The latest from ADKHunter…

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October Lull?: That’s what some folks call it but it could it be that the quiet week we’ve had in the deer woods can be attributed to warm, wet weather? This hunter has been out on the back 40 (back 20, actually) every morning this week with the muzzleloader and deer activity seems to have shut down. Trail cams are quiet too, even at night. Some hunters, including our group, had some luck during the black powder weekend, which was also warm. The rain, however, has brought down some leaves and brought some much needed water to streams and small ponds. Opening day is supposed to be warm, but things are expected to be a little cooler in the days that follow. Not hearing much about buck sign, other than a few rubs and scrapes here and there. Good luck this opening weekend! 

We have an exciting feature in New York Outdoor News this fall and that is long-time NYON contributing writer Oak Duke’s NYON 2020 Rut Tracker, which begins with the Oct. 16 issue and should be in subscriber mailboxes and on newsstands (where available) any day. This is only available in our print product, not online, so if you’re not a subscriber now is a good time to consider getting on board. Oak’s Rut Tracker will also be in the Oct. 30, Nov. 13 and Nov. 27 editions where he’ll analyze each phase of the whitetail rut and offer some hunting tips. For the last two weeks of October, it’s about food and breeding scrapes as the Halloween blue moon approaches. 

Good luck out there with the crossbow and smokepole, and let us know what you’re seeing in the Adirondack woods. 

Dan’l 

ADKHunter’s Facebook page

2020 Hunting Photos

Buck’s Blog in NY Outdoor News

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. There may be some delays in processing things such as photos, but we will do our best to keep up. 

Previous Reports

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New Trail in Cedarlands Conservation Easement Tract – Hamilton County

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The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced that a 0.3-mile trail has been completed in the Cedarlands Conservation Easement Tract, located in the town of Long Lake, Hamilton County. The trail connects the public parking lot with a canoe put-in on the northeast shore of Mud Pond, providing a shorter route to the pond and easier access to three primitive campsites established on the easement earlier this year. 

Two campsites are located on the east side of Mud Pond and one on the north shore. The tent-only sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be reserved. Designated sites are marked with a yellow “Camp Here” disc. The 590-acre Mud Pond Area, which is open to public use year-round, also offers hiking, biking, paddling, fishing, hunting, and winter recreation opportunities. Campers and other visitors to the Cedarlands Conservation Easement are reminded to carry out what they carry in, be careful with campfires, and follow the seven Principles of Leave No Trace. 

The 4,890-acre Cedarlands Conservation Easement Tract features two water bodies, Mud Pond and McRorie Lake (previously known as Rock Pond), and two prominent mountains, Rock Pond Mountain and Mud Pond Mountain. The public portion of the easement lands is divided into the Mud Pond Area and the 3,300-acre McRorie Lake Area, which is open to public use from August 24 through June 23. An additional designated campsite and a lean-to are located on the shores of McRorie Lake. There is no public use of the adjacent Base Camp Area.  

There are more than 900,000 acres of conservation easement lands managed by DEC’s Division of Lands and Forests in New York State. Conservation easements are partnerships between DEC and private landowners wherein the private landowner retains the right to manage the property for purposes such as sustainable timber production while providing additional outdoor recreation opportunities for the public and protecting open space by limiting development. Before visiting a conservation easement please review the specific regulations that apply to that place. Additional information about public recreation opportunities on the Cedarlands Conservation Easement Tract can be found on DEC’s website.  

DEC Releases Final Crogan Tract RMP

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The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has released a final Recreation Management Plan (RMP) for the Croghan Tract Conservation Easement. The Croghan Tract Conservation Easement is comprised of 12,816 acres of private forestland in the towns of Croghan and Watson in Lewis County.

Included in the final RMP is an inventory of natural and man-made resources and various opportunities for public recreation:

  • Continued use of 11 miles of road and the opening of an additional 5.3 miles of road to access the Croghan Tract and adjacent Forest Preserve lands;
  • Designation and construction of 11 parking areas;
  • Maintenance of 27.2 miles of snowmobile routes, including rights-of-way and secondary trails to serve as alternative routes during logging operations. Changes to the current snowmobile network include a reroute away from a hunting camp (0.3 miles), and a new trail to avoid plowed roads during logging operations (3.4 miles);
  • Construction of a 0.6 -mile foot trail to access the Eagle Canyon forest preserve parcel;
  • Designation of nine campsites including two accessible campsites;
  • An accessible car-top boat launch at Soft Maple Reservoir;
  • Access to hunting, fishing, and trapping throughout the property, subject to applicable seasons and regulations; and
  • New informational signage at primary access points.

The Croghan Tract Conservation Easement RMP is posted to view or download on the DEC website.

DEC Announces Special Antlerless-Only Hunt for Valcour Island

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The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced new opportunities to take antlerless deer on Valcour Island with antlerless deer tags issued through the Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP).

Deer hunting is allowed on Valcour Island, in the towns of Peru and Plattsburgh, Clinton County, NY, but opportunities to take antlerless deer have been limited to archery and muzzleloader seasons for hunters who purchased these license privileges. DMAP tags are now being issued to increase the opportunity to take antlerless deer during all open hunting seasons, which will help to reduce deer numbers on the island and mitigate damage to its unique plant ecosystems.

DMAP tags will be available for Valcour Island for the upcoming hunting season. Interested hunters must have a valid New York State hunting license to apply for tags. Tags are valid only for antlerless deer harvest on Valcour Island and will be awarded by a lottery drawing system. Tag recipients will be responsible for their own transportation to and from the island, which requires a vessel suitable to navigate Lake Champlain waters. There will be no preference for residents versus non-residents. The application deadline is Oct. 9, 2020.

The duration of the program and the number of tags issued each year may vary depending on success of the program and environmental factors that affect deer populations. This program is not available for DEC employees or their immediate families.

To apply for tags, or for more information about this and other DMAP opportunities on New York State lands, please visit DEC’s website.

To print the DMAP Application Form, click here: https://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/wildlife_pdf/valcour2020dmap.pdf

Here Comes Big Game Season

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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced that bowhunting seasons for deer and bear begin in the Northern Zone on Sept. 27, and in the Southern Zone on Oct. 1. Hunters are also reminded to apply for Deer Management Permits by next week’s Oct. 1, 2020, deadline.

Youth Big Game Hunt
New York’s annual Youth Big Game Hunt is scheduled for Columbus Day weekend, Oct. 10-12, 2020. During this special opportunity, licensed 14- and 15-year-olds may use a firearm to hunt big game while accompanied by an experienced, licensed adult hunter. All eligible junior hunters may take one deer (either sex) and one bear. During the youth hunt, antlerless deer taken with a firearm may be tagged with a regular season tag, DMP, or Deer Management Assistance Program tag. Antlered deer may only be tagged with the regular season tag. Though junior hunters may have multiple deer tags, they may only take one deer with a firearm during the Youth Big Game Hunt.

The Youth Big Game Hunt takes place throughout the state, except in Suffolk County and in bowhunting-only areas. Additional rules that apply to junior hunters and their adult mentors are noted on pages 36 and 37 of the Hunting & Trapping Guide or through the Junior Hunter Mentoring Program.

Deer Management Permit Application Deadline is Oct. 1 
The deadline to apply for deer management permits (DMPs/antlerless tags) is fast approaching. Hunters must apply for DMPs by Oct. 1, and should know the Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) they intend to hunt and review their chances of selection before applying. The application fee for DMPs is $10. The fee is waived for junior hunters and Lifetime License holders who purchased a Lifetime (Sportsman) License prior to Oct. 1, 2009. Hunters who have purchased a hunting license are eligible to apply for up to two DMPs that may be used to harvest antlerless deer from a specified WMU. Antlerless deer harvest is crucial in helping to balance the deer herd with available habitat. Continue reading →

Small Game Seasons Under Way

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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced that several small game hunting seasons open Oct. 1 across New York State, including special youth hunts and new hunting opportunities for active-duty military members and veterans. 

Several special youth-only hunting seasons for pheasants and waterfowl occur prior to the start of the regular season. Season dates, bag limits, and other hunting regulations for New York’s small game species are available in the Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide, which can be obtained from a license-issuing agent or on DEC’s website. 

Special Waterfowl Hunting Opportunities for Youth and Active-Duty Military 
Hunting seasons for waterfowl (ducks, geese, and brant) begin in early October in many parts of the state. However, there are opportunities for youth hunters to get a jump start. This fall’s youth waterfowl days are:  

  • Sept. 26 and 27 in the Lake Champlain Zone; 
  • Oct. 3 and 4 in the Western Zone; and 
  • Nov. 7 and 8 in the Long Island Zone. 
Junior hunters must be accompanied by a licensed adult hunter, and both the junior hunter and adult must be registered with the Harvest Information Program (HIP). Adult hunters must also have a federal migratory bird stamp and the adult hunter supervising a youth may not possess a firearm, bow, or crossbow afield.  

 

In addition to youth dates, DEC is providing special hunting opportunities for active-duty military personnel and veterans. Participating hunters must carry identification that verifies their active duty or veteran status. This fall’s active-duty military and veteran days are:  

  • Oct. 10 and 11 in the Southeast Zone; 
  • Nov. 11 (Veterans Day) and Nov. 14 in the Western Zone; and 
  • Nov. 14 and 15 in the Long Island Zone.  
There are no special active-duty and veteran military days in the Lake Champlain Zone.  

 

Ruffed Grouse Hunting  
Ruffed grouse hunting season runs from Oct. 1 through the last day of February in most areas of the state. In Northern New York, the season opened on Sept. 20, and runs through the last day of February. In New York City and Long Island, the season is closed.  

Ruffed grouse hunters in the Northern Zone are reminded to positively identify quarry before shooting. The Northern Zone, specifically Wildlife Management Units 5C, 5F, 6F, and 6J, is also home to the spruce grouse, a State-endangered species that is not legal to hunt. Loss of a single spruce grouse, particularly a female spruce grouse, could be a significant setback for a small local population.  

Spruce grouse exist in lowland conifer forests in the Adirondacks. Although ruffed grouse occur in upland hardwoods statewide, during the fall and winter, ruffed grouse may be found in spruce grouse habitat. Small game hunters in the Adirondack region must be able to distinguish between these species so that spruce grouse are not shot by mistake. For tips on how to discern the two species, view the Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide or the Ruffed Grouse Hunting Information page on DEC’s website.  

DEC encourages ruffed grouse hunters to take part in the grouse hunting log program and submit feathers from harvested birds in order to assess recruitment (number of young produced per adult female grouse) for different parts of the state. Interested hunters should visit the DEC website.  

Pheasant Hunting  
Approximately 30,000 adult pheasants will be released on lands open to public hunting for the upcoming fall pheasant hunting season. The pheasant hunting season begins:  

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License Sales Triple in NY

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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos has reported that DEC is experiencing record-breaking sales of hunting and trapping licenses for upcoming seasons. Sales for big game hunting and trapping licenses and Deer Management Permits (DMPs) were nearly triple prior years’ sales on opening day, more than double on the second day and nearly double the first two weeks. DEC also announced that in-person Hunter Education, Bowhunter Education, and Trapper Education courses have resumed with appropriate social distancing and other precautions to limit the community spread of COVID-19. DEC transformed the Hunter Ed program at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic to offer online certification, resulting in a dramatic 105-percent increase in participants completing the course compared to the traditional in-person courses offered in 2019.

DEC launched the State’s new automated system for selling fishing, hunting, and trapping licenses in July, and on Aug. 10, the system was activated for big game license sales and DMPs. The new DEC Automated Licensing System (DECALS) includes user-friendly information to help locate vendors, receive instant copies of a license, enter and view harvest information, and more. On the first day of big game sales this year, DEC reported $922,444 in sales, compared to $347,103 in 2019. Over the first two weeks of license sales, sales have reached more than $6.2 million compared to approximately $3.5 million for the first two weeks in 2019. 

Purchasing a hunting or trapping license helps to support DEC conservation projects and ensures natural resources are protected for generations to come. Through the purchase of New York sporting licenses, hunters and anglers help generate an estimated $75 million to help conserve fish and wildlife, enhance habitat, and protect natural resources. Hunting and fishing build a sense of stewardship of fish and wildlife resources and habitats, provide an opportunity for experienced hunters and anglers to share their knowledge with others, and promote participation in hunting, fishing, and recreational shooting through the mentoring of young hunters and anglers. New York’s hunters and anglers contribute an estimated $4.9 billion to the economy in spending, which supports more than 56,000 jobs and $623 million in state and local taxes. Continue reading →

Bear, grouse season about to begin

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Black bear hunting seasons opened Sept. 12 in the southeastern part of the state and begin Sept. 19 in the Adirondack region. Ruffed grouse season begins in the Northern Zone on Sept. 20. 

In northern New York, the early bear season runs from Sept. 19 to Oct. 16 in WMUs 5A, 5C, 5F, 5G, 5H, 5J, 6C, 6F, 6H, and 6J. Bowhunting season for bears also begins on Sept. 19 in the other Northern Zone units (WMUs 6A, 6G, 6K, and 6N). Muzzleloader season opens in all northern WMUs on Oct. 17, followed by the regular firearms season for bears on Oct. 24.

In southeastern New York, the early bear season runs from Sept. 12 to Sept. 27 in Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) 3A, 3C, 3H, 3J, 3K, 3M, 3P, 3R, 4P, 4R, and 4W. The early bowhunting season for bears will open in all of the Southern Zone on Oct. 1, followed by the regular firearms season beginning Nov. 21. New this year, DEC has added WMU 4W to the early bear season in the Southern Zone. The bear population in 4W has been growing and additional bear harvest is necessary to meet the management objective of maintaining a moderate bear population density in the unit. To view all WMU locations and boundaries, visit DEC’s Wildlife Management Units.

During the early season, bear hunters may use a bow (with appropriate bowhunting eligibility), crossbow, muzzleloader, handgun, shotgun, or rifle (where allowed). Because of the likelihood of warm weather, bear hunters should be prepared to skin and cool harvested bears as soon as possible to protect the quality of the meat. Hunters may opt to skin and quarter the bear in the field, then pack out the meat in game bags to a waiting cooler of ice. From roasts, stews, burgers, and sausage to barbequed ribs, bear meat makes excellent table fare. Hunters may also consider rendering bear fat into grease or lard, which is a great oil for cooking or baking and can be used to waterproof leather or to lubricate patches for muzzleloading.

Hunters are required to report their bear harvest within seven days, and DEC also encourages hunters to submit a premolar tooth and the scaled-dressed weights of harvested bears. DEC uses teeth to determine the bear’s age and weight to monitor physical condition. This data helps DEC biologists monitor bear population dynamics and trends. Hunters who report their harvest and submit a premolar tooth from the bear are eligible to receive a commemorative NYS Black Bear Management Cooperator Patch.

DEC regulates black bear hunting to manage populations toward levels that are acceptable to the public. Information about black bear hunting in New York, including season dates regulations, is available on DEC’s website. Additionally, DEC’s booklet Hunting the Black Bear in New York (PDF, 800 KB), includes tips on bear hunting and proper care of harvested bears. 

Canada Goose Season (Squirrel too) opens Sept. 1

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Canada goose hunting season opens Tuesday, Sept. 1, throughout most of the state. In addition, for the first time and for the 2020-2021 hunting season, DEC has incorporated the Harvest Information Program (HIP) registration into the DEC Automated Licensing System (DECALS) licensing system.    

As the resident goose population has grown, season lengths and bag limits have been liberalized in an effort to reduce or stabilize their numbers. For more information on the differences between migratory and resident geese and how these birds are managed, read the article “Canada Geese in New York-Residents or Visitors?” in the August 2019, issue of DEC’s Conservationist magazine. 

 The September Canada goose season occurs in all goose hunting zones except the Western Long Island zone. All upstate areas open Sept. 1, and run through Sept. 25. Canada goose seasons in the Central and Eastern Long Island zones begin on the Tuesday following the Labor Day holiday (Sept. 8, 2020) and run through Sept. 30. In the Western Long Island zone, the season opens on Oct. 10. 

The September season includes liberal bag limits (eight to 15 birds per day, depending on zone), extended shooting hours, and other special regulations to maximize hunter success. Additional information about waterfowl hunting regulations, season dates, hunting area boundaries, and bag limits can be found on DEC’s website. 

License Requirements 

To participate in the September Canada goose hunting season, hunters must: 

  • Possess a 2020-2021 hunting license (now on sale at all license issuing agents and many town halls and sporting goods stores); 
  • Be registered for the 2020-2021 New York Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program (HIP). See below for details; and 
All hunters 16 years of age or older must have a 2020-2021 federal duck stamp signed across the face of the stamp in ink.   

For a list of ways to purchase a hunting license, visit DEC’s website. To register with HIP visit DEC’s webpage.  

New HIP Registration Process 

New this year to the DECALS licensing system, the HIP registration links a hunter’s HIP number to their licensing profile and allows the hunter to log-in and retrieve their HIP number in the event it is misplaced. The transition will greatly improve data quality, which in turn will improve estimates of hunter participation and harvest.  

HIP is a federal legal requirement that began in 1991. Anyone who hunts migratory game birds, including woodcock, must have proof of participation whenever they go afield. Failure to carry proof is a violation equal to hunting without a license. HIP provides the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) with a national registry of migratory game bird hunters from which they can select participants for harvest surveys. Only a small percentage of HIP participants will be selected for harvest surveys, which will be mailed to them by the USFWS. This information helps USFWS and DEC monitor the harvest of migratory game birds and is used to establish annual hunting regulations.   

To register for HIP, log-in to DEC’s online licensing website and complete the below steps. 

Those not already registered in the new online licensing system will first need to register: 

  • Choose the ‘sign up’ option and enter date of birth and DEC customer ID number (from a previous or current hunting license or backtag) or Driver’s License number; and 
  • Create a Username and Password.   
For new account holder and return customers, follow the steps below to register for HIP: 
  • Log in and navigate to the ‘Buy License’ line at the top of the web page; 
  • Those holding an existing hunting license (or those in the process of purchasing a new hunting license), will be given the option of ‘purchasing’ a HIP registration for $0; and 
  • When proceeding to checkout, customer will be prompted to answer a series of questions pertaining to their migratory game bird hunting activities last year. This includes the approximate number of each of the following birds harvested last season (woodcock, ducks, geese, brant, rails, snipe, coots, gallinule, and sea ducks [scoters, eiders, and long-tailed ducks]).   
Following the completed checkout process, the customer can access their HIP number by returning to their customer profile page and clicking on the ‘Game Harvest and HIP’ tab in the left-hand column and the dropdown arrow next to their HIP item to view their number, which proves participation in HIP. Hunters are required to carry this number with them in some form while migratory game bird hunting.   

Customers unable to register for HIP through DEC’s online system or encounter problems may contact the DECALS licensing hotline (1-866-933-2257) and talk to a representative to assist with the registration process.  

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 →