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

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

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

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

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

2011 deer and bear harvests

Wild White-tailed Deer and Black Bear List — 2012-03-01T19:45:26

NY Big Game, 

2011 deer and bear harvests are now available. See the press release
below. The full harvest summaries are available as PDF documents at
www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/42232.html.





DEC: RECORD BEAR HARVEST AND STEADY DEER TAKE IN 2011

Hunters in New York State harvested more than 228,350 deer and 1,250
bears during the 2011 hunting seasons, New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Joe Martens announced
today. The deer take nearly matched the 2010 deer take while a new
record was set for the bear harvest in southern New York. 

“Deer and bear hunting are long-standing traditions in New York,
providing a valuable source of food and a means of shared recreation for
many families,” Commissioner Martens said. “Throughout the state,
hunters play a crucial role by helping to maintain healthy and
ecologically sound deer and bear populations.”

Deer Harvest

The 2011 deer take varied less than one percent from the 2010 take
statewide. In 2011, hunters took slightl

2011 TIES FOR SAFEST YEAR IN NEW YORK HUNTING HISTORY

Wild White-tailed Deer and Black Bear List — 2012-02-01T16:18:39

NY Big Game,
 
The 2011 hunting season tied 2009 for New York State’s safest year of
hunting on record based on the number of hunting-related shooting
incidents. 
 
“Hunting is a tradition in New York state that continues to be safely
enjoyed by many” said DEC Commissioner Joe Martens. “New York has an
extremely safety-conscious generation of hunters thanks largely to more
than 60 years of dedicated efforts of 3,000 volunteer Sportsman
Education Instructors. All first-time hunters are required to attend a
comprehensive hunter safety course of a minimum of 10 hours taught by
DEC’s highly-trained instructors. Their hard work is paying off.” 
 
In the 2011 hunting seasons, 26 personal injury hunting-related
shooting incidents were reported and unfortunately included four
fatalities. All of the fatalities occurred during the regular deer
season, one of which was self-inflicted. 
 
The hunter safety courses stress safe practices and ethics, along with
information on New York’s game species and their

DEC Amends Chronic Wasting Disease Regulations in Response to Maryland Discovery

Wild White-tailed Deer and Black Bear List — 2012-01-11T15:41:42

NY Big Game,
 
For Release: IMMEDIATE         Tuesday, January 10, 2012                                                                                        

 
DEC Amends Chronic Wasting Disease Regulations in Response to Maryland Discovery
 
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has revised its Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) regulations to prohibit the importation of certain parts of white-tailed deer taken in the state of Maryland effective immediately, DEC Commissioner Joe Martens announced today. 
 
The first case of CWD in the state of Maryland was confirmed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources last year. In response, DEC has amended its CWD regulations to prohibit the importation of the following parts of deer taken in Maryland: brain, eyes, spinal cord, tonsils, intestinal tract, spleen or retropharyngeal lymph nodes.
 
"Hunters who take a deer in Maryland must butcher the animal and remove the prohibited parts before entering New York State," Commissioner Mart

2011 Deer and Bear Harvest Update

Wild White-tailed Deer and Black Bear List — 2011-12-09T21:40:54

NY Big Game,

This weekend brings the final days of deer hunting in the Northern Zone and the final days of the Southern Zone regular seasons. Muzzleloader and late bow seasons for deer and bear in the Southern Zone will begin Monday, Dec. 12 and continue through Tuesday, Dec. 20. 

It has been an interesting season with generally mild conditions all around, but now with a little snow finally on the ground in many upstate areas, this weekend could be productive for a lot of hunters. Of course, you can't fill your tags if you're not in the woods.

As it stands now, deer harvest reports seem to be on par with last year at this time. We started out with reported deer take through mid-November running about 5% less than last year. Then reports during the first week of the Southern Zone regular season were slow, near 20% less than the opening week in 2010. But hunters did well Thanksgiving week, and currently reports are tracking very close to reported take in 2010. At this point, we are just tracking harvest rep

DEC Announces Nov. 19 Opening of Southern Zone Deer and Bear Hunting Seasons

Wild White-tailed Deer and Black Bear List — 2011-11-15T18:46:36

NY Big Game,
 
The 2011 regular deer and bear hunting seasons open at sunrise on
Saturday, Nov. 19 in New York's Southern Zone, New York State Department
of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Joe Martens announced
today. The two big game seasons close at sunset on Sunday, Dec. 11.  
 
“Hunters provide a valuable public service by keeping deer and bear
populations in check. Regulated hunting is the most effective and
efficient tool to maintain wildlife populations at levels that are
compatible with our communities and natural resources,” Commissioner
Martens said.  “We expect deer harvests to be up slightly from last
year, and with expanded bear hunting opportunities in the Southern Zone,
big game hunters should have an exciting season.”
 
The Southern Zone regular deer season is New York’s most popular
hunting season, with participation from about 85 percent of New York’s
560,000 licensed deer hunters. Harvest during this season accounts for
nearly 60 percent of the total statewide de

Leftover DMPs available beginning November 1; Bonus permits also available

Wild White-tailed Deer and Black Bear List — 2011-10-31T19:28:36

NY Big Game,
 
Leftover DMPs
In some Wildlife Management Units (WMUs), we issued Deer Management Permits (DMPs) to all applicants during the initial application period, but the DMP target was still not reached.  In these units, we will re-open the application process for leftover DMPs beginning tomorrow, November 1, 2011.   Leftover DMPs are available for the following Wildlife Management Units (WMUs): 1C, 3M, 3R, 3S, 7H, 8A, 8F, 8G, 8H, 8J, 8N, 9A, and 9F.
Hunters may apply for up to 2 additional DMPs in these WMUs.
Applications are accepted at license issuing outlets only.  You cannot apply by phone, mail or on-line.
DMPs are issued on a first-come / first-serve basis until the desired target is reached in each unit.
See www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/6399.html for additional details.
Bonus DMPs
Also, DEC continues to offer Bonus DMPs to successful hunters in WMUs 1C, 3S, 4J, and 8C.  New this year, DEC will also be offering Bonus DMPs in WMU 9A.  
Bonus DMPs are available to hunters who take an antlerless deer on