The latest from ADKHunter…

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Half-way point, already: Gobbler season sure goes quick. It’s hard to believe this week we’ll cross the halfway point of spring turkey season. And, every day in the woods is different as the spring foliation period intensifies. While hunters are having some luck, many are reporting finding their toms “henned up,” especially early on in the morning. As I write this I just came out of the woods around 11 am. Driving down an Adirondack road, and through places I cannot hunt, I saw two toms, each traveling alone, and two solo hens as well. I drove up the road and tried to work one of the toms from a place I can hunt but it was to no avail.

Aside from more rainy weather, there is no real warm-up in the forecast for this week. Although the black flies are out, especially later in the morning, the weather has been on the cool side, which has made for some comfortable hunting. Good luck, keep at it, and send us a photo, especially of those Adirondack birds.

If you had some luck this weekend, especially in the North Country, please our congrats to you. Please feel free to send in a photo. Be sure to check out some interesting articles, videos and tips on the ADKHunter Facebook page. 

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

Read on for 2019 turkey, and 2018 deer hunting season reports… Continue reading →

Registration Coming May 10-12 for DEC’s First Time Camper Program

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As part of New York’s week-long celebration of Earth Day, the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) today announced that New York will once again provide free First-Time Camper weekends this summer. Families that have never camped before will have the opportunity to enjoy the popular outdoor activity and be provided equipment, guidance, and programs at select campgrounds.

 Interested New York residents can apply to participate in the First-Time Camper program by using an online sign-up form which enters them into an online lottery. The application period for the lottery selection process runs from May 10 to May 12. Eligible participants who apply for the lottery during that period will be randomly selected to fill first-time camper slots. Continue reading →

DEC ANNOUNCES MAY 1 OPENING OF SPRING TURKEY SEASON

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            New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced today that spring turkey season opens May 1,in all of Upstate New York north of the Bronx-Westchester County boundary. In addition, DEC’s annual youth turkey hunting weekend will take place on April 20-21. The youth turkey hunt for junior hunters ages 12-15 is open in all of Upstate New York and Suffolk County.
            Turkey hunters took an estimated 19,000 birds in New York during last year’s spring season. Of this number, an estimated 2,000 birds were taken by approximately 5,400 junior hunters during last year’s two-day, youth-only hunt. Poor turkey reproductive success in summer 2017 may mean that hunters see fewer adult gobblers this spring compared to last year, but this may be offset by opportunities for jakes resulting from improved reproductive success in 2018 and good overwinter survival.

Important Details for the Youth Turkey Hunt on April 20 and 21

  • Hunters 12-15 years of age are eligible and must hold a hunting license and a turkey permit;
  • Youth 12-13 years of age must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or adult over 21 years of age with written permission from their parent or legal guardian. Youth 14-15 years of age must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian or adult over 18 years of age with written permission from their parent or legal guardian;
  • The accompanying adult must have a current hunting license and turkey permit. The adult may assist the youth hunter, including calling, but may not carry a firearm, bow, or crossbow, or kill or attempt to kill a wild turkey during the youth hunt;
  • Shooting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise to noon each day;
  • The youth turkey hunt is open in all of upstate New York, north of the Bronx-Westchester County boundary and across Suffolk County;
  • The bag limit for the youth weekend is one bearded bird. This bird becomes part of the youth’s regular spring season bag limit of two bearded birds. A second bird may be taken only in upstate New York, north of the Bronx-Westchester County boundary, beginning May 1;
  • Crossbows may only be used by hunters age 14 or older; and
  • All other wild turkey hunting regulations remain in effect.

Continue reading →

2018 Deer Harvest Stats

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          Hunters in New York harvested an estimated 227,787 deer during the 2018-19 hunting seasons, approximately 12 percent more than the previous season, State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced today.

            The estimated deer take included 114,402 antlerless deer and 113,385 antlered bucks. Statewide, this represents a 20-percent increase in antlerless harvest and a five-percent increase in buck harvest from the last season.  The increase in antlerless harvest comes on the heels of a lower-than-desired antlerless harvest in 2017 and will help limit growth in areas with an overpopulation. Regionally, hunters took 28,642 deer in the Northern Zone and 199,145 deer in the Southern Zone. With nearly 60 percent of the adult buck harvest 2.5 years or older, hunters took an estimated 66,697 older bucks, setting another record in the percentage and total number of older bucks in the harvest.

          
           In addition, hunters increased the rate at which they reported their harvest in 2018, for the second year in a row.  Although harvest reporting is required by law, the portion of successful hunters who report their harvest has averaged around 45 percent for the past decade. Hunters have increased their reporting rates to 50 percent in 2017, and 51 percent in 2018. Along with DEC’s Take It · Tag It · Report It campaign, the agency has made the process of harvest reporting easier for hunters by providing phone, internet, and mobile app options. Harvest reports are critically important for accurate monitoring of deer harvests, and DEC hopes hunters continue to contribute to the management process by complying with the reporting requirements.

           DEC’s 2018 Deer Harvest Summary report (PDF) provides tables, charts, and maps detailing the deer harvest around the state. Past harvest summaries are available on DEC’s website.

Continue reading →

NYS Outdoorsmen Hall of Fame Honors North Country Sportsmen

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The New York State Outdoorsmen Hall of Fame proudly announces that it has inducted 11 new members for 2019. Selection for the Outdoorsmen Hall of Fame does not represent individual achievement, but rather service to the causes of conservation or outdoor sports. The NYSOHOF is an organization dedicated to honoring those individuals who have spent many years preserving our outdoor heritage, working for conservation, or enhancing our outdoor sports for future generations.

All of these outstanding individuals, and others, will be recognized at the NYSOHOF Annual Banquet at Theodores Restaurant in Canastota on Saturday, April 27, 2019. Family and friends are invited to join in this evening of celebration. Registration and social hour will begin at 5 p.m. and dinner will be served promptly at 6 p.m.  For reservations call 315-829-3588 or e-mail sfcf@tds.net by April 21. Continue reading →

Hearing Held on Bill to Modernize Pittman-Robertson Act

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(Washington, D.C.) – On March 26, 2019, the Water, Oceans and Wildlife Sub-Committee of the House Committee on Natural Resources, led by chairman Jared Huffman (CA-02), held a hearing that included H.R. 877: Modernizing the Pittman-Robertson Fund for Tomorrow’s Needs Act.

In late January 2019, Congressman Austin Scott (GA-08) introduced H.R. 877 with the bipartisan Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus leadership  Rep. Marc Veasey (TX-33), Rep. Debbie Dingell (MI-12), and Rep. Richard Hudson (NC-08). H.R. 877 would allow state fish and wildlife agencies to address the declining number of hunters by using existing funds from the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Fund (PR) to increase hunting opportunities. H.R. 887 would also clarify that one of the purposes of these funds is to provide financial and technical assistance to the states for hunter and recreational shooter recruitment, retention, and reactivation (R3); hunter education programs; and the education of the public on the contributions that hunters and recreational shooters make toward wildlife conservation. This provides the states with the same flexibility they already have for working with anglers and boaters and for aquatic resources education work. Continue reading →

DEC: Be Careful in the Backcountry

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The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is alerting those planning to hike in the Catskills and Adirondacks be prepared. Safety and preparedness are extremely important for winter conditions and are essential for a more enjoyable and safer experience. DEC encourages hikers to be prepared when entering trails in the backcountry and be sure to have proper clothing and equipment for snow, ice, and cold.

DEC recommends visitors to the backcountry carry snowshoes and use them when snow depths warrant. Snowshoes or skis ease travel on snow and prevent “post holing,” which can ruin trails and cause sudden falls resulting in injuries. Snowshoes (or skis) are required on all trails in the High Peaks Wilderness and should be used on all trails in the surrounding wildernesses. Ice crampons and traction devices should be carried for use on icy portions of the trails including summits and other exposed areas.

Blowdown (fallen trees, limbs, and branches) may be present on the trails in some locations. Deep snow may also cause hikers to lose the trail. Be prepared to turn back if blowdown and deep snow are extensive.

Traveling through snow takes more energy and time than hiking the same distance, especially in freshly fallen snow. Plan trips accordingly. Avalanche danger also increases during and immediately after major snowfalls and during thaws.

DEC reminds backcountry winter recreationists to take the following precautions when traveling in avalanche-prone terrain: 

  • Stay on trails and avoid steep slopes on summits;
  • Know the terrain, weather, and snow conditions;
  • Dig multiple snow pits to conduct stability tests – do not rely on other people’s data;
  • Practice safe route finding and safe travel techniques;
  • Never ski, board, or climb with someone above or below you – only one person on the slope at a time;
  • Ski and ride near trees – not in the center of slides or other open areas;
  • Always carry shovel, probes, and transceiver with fresh batteries;
  • Ensure all members of the group know avalanche rescue techniques;
  • Never travel alone; and
  • Notify someone about where you are going. 

The DEC Adirondack Backcountry Information web page provides current trail condition information and links to current weather, snow cover and other important information to help ensure a safe and enjoyable Adirondack backcountry winter experience.

Additional information on avalanche danger, preparedness, and safety precautions and hiking safety.

NY Dove Hunting on DEC’s ten-year pheasant plan

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Pheasants have existed in parts of New York since 1892. By the 1920s wild, breeding populations of pheasants were successfully established across the state. The state propagation program began in 1910. A commitment was made to continue the State’s pheasant management programs when sporting license fees were increased for the 2009-10 license year and beyond.
 
The DEC has followed the Environmental Regulations that affect the Pheasant Plan. The DEC pheasant propagation program was specifically described on page 13 of its 1980 programmatic EIS (Environmental Impact Statement) on game species management, and in section 10 of a supplemental SEQR (State Environmental Quality Review) findings prepared in 1994. In 2010, the pheasant plan update concluded that it was a Type II action under SEQR regulations (6 NYCRR 618.2), so no specific environmental assessment was prepared.
 
Pheasant management has been guided by three previous pheasant plans, the first adopted in 1979, the second in 1999, and the last plan adopted in 2010. A new plan will be adopted in 2020. This plan, like the others, will guide the Pheasant Program for 10 years, (2020 through 2030), provided funding and other resources do not change.
 
The 2010 Plan included many changes to New York’s Pheasant Program. Fortunately, the DEC developed a very sound plan and most of the changes were wise. Nevertheless, it cannot be assumed that the 2020 plan will be favorable. If the DEC follows the same timeline and system you (might) receive a preliminary “Issues Statement” in Late April of 2019. You will be given instructions and a deadline to meet if you choose to give feedback. If you do, follow the instructions so that your response is deemed substantive. Next, the availability of revised draft plan (might) be announced in late September via press release, the Environmental Notice Bulletin (ENB), and posting on the DEC website, with comments due back around November. Look for these announcements if you want to weigh in. As always: the INSTRUCTIONS may say to keep your comments relevant to something specific, if you want the DEC to consider your comments substantive; then follow their directions. We want to point out and emphasize, that we do not wait for the DEC to solicit public comment when we want something improved. As a matter of fact, we will be sending them this, around the same time you receive it. However – when there is instructions with public comment requests, we follow them.
 
Many well-reasoned changes that resulted in substantial improvements to the Pheasant Plan were made in the 2010 revision that the DEC Pheasant Plan Revision Team should be commended for. However, there were three changes we did not support:

… read the rest of the article here:
https://thebirdhuntingsociety.weebly.com/nys-dec-2020-2030-pheasant-plan.html

Archery In Schools on the rise in NY

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More than 600 students from 32 schools across New York competed in the 11th annual National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) tournament at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse on Friday, March 15. The program encourages youth to participate in outdoor activities and specifically the sport of archery, with the New York’s competition winners moving on to a national tournament this spring.

The event hosted 47 teams of students in one of three divisions: High School, grades 9-12; Middle School, grades 6-8; and Elementary School, grades 4-5. Awards are given out in each of the three divisions for first through 10th places. Individuals who place in the Top 10 in their division, and teams that place first in each of the three divisions, qualify to compete and represent New York State at the NASP tournament held in Louisville, Kentucky, in May.

More than four million students at 8,500 schools in 47 states and five countries have participated in NASP. Since New York implemented the Archery in Schools program in 2008, more than 400 schools and 40,000 students have participated. Last year’s state competition drew 485 students from 25 school districts across New York, and a brief video of last year’s tournament can be viewed on DEC’s YouTube page.

The NASP initiative is a great way to introduce young people to archery and serves as a potential conduit to becoming interested in hunting and the outdoors. Educators report that NASP inspires students of all athletic abilities to greater academic achievement. DEC has facilitated the statewide program since its inception, helping schools to start and run their programs, training instructors and staff on teaching methods, and facilitating the collection of equipment for start-up programs.

For more information on how schools can become involved, visit DEC’s website. 

Here’s a list of the results: https://nasptournaments.org/TournamentDetail.aspx?tid=4364

A list of participating schools by county:

Warren:  JOHNSBURG CENTRAL SCHOOL

Fulton:  MAYFIELD CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

Essex:  SCHROON LAKE CENTRAL SCHOOL

Franklin:  TUPPER LAKE MIDDLE HIGH SCHOOL

Lewis:  GLENFIELD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Lewis:  HARRISVILLE CENTRAL SCHOOL

Lewis:  PORT LEYDEN ELEMENTARY

Lewis:  SOUTH LEWIS CENTRAL SCHOOL

Herkimer:  LITTLE FALLS CITY SCHOOL

Herkimer:  MOHAWK VALLEY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

Continue reading →

New York Hunters Took 1,295 Black Bears During 2018 Hunting Seasons

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     New York State bear hunters took 1,295 black bears during the 2018 hunting seasons, state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced.  A complete summary of the 2018 bear harvest with results and maps by county, town, and WMU is available on DEC’s website.

     In total, hunters took an estimated 491 bears in the Northern Zone, about 25 percent more than 2017 and within the historical average range. Northern Zone hunters took about 45 percent fewer bears during the Northern Zone regular season in 2018 than in 2017. Bear take during the early season was particularly strong, however, with a nearly three-fold increase over 2017 and a 50-percent increase over the five-year average. 

       Hunters took an estimated 804 black bears in New York’s Southern Zone in 2018, approximately 20 percent fewer than 2017 and the recent five-year average. With reduced natural forage for bears this past fall and deep snows in mid-November prior to the regular firearms season, many bears went into dens a few weeks earlier than normal. As a result, although bear take through the early season and bow season was comparable to 2017, take during the regular season declined by more than 40 percent from 2017.

           Comparably, 

 
2018 Total
2017 Total
Recent
5-year Average (2013-2017)
Northern Zone
491
383
476
Southern Zone
804
1,037
1,056
Statewide
1,295
1,420
1,532

Notable Numbers

  • One bear harvested per 3.2 square miles. By DEC Wildlife Management Unit (WMU), the greatest bear harvest density occurred in WMU 3C which mainly covers Ulster County and includes portions of Sullivan and Greene counties. The town of Kingston in Ulster County (WMU 3C) yielded one bear for every 1.5 square miles;
  • 80: the greatest number of bears reported taken on any one day. It happened on November 17 – the opening day of the regular firearms season in the Southern Zone;
  • 585 pounds: the heaviest dressed weight bear reported to DEC in 2018, taken in the town of Shandaken, Ulster County. A 550-pound dressed weight bear was reported taken in Marbletown, Ulster County, and six bears were reported with dressed weights between 400-500 pounds. Scaled weights of dressed bears were submitted for 23 percent of bears taken in 2018.
  • Six: the number of tagged bears reported in the 2018 harvest. These included one bear originally tagged in Pennsylvania and two from New Jersey. The remainder were originally tagged in New York for a variety of reasons, including research, nuisance response, relocated urban bears, or released rehabilitated bears.
  • 767: the number of hunter-killed bears from which DEC collected teeth for age analysis in 2018. Hunters who reported their harvest and submitted a tooth for age analysis will receive a 2018 Black Bear Management Cooperator Patch. Results of the age analysis is expected to be available by September 2019.
  • Nine percent: the proportion of bears taken by non-resident hunters. Successful non-resident bear hunters hailed from 19 states, the farthest being Washington.

             DEC’s harvest estimates rely on successful hunters reporting their harvest. For more information on game harvest reporting, visit DEC’s website.