in New York continues to be safely enjoyed.  

 

“Governor Cuomo recognizes all the benefits the sporting community
brings to New York’s economy and commends sportsmen and women for
setting a record in hunting safety,” said Commissioner Martens. “The
Governor and DEC are working to expand hunting opportunities in New York
state and hunter safety is part and parcel to these efforts. These
declining statistics prove that New York does have a safet

DEC ALERTS HUNTERS: CROSSBOW LAW EXPIRES DECEMBER 31,2012

Wild White-tailed Deer and Black Bear List — 2012-12-22T01:55:05

NY Big Game,
  
Expiration of State Law will make use of crossbows unlawful for Big Game
Hunting
  
 The provisions in the Environmental Conservation Law (ECL) that allow
the use of crossbows for big game hunting, as well as eliminate a permit
requirement for hunters with physical disabilities to use special
archery equipment during any big game or small game hunting season, will
expire on December 31, 2012, New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Joe Martens reminded hunters today.
  
 Legislation allowing the use of crossbows during certain big game
hunting seasons in September 2010 took effect on February 1, 2011. This
allowed licensed hunters to use a crossbow during the 2011 and 2012 big
game hunting seasons.
  
 “The popularity of crossbows is growing in New York, though relatively
few hunters have taken deer with crossbows because they may only be used
during the regular firearms season and subsequent muzzleloader season,”
Commissioner Martens said. 
 
 The immed

preliminary Southern Zone hunting report

Wild White-tailed Deer and Black Bear List — 2012-11-21T21:47:57

NY Big Game,
 
Regular firearms season for deer and bear in New York's Southern Zone began this past Saturday, and for most hunters, the opening weekend is a time not to be missed.  Roughly 85% of NY's 550,000 deer hunters participate at some point in the Southern Zone regular season, and over 90% of those hunters are afield opening day.  Too, opening weekend of the Southern Zone regular season typically accounts for about 20-25% of the statewide annual reported deer take, roughly 1/4 to 1/3 more than the total reported take for the entire Southern Zone bow season, and nearly double the reported take during all seasons in the Northern Zone.

This year was likely no different, and with crisp, frosty mornings and mild afternoons, this past weekend was a great time to be deer hunting.  Our biologists and technicians were spread out across the state examining deer at meat cutters and likely escaping for a few hours of hunting themselves.  Despite the typical variation around the state, reports from the field gen

Southern Zone Regular Deer and Bear Hunting Seasons begin this Saturday, November 17

Wild White-tailed Deer and Black Bear List — 2012-11-14T20:46:53

NY Big Game,

The 2012 regular deer and bear hunting seasons open at sunrise on Saturday, Nov. 17, in New Yorks Southern Zone, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Joe Martens today announced. The big game season closes at sunset on Sunday, Dec. 9.  

"Hunting is the most effective and efficient tool to maintain wildlife populations at levels that are compatible with our communities and natural resources," said Commissioner Martens.  "With an exceptionally mild winter and strong deer and bear populations throughout the state, hunters have good prospects for a successful season."

The Southern Zone Regular Deer Season is New Yorks most popular hunting season, with participation from approximately 85 percent of New Yorks 550,000 licensed deer hunters.  Harvest during this season accounts for nearly 60 percent of the total statewide deer harvest. The remainder occurs in the Northern Zone, on Long Island, and during special seasons when only archery or muzzleloading firearms

Additional Deer Management Permits Available For Hunters

Wild White-tailed Deer and Black Bear List — 2012-11-01T14:24:33

NY Big Game,
 
ADDITIONAL DEER MANAGEMENT PERMITS AVAILABLE FOR HUNTERS
 
Remaining Deer Management Permits (DMPs) will be available in several Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) beginning today, Nov. 1, 2012, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced.
 
DMPs, which allow hunters to harvest antlerless deer, are issued for specific WMUs to help control deer populations.  In several units, the target number of DMPs was not issued during the initial application period.  In these WMUs, DEC will re-open the DMP application process on a first-come, first-served basis.
 
Hunters may apply for leftover DMPs at any sporting license sales outlet beginning Nov. 1, 2012. Leftover DMPs will not be available by phone, by mail or via the internet.  Applicants who previously paid the $10 DMP application fee or are exempt from the application fee will not be charged for this additional application. 
 
Applications for remaining DMPs will be accepted for the following WMUs: 1C, 3M, 3R, 3S (bowh

deer vehicle collisions and deer management in NY

Wild White-tailed Deer and Black Bear List — 2012-10-29T16:31:07

NY Big Game,

It's that time of year again when deer-vehicle collisions will be on the rise.  So stay alert, drive carefully, and slow down, particularly at dawn and dusk when deer are most active.

Relatedly, State Farm Insurance® recently released their list of states where deer-vehicle collisions are most likely (see www.statefarm.com/aboutus/_pressreleases/2012/october/23/west-virginia-again.asp).  Based on State Farm® data, NY ranks #3 for total number of deer-vehicle collisions, but once the number of licensed drivers is factored in, NY ranks #23 for likelihood of an individual having a deer-vehicle collision.  These data from State Farm® give us a general picture of the trends of deer-vehicle collisions in the state and are what we used to generate the chart of Estimated Deer-Vehicle Collisions in New York shown on page 22 of our Deer Management Plan (www.dec.ny.gov/docs/wildlife_pdf/deerplan2012.pdf).  These data are not useful for making deer management decisions at the wildlife management un

Northern Zone Regular Deer and Bear Season beginstomorrow

Wild White-tailed Deer and Black Bear List — 2012-10-19T18:48:38

NY Big Game,
 
The regular season for deer and bear in the Northern Zone begins tomorrow, October 20, and runs through Sunday, December 2.  See www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/28605.html for deer and bear hunting seasons and open areas.  DEC biologists and technicians have been checking deer and bears at meat cutter shops during the past few weeks, and are reporting good harvests in the early, archery, and muzzleloading seasons.  Last year's mild winter allowed deer to enter the summer in great physical condition, including good antler growth.  The lack of fawn mortality during winter should mean many more yearling deer in the woods this fall.  
 
 The reported bear harvest during the early seasons has been above average, already eclipsing last year's total Adirondack Range harvest.  Mast crops appear to be spotty this year, so if you find an area with a good crop of acorns or beechnuts, your chances of encountering a bear are much higher.  
 
 Deer Management Permits (DMPs) are issued in some Wildlife Management Uni

Emergency CWD regulation prohibits importation of certain deer and elk parts from Pennsylvania

Wild White-tailed Deer and Black Bear List — 2012-10-18T17:04:19

NY Big Game,
 
If you hunt deer or elk in Pennsylvania or know someone who does, be
aware of this new rule.  See the press release below.
 
 
DEC ISSUES EMERGENCY REGULATION FOR CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE TO PROHIBIT
IMPORTING CERTAIN ANIMAL PARTS
Action Taken to Protect New York’s Deer Population in Response to
Pennsylvania Discovery
 
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)
issued an emergency rulemaking that revises the state’s Chronic Wasting
Disease (CWD) regulations in response to a confirmed case of CWD in
Pennsylvania, DEC Commissioner Joe Martens announced today. Effective
immediately, the revision prohibits importing certain parts of
white-tailed deer or American elk taken in the state of Pennsylvania.
 
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture confirmed the first case of
CWD in Pennsylvania on October 11 at a deer farm in New Oxford (Adams
County), PA. CWD is a contagious neurological disease affecting deer,
elk and moose. It causes a characteristic spongy degeneration

Field Report: Youth Deer Hunt a Positive Experience for New York Hunters

Wild White-tailed Deer and Black Bear List — 2012-10-12T14:54:03

NY Big Game,


FIELD REPORT: YOUTH DEER HUNT A POSITIVE EXPERIENCE FOR NEW YORK HUNTERS
 
Columbus Day weekend, October 6-8, marked the state’s first youth
firearms deer hunt and reports from the field indicate the youth deer
hunt was a success for many junior hunters as they learned about New
York’s rich deer hunting tradition under the watchful eyes of
experienced mentors, New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Joe Martens announced today. 
 
“The youth deer hunt is a great opportunity for the next generation of
New York hunters and is an important step in preserving our hunting
heritage while maintaining our ability to manage deer through hunting in
the future,” said Commissioner Martens.  “We received enthusiastic
feedback from parents and excited young hunters who took part of the
Columbus Day weekend.  These experiences demonstrate the great value of
providing this unique opportunity for junior hunters.”
 
During the youth deer hunt, junior hunters (ages

Bowhunting Season for Deer and Bear

Wild White-tailed Deer and Black Bear List — 2012-09-28T20:14:08

NY Big Game,
 
Bowhunting season for deer and bear in the Northern Zone began Thursday, September 27, and it will begin in the Southern Zone on Monday, October 1.  See www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/28605.html for deer and bear hunting seasons and open areas.
 
Northern Zone bowhunters are reminded that last year's license is required when hunting prior to October 1.  Also, Deer Management Permits (DMPs) may now be used during the early bow season (and early muzzleloader season) in the Northern Zone.  DMPs may only be used in the Wildlife Management Unit and the during the license year for which they were issued.  In the Southern Zone, with the bow season beginning October 1 this year, bowhunters now benefit from an additional 12 days of hunting opportunity.  
 
I intend to spend some time bowhunting next week, and I hope you all can do so too.
 
Jeremy Hurst
Big Game Biologist
 
 
Note: To change your email address with NY Big Game, get a password reminder, or unsubscribe please visit http://lists.dec.state.ny.us/m

Early bear season off to a great start

Wild White-tailed Deer and Black Bear List — 2012-09-21T23:37:46

NY Big Game,
 
Less than one week into the early bear season in northern New York, hunters reported taking more than 140 bears. During the same time period for the past five years, the take averaged only 104 bears. Currently, areas with the greatest bear harvest appear to be along the western fringe of the Adirondacks within Herkimer, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties.   We anticipated higher harvest levels for this early season compared to last year, and preliminary numbers indicate a great start. 
 
Jeremy Hurst
Big Game Biologist
 
 


 
Note: To change your email address with NY Big Game, get a password reminder, or unsubscribe please visit http://lists.dec.state.ny.us/mailman/listinfo/nybiggame 

You may also catch the latest updates on New York's fish and wildlife by subscribing to Field Notes, another free online e-mail list provided by the Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources. To learn more and subscribe, see www.dec.ny.gov/about/63801.html

Youth Hunt is Confirmed for Columbus Day Weekend 2012

Wild White-tailed Deer and Black Bear List — 2012-09-17T19:15:46

NY Big Game,
 
DEC issued the following official press release
(www.dec.ny.gov/press/84851.html) late last week, announcing that New
York's first-ever Youth Firearms Deer Hunt will take place this Columbus
Day Weekend (October 6, 7, and 8, 2012).  Details are now available on
DEC's website linked below.
 


DEC ANNOUNCES DETAILS FOR COLUMBUS DAY WEEKEND YOUTH DEER HUNT 
 
The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has confirmed that
junior hunters ages 14-15 will be able to hunt deer during a special
youth firearms deer season over Columbus Day Weekend this year, October
6 through October 8, 2012.  
 
“Implementation of this youth deer hunt is a hallmark moment for New
York hunters and represents continued efforts of DEC to engage more
young people in nature and outdoor recreation,” said DEC Commissioner
Joe Martens. 
 
The youth deer hunt will take place Columbus Day weekend in both the
Northern Zone and Southern Zone; a youth hunt was not established on
Long Island due to restrictions in the En

Early bear season starts Saturday; hunting season summary sheet available

Wild White-tailed Deer and Black Bear List — 2012-09-11T13:32:03

NY Big Game,
 
The Early Black Bear Hunting Season in the Northern Zone begins this Saturday, September 15, 2012.   During the early bear hunting season, hunters may use a bow (with appropriate bowhunting eligibility), muzzleloader, handgun, shotgun, rifle or crossbow.  Last year's license (2011-2012) is required when hunting prior to October 1, 2012.  Successful bear hunters must report the harvest within seven days via DEC's online reporting (https://nyfgharvest.appsolgrp.com:8063/nyfggh/harvest/start.action) system or by calling our toll-free number 1-866-GAME-RPT.  See www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/28605.html#Black for a map showing which Wildlife Management Units are included in the Early Bear Season.  You may also be interested in the booklet "Hunting Black Bear in New York" at www.dec.ny.gov/docs/wildlife_pdf/bbhunting10.PDF.
 
Also, we've created a 2-page summary sheet of the 2012-13 Hunting Seasons (www.dec.ny.gov/docs/wildlife_pdf/huntingseasons1213.pdf), which shows dates and bag limits for big game, sma

Deer hunting information; Alert for EHD Virus in deer

Wild White-tailed Deer and Black Bear List — 2012-08-14T15:28:50

NY Big Game,
 
With 2012-13 hunting licenses now available, we have updated information on our website to help you plan your deer hunting activities.
DMP Availability and Probability of Selection -  www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/30409.html   This page shows which Wildlife Management Units will have Deer Management Permits (doe tags), and what hunters' odds are for being selected for a DMP. 
2012 Deer Season Forecasts -  www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/37304.html   In particular, you will be interested in the regional reports which contain unit-by-unit forecasts from our regional field biologists.
2012-13 New York State Hunting and Trapping Guide - For current hunting regulations, season dates and bag limits, sunrise/sunset chart, and a number of wildlife and hunting related articles, you can download the at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/37136.html or scroll through the entire guide online at www.eregulations.com/newyork/hunting.  
Also, please report sick or dead deer to DEC.
DEC needs your help identifying outbreaks of epizootic

2012-13 Sporting Licenses Available Monday, August 13

Wild White-tailed Deer and Black Bear List — 2012-08-10T19:28:55

NY Big Game,
 
2012-13 SPORTING LICENSES AVAILABLE BEGINNING AUGUST 13, 2012
Deer Management Permits, Hunting, Fishing, Trapping Licenses will be
Available
 
The 2012-13 hunting, fishing and trapping licenses and Deer Management
Permits (DMPs) may be purchased beginning Monday, August 13, New York
State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Joe
Martens today announced.
 
“Hunting, trapping and fishing opportunities in New York are fantastic
and DEC is committed to helping provide outdoor enthusiasts with
numerous recreational opportunities to enjoy the beauty of our state
throughout the year,” Commissioner Martens said. “DEC continually works
to make improvements to better serve the public and protect our natural
resources. Recently, we adopted a new deer management plan, we are
developing statewide management plans for black bear and furbearers, and
we continue our effort to build and upgrade boat launches.”
 
Licenses and permits can be purchased at one of DEC’s 1,500 licens

DEC Announces Leashed Tracking Dog Handler Examination

Wild White-tailed Deer and Black Bear List — 2012-07-27T15:08:43

NY Big Game,
 
 
DEC ANNOUNCES LEASHED TRACKING DOG HANDLER EXAMINATION

Exam Slated for August 24; Applications due August 17
 
The examination for individuals interested in obtaining a license to
use leashed tracking dogs to find wounded or injured big game animals is
scheduled for Friday, August 24, 2012 from 10:00 a.m. until noon at
designated New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
regional offices across the state, the agency announced today. The list
of Regional Offices can be found at:
http://www.dec.ny.gov/about/50230.html. 
 
The deadline for registering to take the exam is August 17.  A score of
80 percent or higher on the written exam and a valid New York State Big
Game hunting license are mandatory requirements for receiving a license.
There is a $50 license fee, and a $25 non-refundable processing fee
associated with the license, which expires five years from the date of
issuance.  

More information regarding the leashed tracking dog license can be
found at: http://www.dec.ny.g

DEC Adopts Changes for State Deer Hunting Regulations

Wild White-tailed Deer and Black Bear List — 2012-07-18T16:03:17

NY Big Game,
 
DEC issued the following news release late last week, announcing the
adoption of several regulation changes for deer and bear hunting.  These
changes are in effect now and will apply to the 2012 hunting seasons. 
For more detail, use the links in the press release to read the text of
the adopted regulations and DEC's assessment of the public comment we
received.
 
 
DEC ADOPTS CHANGES FOR STATE DEER HUNTING REGULATIONS
New Rules Include Longer Bow Seasons, Mandatory Antler Restrictions in
More Areas and Other Deer Hunting Changes
 
The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has adopted rules
affecting deer and bear hunting in New York, to implement certain
aspects of the state's Five-Year Deer Management Plan, Commissioner Joe
Martens announced.

“With these changes, DEC has started implementing several strategies of
the recently adopted Management Plan for White-tailed Deer,”
Commissioner Martens said. “Though the management plan addresses much
more than deer hunting, these chan

If you care, leave it there

Wild White-tailed Deer and Black Bear List — 2012-05-24T14:38:18

NY Big Game,
 
IF YOU CARE, LEAVE IT THERE
DEC Urges New Yorkers Not To Disturb Fawns and Other Young Wildlife
 
New Yorkers should keep their distance and not to disturb newborn fawns
or other young wildlife as many animals are in the peak season for
giving birth, the New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation (DEC) today cautioned. 
 
It is not unusual to see a young bird crouched in the yard or a young
rabbit in the flower garden, both apparently abandoned.  Finding a fawn
deer lying by itself is also fairly common.  Many people assume that
young wildlife found alone are helpless and need assistance for their
survival, however, in nearly all cases this is a mistake and typically
human interaction does more damage than good.  Those that see a fawn or
other newborn wildlife should enjoy their encounter but keep it brief,
maintain some distance and do not attempt to touch the animal.
 
Young wildlife quickly venture into the world on shaky legs or fragile
wings. While most are learning survival

DEC Proposes Changes to Deer Hunting Rules

Wild White-tailed Deer and Black Bear List — 2012-04-05T18:39:04

NY Big Game,

DEC has proposed rules affecting deer hunting to implement the state’s
Five-Year Deer Management Plan. Here is the press release to announce
the changes, followed by some additional links to more background
information.




“Regulation changes are needed to implement many of the strategies of
the recently adopted Management Plan for White-tailed Deer,”
Commissioner Martens said. “The changes to the deer hunting seasons,
mandatory antler restrictions, use of Deer Management Permits (DMPs),
and development of Deer Management Focus Areas will increase
opportunities for New York hunters, consistent with input we’ve received
from the public and deer management goals.” 

DEC adopted the five- year deer management plan in October 2011
following extensive public input and can be viewed at:
www.dec.ny.gov/docs/wildlife_pdf/deerplan2012.pdf. 

Comments previously submitted on the draft deer management plan were
important in finalizing the deer plan and developing this rulemaking
proposal. DEC

DEC Issues Guidance to Discourage Black Bear Encounters

Wild White-tailed Deer and Black Bear List — 2012-03-21T20:10:04

NY Big Game,

With the onset of warmer weather, New York’s black bear population will
be on the move. The New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation (DEC) today issued guidance on how to prevent nuisance bear
encounters. 

Black bears will take advantage of almost any readily available food
source, including bird feeders and garbage. To prevent encounters
between bears and humans, people should never intentionally feed bears
and should take every precaution to discourage bears from seeking out
food sources in neighborhoods and other residential areas.

Typically, black bears are timid and will avoid all contact with humans.
However, bears will become a nuisance and can cause significant damage
if they believe they can obtain an easy meal from bird feeders, garbage
cans, dumpsters, barbeque grills, tents, vehicles, out-buildings or
houses. 

It is not only illegal to intentionally feed bears, it is also illegal
to inadvertently feed them. Specifically, after written notice from DEC,
the inciden