The 2011 regular deer and bear hunting seasons opened at sunrise on Saturday, November 19, in New York’s Southern Zone. The two big game seasons close at sunset on Sunday, December 11.
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 deer harvest. The remainder occurs in the Northern Zone, on Long Island and during special seasons when only archery or muzzleloading firearms may be used.
Following the regular deer and bear seasons in the Southern Zone, late bowhunting and muzzleloading seasons will open at sunrise on Monday, December 12, and close at sunset on Tuesday, December 20. Hunters taking part in these special seasons must possess either bowhunting or muzzleloading privileges.
New Bear Hunting Areas
Bear hunting has been expanded in eastern New York to now include the counties east of the Hudson River from Westchester County north to Washington County and is open during the same time periods as deer hunting.
Crossbows
Crossbows may be used during the regular deer and bear hunting seasons and during the late muzzleloading seasons. See DEC’s website for more information:www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/68802.html
Black Bear Tooth Collection
Successful bear hunters are asked to submit a tooth of their bear so DEC can age the bear and monitor bear population dynamics. See the bear tooth collection website for instructions at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/45598.html.
Harvest Reporting
Hunters are required to report their harvest of deer and bear within seven days. Failure to report harvested deer or bear is a violation of NYS Environmental Conservation Law. Hunters may report via an online reporting system (www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/8316.html) or by calling the toll-free automated reporting system at 1-866-GAME-RPT (1-866-426-3778).
Venison Donation
Hunters are encouraged to participate in the Venison Donation program. By filing your permits and donating your deer, you help accomplish the needed deer management and you can feed less fortunate families. For more information: www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/8351.html.
Trespass
Property owners who have problems with trespassers should contact DEC’s tip line (24/7) at 1-800-847-7332. For information about posting property against trespass see www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/8371.html.
Although safety-conscious hunters have significantly reduced the number of firearms-related injuries, studies show that individuals wearing hunter orange clothing are seven times less likely to be injured than hunters who do not wear the bright fluorescent color. Hunters are encouraged to review hunting safety tips (www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/9186.html) and pay attention to basic firearm safety rules to avoid hunting related shooting incidents, such as:
• point your gun in a safe direction;
• treat every gun as if it were loaded;
• be sure of your target and beyond;
• keep your finger off the trigger until
ready to shoot, and
• remember to wear hunter orange.