NYS 2020-21 HUNTING AND TRAPPING LICENSES GO ON SALE AUG. 10 

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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced today that hunting and trapping licenses and Deer Management Permits (DMPs) for the 2020-2021 season will go on sale Monday, August 10.  Licenses and permits can be purchased at any one of DEC’s license-issuing agents, by telephone at 866-933-2257, or online (leaves DEC website). The new hunting and trapping licenses are valid from Sept. 1, 2020 through Aug. 31, 2021, while annual fishing licenses are valid for 365 days from date of purchase. 

New York’s habitat serves a vital role in maintaining healthy and sustainable fish and wildlife resources. Purchasing a hunting or trapping license helps to support DEC’s important conservation projects and ensures the future of natural resources for generations to come. DEC also encourages outdoor enthusiasts to consider purchasing a Habitat & Access Stamp each year. Funds from the $5 Habitat & Access Stamp support projects to conserve habitat and improve public access for fish-and-wildlife-related activities. This year’s Habitat & Access Stamp features a northern leopard frog. Last year’s Habitat & Access Stamp featuring a bull moose was the most popular stamp in DEC history, with more than 25,000 sold. 

Deer Management Permits (DMPs) 
DMPs are available at all license-issuing outlets, by phone, or online through Oct. 1, 2020. DMPs are used to manage the deer herd and are issued through an instant random selection process at the point of sale. The chances of obtaining a DMP remain the same throughout the application period; hunters need not rush to apply. The 2020 chances of selection for a DMP in each Wildlife Management Unit are available online, through license issuing agents, or by calling the DMP Hotline at 1-866-472-4332. Detailed information on Deer Management Permits and this fall’s Deer Season Forecast is available on DEC’s website. 

The new Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide, which provides an easy-to-read compendium of all pertinent rules and regulations, is available on the DEC Hunting Regulations webpage. A summary of hunting and trapping regulations is currently available at license issuing agents, and copies of the full hunting and trapping regulations guide will be available at license issuing agents beginning Sept. 1. 

 

Expanded Call Center Hours 
Beginning Aug. 10, the DEC Call Center is accessible from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays through Oct. 1. Regular call cener weekday hours will resume on Oct. 2. Continue reading →

The latest from ADKHunter…

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The Countdown Begins: With hunting licenses going on sale soon that means we are counting the days until hunting season. If you hunt small game and geese, Sept. 1 is on your calendar. Early bear season in the Adirondacks is Sept. 19; grouse season is Sept. 20; and, early archery for deer is Sept. 27. Just as spring turkey season was a reprieve from the COVID-19 situation, our Adirondack hunting seasons – and those throughout New York – should be as well. They can’t come soon enough. 

For now, there seems to be a lot of critters out there, especially woodchucks and bear activity is picking up in the Adirondacks. Want to find a bear hunting spot, then follow the news reports with an ear towards camping areas. Also, check out the new DECALS landing page, which DEC continues to update: https://decals.licensing.east.kalkomey.com. Here, you can buy a sporting licenses (hunting, trapping coming soon), purchase a Habitat Stamp, or even donate to the Conservation Fund and Venison Donation Coalition. 

Meanwhile, New York Outdoor News is surely keeping me busy. Gathering, editing and publishing news items from the outdoor world is interesting beyond my imagination and in the professional world there’s been little time for anything else.

As for the status of ADKHunter, we’re keeping things going for now and plan to going forward. Some things may change as we try to streamline a few tasks as fall approaches, but we’ll talk more about that later. Meanwhile enjoy the summer, stay safe and get outside. The mountains are waiting.

-Dan’l 

ADKHunter’s Facebook page  •  Buck’s Blog in NY Outdoor News

This August: Help Survey Wild Turkeys

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Since 1996, DEC has conducted the Summer Wild Turkey Sighting Survey to track wild turkey populations and estimate the number of wild turkey poults (young of the year) per hen statewide. Weather, predation, and habitat conditions during breeding and brood-rearing seasons can significantly impact nest success, hen survival, and poult survival. This index allows DEC to gauge reproductive success and predict fall harvest potential.   

During August, survey participants record the sex and age composition of all flocks of wild turkeys observed during normal travel. Those interested in participating can download a  form directly on DEC’s website at Summer Wild Turkey Sighting Survey form (PDF) along with instructions and the data sheet. Survey cards can be obtained by contacting regional DEC offices, calling (518) 402-8883, or e-mailing wildlife@dec.ny.gov (type “Turkey Survey” in the subject line). Participants can also submit observations on-line. Visit the DEC website and click “Summer Wild Turkey Sighting On-line Report” or go directly to this link for the Summer Wild Turkey Sighting Survey.

Licensed Guides Exam Updates

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The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced that the Licensed Guides exam for anyone currently registered is now scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 1.  This exam will be offered to all applicants that previously signed up to take the exam. Out of an abundance of caution and to limit the community spread of COVID-19, DEC previously postponed examinations scheduled in March, April, May, and June. Exams for new applicants will be held Sept. 17, 2020.

The licensing of outdoor guides is administered by DEC Forest Rangers. New York State Environmental Conservation Law requires DEC to publish a list of guides. A list of current New York State Licensed Guides is available on-line. Applicants do not need to be a resident of New York State to receive a guide’s license.

A guide is a person, at least 18 years of age, who offers services for hire, part or all of which includes directing, instructing, or aiding another in fishing, hunting, camping, hiking, whitewater rafting/canoeing/kayaking, or rock and ice climbing.

The Aug. 1 exam will be held in outdoor pavilions at the below locations:

  • DEC Region 3 Office, 21 South Putt Corners Road, New Paltz, NY 12561-1696 – Google Maps
  • DEC Region 5 Office, 232 Golf Course Road, Warrensburg, NY 12885 – Google Maps
  • Birdseye Park, Bradford County, County Road 96, Bradford, NY (Steuben County)

 

DEC will offer exams for new applicants interested in the Licensed Guide Program on Sept. 17, 2020, at select DEC Regional Offices. New applicants interested in taking the Licensed Guide Program exam can download the application from DEC’s website directly.

For more information on DEC’s Licensed Guide Program, visit DEC’s website or contact Colleen Kayser with the NYS DEC Forest Rangers at 518-402-8838.

Online Bowhunter Education Now Available

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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos  announced that a new online bowhunter education certification course opens today, July 15, 2020. A bowhunter education course is required for all hunters who use a bow and arrow to hunt deer or bear.  All hunters must also complete a mandatory hunter education course before purchasing a hunting license.

To take the online course and receive a bowhunter education certificate, you must be a New York State resident. The cost of the course is $30. The course can be accessed at https://www.bowhunter-ed.com/newyork/. The online course will be available through August 31, 2020.

All in-person bowhunter education courses have been cancelled this year during the State’s ongoing response to COVID-19. The online course provides an opportunity for new archery hunters to get their required bowhunter education certificates before the fall hunting seasons begin. Since the April 15 launch of DEC’s new online hunter education course, more than 30,000 people have completed the course. Nearly 70 percent of those completing the online course are 21 or over, and almost 40 percent are women.

DEC’s Hunter Education Program is partnering with Kalkomey Enterprises, a company that specializes in hunter education, to offer online courses that can be completed in six to eight hours. The online course covers all the topics of the traditional in-person course including bow safety, tree stand safety, hunting ethics, wildlife conservation, and New York State hunting laws and regulations.

Students who successfully complete the online bowhunter education course and pass the final exam will receive their bowhunter education certificate. The course is available to individuals aged 11 years and older, but only those 12 or older may purchase a hunting license. Students can complete the courses from a computer, tablet, or smart phone at any time.

State Acquires Several Parcels in/near North and Western Adirondacks

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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos has announced the acquisition of several parcels totaling 662 acres in St. Lawrence, Oneida, and Lewis counties to enhance public access to a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking, fishing, snowmobiling, and hunting, as well as to protect critical wetlands and forests in the region. The acquisition was made possible through cumulative investments of $666,800 from the state Environmental Protection Fund (EPF).

St. Lawrence County Parcels : DEC worked with The Conservation Fund to purchase 293 acres in the town of Hopkinton on State Route 72, known as the Schisler Tract. This $227,000 acquisition using EPF funding creates opportunities in the Whiskey Flats State Forest for sustainable forestry and public recreation such as hunting, hiking, and fishing for species like brook trout in Rosenbarker Brook.

Also in the town of Clifton, DEC acquired the former site of a large log cabin and boat house on Dead Creek Flow built in the late 1880s and known as Tramps Retreat for $131,400. Tramps Retreat frequently hosted prominent figures of the day including Frederick Remington, Irving Bacheller, and Governor Roswell Flower.  The building was destroyed by fire in 1957. This 11-acre acquisition in a remote part of Cranberry Lake where development is limited supports efforts to preserve the area’s natural character. The parcel is bounded by Cranberry Lake Wild Forest in the Forest Preserve and includes 600 feet of frontage on the lake.

An additional 34-acre parcel purchased for $19,500 in the town of Madrid will consolidate Sodom State Forest. This area offers hunting and trapping opportunities and provides critical wetland protection.

Oneida County Parcel: The state’s acquisition of 324 acres in the town of Western for $272,500 connects Buck Hill and Clark Hill state forests. This beautiful natural area serves as an important connectivity corridor for wildlife movement between the Tug Hill Plateau and the Adirondacks. The public will have access to hiking trails that lead to beautiful vistas and hunting opportunities.

Lewis County Parcel: DEC invested $16,400 for a public access easement over the 2,800-foot-long Fall Brook Access Road in the town of Osceola. The easement provides public access to the west portion of the 30,000-acre East Branch Fish Creek easement lands from North Osceola Road over Fall Brook. The opportunities to fish for brook trout are abundant and this route also serves as the main snowmobile corridor between Oswego and Lewis counties and points east.

DEC launching new version of DECALS

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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced the launch of the State’s new system for the sale of fishing, hunting, and trapping licenses. The new DEC Automated Licensing System (DECALS)includes user-friendly information to help users locate vendors, receive instant copies of a license, enter and view harvest information, and more. 

As the system’s new features are updated, additional functionality launching on DECALS will include: 

  • Events calendar with upcoming season dates, youth hunts, free fishing days and clinics, and more;
  • Full integration with DEC’s Hunter Education Program enabling users to more easily register for courses and automatically update certifications; and
  • Auto-renewal options for all annual licenses.

 

Users can access DECALS by phone and online. New York State’s 1,100 license issuing agents are expected to be up and running on the new DECALS system soon, so contact local agents before heading out to purchase licenses in person. Call DEC’s customer service hotline (866-933-2257) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or go to the DECALS website and buy licenses online.

Please note that previous DECALS logins will not work in the new system. To access current accounts, click on the ‘Sign Up’ link on the new DECALS website and use date of birth and DEC customer ID number or a driver’s license number to locate existing files and create a new login. Please call DEC’s customer service line at 866-933-2257 with any questions.

The new system is developed and supported by Kalkomey, a company that specializes in outdoor recreation and education web applications. Kalkomey currently provides hunter education classes for 46 states, including New York, as well as in Canada, New Zealand, and Australia. DEC recently announced the success of Kalkomey’s online hunter and bowhunter safety courses for New York State, which allow new hunters to take classes online during the State’s response to COVID-19. Nearly 28,000 men, women, and children have taken the course to date, which was extended through Aug. 31, 2020.

Students who successfully complete the online courses and pass the final exam will receive their hunter education certificate or bowhunter education certificate. The courses are available to individuals 11 and older, but only those 12 or older may purchase a hunting license. Students can complete the courses from a computer, tablet, or smart phone at any time. Visit DEC’s Hunter Education Program page to learn more or to sign up.

To take and receive a hunter education certificate or bowhunter education certificate through the online course, participants must be New York State residents. The cost of the hunter education course is $19.95 and the cost for the bowhunter education course is $30. Both courses can be accessed at DEC’s website. The online courses will be available through Aug. 31, 2020.

DEC RELEASES INTERIM REPORT FROM HIGH PEAKS STRATEGIC PLANNING ADVISORY GROUP

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The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today released the High Peaks Strategic Planning Advisory Group’s (HPAG) Immediate Action Recommendations Report, DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos announced today. The report includes proposed actions that DEC and its State and local partners could undertake, pending available funding and continued partnership, to promote sustainable use of the Adirondacks High Peaks and protect this resource.  

HPAG determined early in the process of developing recommendations for managing increased use in High Peaks region of the Adirondacks that it was necessary to develop recommendations for immediate actions for DEC and its State and local partners to undertake this summer. This became of greater importance with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The HPAG’s Interim Report is available at DEC’s website.  

Interim Report recommendations include the following: 

  1. Parking Enforcement
  2. Human Waste Management at Trailheads
  3. Education and Messaging
  4. Shuttle and Electric Powered-Shuttles (e-shuttles)
  5. Leave No Trace Measures
  6. Trail Assessments, Maintenance, and Funding
  7. Data Collection and Visitor Information
  8. Limits on Use

 

DEC and its State and local partners are already acting on many of the recommendations to improve public safety and sustainably manage use of some of the High Peaks’ busiest trailheads during the summer months. Proposed actions include:

  1. Establishing an independent visitor information group to provide relevant data and analysis to the State and stakeholders;
  2. Strictly enforcing parking regulations with an increased presence of New York State Police and DEC Forest Rangers and Environmental Conservation Police Officers on State Route 73 and other roads;
  3. Educating hikers on social distancing and the use of face masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Forest Rangers, Assistant Forest Rangers, and Trailhead Stewards are taking the lead on these efforts;
  4. Reducing the parking capacity at AMR lots at Roaring Brook Falls to 28 vehicles and the Rooster Comb Parking Lot by 50 percent;
  5. Advising motorists about limited trailhead parking and closures using electronic variable messaging boards and additional signage on I-87 and Route 73, social media, and additional outreach; 
  6. Working with area municipalities to coordinate human waste management; and
  7. Using social media and other platforms to educate hikers about the seven principles of Leave No Trace (LNT) while hiking.

The interim report and summaries of HPAG meetings are available on the DEC High Peaks Strategic Planning Advisory Group webpage.

The public is encouraged to assist in this effort by submitting comments to Info.R5@dec.ny.gov.

Moose News – Summer 2000

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DEC Seeking Reports of Moose Sightings

(6/12) DEC is asking the public to report moose sightings as part of ongoing efforts to monitor moose distribution in New York. Most of New York’s moose live in the Adirondacks, but we also have moose in portions of eastern New York along the border with Vermont and Massachusetts. Occasionally, moose are seen in southeastern New York and the Catskills — these are generally single animals that have dispersed from other areas in New York, Connecticut or Massachusetts. In 2019, the public reported 447 moose observations to DEC.

Moose are the largest land mammal in the state. Bulls weigh from 600 to 1,200 pounds and stand up to six feet tall at the shoulder. Cows weigh anywhere from 500 to 800 pounds. Moose are primarily browsers, feeding on the leaves, twigs and buds of hardwood and softwood trees and shrubs. An adult moose eats 40 to 60 pounds of browse every day. Favored plant species include willows, birches, maples, balsam fir, viburnums, aspen, and mountain ash. In the summer, when most moose sightings occur, moose feed heavily on aquatic plants in ponds and wetlands, wading into the water and reaching beneath the surface for plants.

Many moose sightings also occur along roadways. Drive cautiously at dusk and dawn as moose can be hard to spot due to their dark color. If you see a moose, do not block traffic and remember to respect wildlife by keeping quiet and viewing from a distance.

Please report your moose observations using DEC’s online form, and share your moose encounters with us by emailing photos to wildlife@dec.ny.gov.