DEC Announces New York’s Youth Big Game Hunt Kicks Off Columbus Day Weekend |
Early Bow Seasons for Deer and Bear Now Open Now, DEC Reminds Hunters to Follow Safety RulesThe New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced that New York’s annual Youth Big Game Hunt is set for Columbus Day weekend. Oct. 7 through 9, licensed 14 and 15 year olds may use a firearm to hunt deer and bear while accompanied by an experienced, licensed adult hunter. “The early bow season is a great time to be in the woods and a perfect opportunity to introduce new hunters to deer and bear hunting,” said Commissioner Basil Seggos. “With abundant apples and good crops of acorns and beech nuts across the state, hunters can key in on food sources for early season success with deer and black bear. I also encourage bowhunters to pass up shots on young bucks, and in areas where deer populations are larger than desired, to focus hunting on antlerless deer.” Early bowhunting seasons for deer and bear began in the Northern Zone on Sept. 27, and in the Southern Zone on Oct. 1. This special hunting opportunity takes place throughout the state, except in Suffolk County and bowhunting-only areas. Additional rules that apply to junior hunters and their adult mentors can be found in the Hunting & Trapping Guide (pages 36-37) or on DEC’s website. The Youth Big Game Hunt is a great way for experienced, adult hunters to help young people enjoy a successful hunt and teach responsible and ethical hunting techniques. Hunting is a safe activity that is getting safer thanks to the efforts of DEC’s Sportsman Education Program and its 2,500 volunteer instructors. DEC reminds hunters going afield to follow the four cardinal rules of hunting safety: (1) assume every gun is loaded; (2) control the muzzle – point your gun in a safe direction; (3) keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot; and (4) be sure of your target and beyond. Hunter orange or hunter pink is mandatory for junior hunters and their adult mentors during the Youth Big Game Hunt. Hunter orange and hunter pink prevent other hunters from mistaking a person for an animal or shooting in a hunter’s direction. While participants in the Youth Big Game Hunt are not allowed to hunt from an elevated treestand, it is a popular hunting method for many bowhunters. Bowhunters hunting from a treestand are reminded that the proper use of treestand equipment will help prevent injuries and even death. Before the hunt, learn about your equipment:
During the hunt:
Know the rules. On state lands, it is illegal to place nails or other hardware into trees, or to build permanent structures, such as tree stands, platforms, and blinds. On private lands, it is illegal to cut or remove trees or other plants, or to cut limbs or damage bark (such as from putting up blinds or tree stands, or cutting shooting lanes or trails) without the landowner’s permission. Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide – http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/ Deer and Bear Hunting Season Maps – http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/ |