From nybiggame at lists.dec.state.ny.us Fri Jan 21 15:13:13 2011 From: nybiggame at lists.dec.state.ny.us (Wild White-tailed Deer and Black Bear List) Date: Fri, 21 Jan 2011 15:13:13 -0500 Subject: [Nybiggame] new regulation prohibits feeding of black bears in NY References: <4D397EC4020000000012EE46@gwsmtp.dec.state.ny.us> <4D39A289020000000012EEB9@gwsmtp.dec.state.ny.us> Message-ID: <4D39A289020000000012EEB9@gwsmtp.dec.state.ny.us> NY Big Game, DEC has adopted a rule prohibiting the feeding of black bears. Previously, DEC prohibited the intentional feeding of bears in proximity to certain locations. In an effort to reduce bear habituation to human-supplied foods and future human-bear conflicts, DEC?s new regulation prohibits both intentional and incidental feeding of bears statewide. Specifically, the regulation bans intentional feeding of black bears, and, after previous written notice from DEC, also prohibits incidental or indirect feeding of black bears through food attractants such as garbage, refuse or bird seed. The regulation grants DEC the authority to require removal of these and other food attractants when bears become problematic. DEC generally encourages discontinuing bird feeding activity in the Spring when bears emerge from their dens and natural foods for bears are not abundant and natural food for birds are becoming more available. The regulation also updates the conditions under which hounds can be trained and used to help manage bear problems. The use of bear hounds is one of the most effective tools for reducing bear damage to farm crops, especially corn. A description of the regulation and a summary of public comment is available at www.dec.ny.gov/animals/6960.html. Jeremy Hurst Big Game Biologist Note: To change your email address with NY Big Game, get a password reminder, or unsubscribe please visit http://lists.dec.state.ny.us/mailman/listinfo/nybiggame You may also catch the latest updates on New York's fish and wildlife by subscribing to Field Notes, another free online e-mail list provided by the Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources. To learn more and subscribe, see www.dec.ny.gov/about/63801.html -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From nybiggame at lists.dec.state.ny.us Mon Jan 24 13:45:20 2011 From: nybiggame at lists.dec.state.ny.us (Wild White-tailed Deer and Black Bear List) Date: Mon, 24 Jan 2011 13:45:20 -0500 Subject: [Nybiggame] 2011 big game seasons Message-ID: <4D3D8270020000000012F1AE@gwsmtp.dec.state.ny.us> NY Big Game, For those of you who like to plan your deer and bear hunting trips long in advance, we've posted the tentative 2011 big game hunting season dates at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/10002.html. This time of year, we frequently get questions about when the final harvest numbers will be available, but we still have some work to do yet (i.e., entering biological data from field checks and reviewing hunter harvest reports) before we are ready to calculate the harvest. Final deer take numbers aren't typically available until sometime in February, after the close of the Special Firearms Season on Long Island. Similarly, we expect final bear harvest numbers will be available in mid-February. Also, we have added some pictures to our Big Game Photo Gallery, spotlighting the successes of Junior Hunters or others who have taken their first big game animal. Check out the photo gallery at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/54795.html, and keep the pictures coming. For instructions on photo submission, please see www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/54055.html Jeremy Hurst Big Game Biologist Note: To change your email address with NY Big Game, get a password reminder, or unsubscribe please visit http://lists.dec.state.ny.us/mailman/listinfo/nybiggame You may also catch the latest updates on New York's fish and wildlife by subscribing to Field Notes, another free online e-mail list provided by the Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources. To learn more and subscribe, see www.dec.ny.gov/about/63801.html -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From nybiggame at lists.dec.state.ny.us Wed Feb 9 08:22:22 2011 From: nybiggame at lists.dec.state.ny.us (Wild White-tailed Deer and Black Bear List) Date: Wed, 09 Feb 2011 08:22:22 -0500 Subject: [Nybiggame] special transfer of lifetime licenses Message-ID: <4D524EBE020000000012FD97@gwsmtp.dec.state.ny.us> NY Big Game, A new law was recently adopted in New York that allows for the one-time transfer of lifetime hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses under certain circumstances. Previously, lifetime licenses could not be transferred to another individual, regardless of the situation. Under the new law, lifetime sporting licenses may be transferred to a qualifying relative if the lifetime license holder passes away within one year of purchase of the license or if the license holder passes away while in active United States military duty during a time of war. ?Hunters, anglers, and trappers take their pursuits very seriously,? said Acting Commissioner Joseph Martens, and ?this is a way for them to pass on a family tradition.? The new law became effective January 15, 2011 and stipulates that lifetime licenses may be transferred if the person to whom the license was issued dies within one year of the issuance of the license, the person to whom the license is to be transferred is a legal New York State resident and would otherwise be eligible to purchase the license, and the person to whom the license is to be transferred is a parent, sibling, child or spouse of the license holder. Application for transfer of the lifetime license must be made within three years of the issuance of the license, except in the case of lifetime license holders that die while serving in the active United States military, naval, or air services during a period of war. Lifetime license transfer requests must be made by the personal representative of the decedent?s estate. Due to the effective date of the new law, for non-military-related transfer requests, lifetime licenses must have been issued on or after January 15, 2008, with a three month grace period for transfer applications. For more information on requests and copies of supporting documents for applying for Lifetime License Transfer call DEC?s License Sales Unit at 518-402-8843. General information about lifetime sporting licenses is available at www.dec.ny.gov/permits/6099.html. Jeremy Hurst Big Game Biologist Note: To change your email address with NY Big Game, get a password reminder, or unsubscribe please visit http://lists.dec.state.ny.us/mailman/listinfo/nybiggame You may also catch the latest updates on New York's fish and wildlife by subscribing to Field Notes, another free online e-mail list provided by the Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources. To learn more and subscribe, see www.dec.ny.gov/about/63801.html if (document.getElementsByTagName){var anchors = document.getElementsByTagName("a");var hostname = window.location.hostname.replace("www.","").toLowerCase();for (var i=0; ivar imgloc = "?action=Attachment.Viewif (document.getElementsByTagName){var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0; i= 2){var searchAttachId = imgsrc.lastIndexOf("/"); if(searchAttachId != -1 && imgsrc.substring(searchAttachId+1).search(/^[0-9]+$/) == 0){}else{ if(imgsrc.lastIndexOf("http") == -1 || imgsrc.lastIndexOf(window.location.pathname) != -1){if(parent.attachList && imgsrc.substring(searchAttachId+1) in parent.attachList){}}}}}} -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From nybiggame at lists.dec.state.ny.us Wed Feb 16 14:06:47 2011 From: nybiggame at lists.dec.state.ny.us (Wild White-tailed Deer and Black Bear List) Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2011 14:06:47 -0500 Subject: [Nybiggame] new black bear research in New York Message-ID: <4D5BD9F70200000000130345@gwsmtp.dec.state.ny.us> NY Big Game, DEC and the New York Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit (located at Cornell University) are initiating two black bear research projects in south-central New York to (1) estimate bear population density using a genetic (DNA) identification technique and (2) understand bear movements and habitat selection in core bear ranges and fringe areas which bears have recently begun to inhabit. This research will help DEC better anticipate and manage changes to bear population size and geographic distribution in that part of the state. The projects are in the early stages of development, but brief descriptions are provided in the Coop Unit's newsletter at www.dnr.cornell.edu/cals/dnr/research/fwres/upload/NYCFWRU-Newsletter-2010V1N3-3.pdf Jeremy Hurst Big Game Biologist Note: To change your email address with NY Big Game, get a password reminder, or unsubscribe please visit http://lists.dec.state.ny.us/mailman/listinfo/nybiggame You may also catch the latest updates on New York's fish and wildlife by subscribing to Field Notes, another free online e-mail list provided by the Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources. To learn more and subscribe, see www.dec.ny.gov/about/63801.html if (document.getElementsByTagName){var anchors = document.getElementsByTagName("a");var hostname = window.location.hostname.replace("www.","").toLowerCase();for (var i=0; ivar imgloc = "?action=Attachment.Viewif (document.getElementsByTagName){var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0; i= 2){var searchAttachId = imgsrc.lastIndexOf("/"); if(searchAttachId != -1 && imgsrc.substring(searchAttachId+1).search(/^[0-9]+$/) == 0){}else{ if(imgsrc.lastIndexOf("http") == -1 || imgsrc.lastIndexOf(window.location.pathname) != -1){if(parent.attachList && imgsrc.substring(searchAttachId+1) in parent.attachList){}}}}}} -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From nybiggame at lists.dec.state.ny.us Thu Mar 24 07:39:22 2011 From: nybiggame at lists.dec.state.ny.us (Wild White-tailed Deer and Black Bear List) Date: Thu, 24 Mar 2011 07:39:22 -0400 Subject: [Nybiggame] NYS Deer Management Plan Update References: <4D8A05910200000000131CF6@gwsmtp.dec.state.ny.us> <4D8AF52A0200000000131DA1@gwsmtp.dec.state.ny.us> Message-ID: <4D8AF52A0200000000131DA1@gwsmtp.dec.state.ny.us> NY Big Game, DEC continues to refine strategies and recommendations in development of a 5-year deer management plan for New York State. We anticipate that the plan will be available for public review and comment by late May or early June. This time frame will also allow us to conclude a summary assessment of the pilot antler restriction program in the southern Catskills and address the future of mandatory antler restrictions in the pilot area and elsewhere in the deer management plan. Recently, several erroneous claims have circulated in some New York hunting blogs, online forums and news articles, implying that DEC intends to shut down the pilot antler restriction program regardless of hunter interests. These claims have no base. DEC does not have pre-determined intentions for the pilot antler restriction program but will use results of the summary assessment to help determine the future of the program. Preliminary information about the deer management plan is available at www.dec.ny.gov/animals/7211.html, and a description of the antler restriction issue in New York is available at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/27663.html. Jeremy Hurst Big Game Biologist Note: To change your email address with NY Big Game, get a password reminder, or unsubscribe please visit http://lists.dec.state.ny.us/mailman/listinfo/nybiggame You may also catch the latest updates on New York's fish and wildlife by subscribing to Field Notes, another free online e-mail list provided by the Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources. To learn more and subscribe, see www.dec.ny.gov/about/63801.html -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From nybiggame at lists.dec.state.ny.us Mon Mar 28 14:32:49 2011 From: nybiggame at lists.dec.state.ny.us (Wild White-tailed Deer and Black Bear List) Date: Mon, 28 Mar 2011 14:32:49 -0400 Subject: [Nybiggame] 2010 Bear Harvest Numbers Available References: <4D90861602000000001320C9@gwsmtp.dec.state.ny.us> <4D9090AC02000000001320E4@gwsmtp.dec.state.ny.us> <4D909C11020000000013210C@gwsmtp.dec.state.ny.us> Message-ID: <4D909C11020000000013210C@gwsmtp.dec.state.ny.us> NY Big Game, The 2010 black bear harvest numbers are now available at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/42232.html. Check out the PDF version of the 2010 Bear Harvest Summary for the harvest breakdown by WMU, county and town, and much more. The press release is copied below. Jeremy Hurst Big Game Biologist Bear Harvest numbers were strong again this year in New York State, Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Joe Martens announced today. In 2010, bear hunters took more than 1,060 bears in the state. ?New York has excellent bear habitat and vast, accessible public lands that offer exciting opportunities for bear hunting,? said Commissioner Martens. ?Black bears are thriving in New York, and they represent a great resource for all New Yorkers.? Statewide, hunters took 1,064 black bears this past fall, similar to harvest levels of 2005-2007. While overall population size plays a large role in harvest totals, annual variations in take are also strongly influenced by environmental factors that affect bear activity and hunting pressure such as natural food availability and snow fall. In the Southeastern bear hunting area, hunters took 401 bears, with roughly half of the harvest occurring during the bowhunting season and half during the regular firearms hunting season. In the Central-Western bear hunting area, hunters took 142 bears, with bowhunters responsible for about 65% of the harvest. Harvest in both areas was down approximately 20% from 2009. In the Adirondack bear hunting area, the take of 521 bears was down approximately 35% from 2009, but is consistent with the long-term average for that area. Bear harvest in the Adirondacks seems heavily influenced by variations in key food resources, and this year?s harvest follows those trends. In years when soft mast (apple, cherry, raspberry) is abundant, bear harvest during the early season tends to decrease. Cherry and raspberry were widely available in September and October, and bear take during the 2010 early season dropped approximately 40% from 2009, which was a year with a poor soft mast crop and high early season bear harvest. Conversely, in years when beech nuts are abundant, bear take tends to increase during the regular season. This past fall was lacking for beechnut production, and bear take during the regular season dropped about 25% from 2009. Hunters play a pivotal role in bear management through reporting their bear harvests. Hunters also are asked to submit a tooth sample from their bear for DEC to determine the age of harvested bears. To encourage participation, DEC issues a New York State Black Bear Cooperator Patch to all hunters who reported their harvest and submitted a tooth. More than 550 patches will be distributed for the 2010 hunting season. Eligible hunters will receive their patch in late summer 2011 when all the age data has been processed. The average age of bears harvested is typically 3-4 years old in the Southeastern and Central-Western areas, while bears harvested in the Adirondacks average about 5 years old. In addition to harvest totals, DEC uses a variety of indices to measure bear populations. Taxidermists and DEC wildlife personnel collect age and sex information from harvested bears, as well as movement data from tagged bears. This information is used to help DEC biologists manage bear populations and establish future hunting regulations to assure the management of black bears in New York State is at a level that is compatible with human interests. A complete summary of the 2010 bear harvest with breakdown by county, town, and Wildlife Management Unit is available at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/42232.html on the DEC website. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From nybiggame at lists.dec.state.ny.us Mon Mar 28 15:07:16 2011 From: nybiggame at lists.dec.state.ny.us (Wild White-tailed Deer and Black Bear List) Date: Mon, 28 Mar 2011 15:07:16 -0400 Subject: [Nybiggame] 2010 deer harvest up slightly from last year Message-ID: <4D90A4240200000000132164@gwsmtp.dec.state.ny.us> NY Big Game, The 2010 deer harvest numbers are now available at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/42232.html. Check out the PDF version of the 2010 Deer Take Summary for the harvest breakdown by WMU, county and town, and much more. The entire press release is copied below. Jeremy Hurst Big Game Biologist Hunters harvested just over 230,000 deer in the 2010 hunting season, up about 3% from 2009, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Joe Martens announced today. The Junior Big-Game License was popular once again, with over 16,000 junior hunters taking advantage of the opportunity to hunt big game, harvesting approximately 4,900 deer. ?Deer hunters play a crucial role, benefitting all New Yorkers, by helping to maintain deer numbers at levels that are ecologically and socially appropriate, and we appreciate their participation,? Commissioner Martens said. The 2010 deer take included approximately 123,100 antlerless deer (adult females and fawns) and just under 107,000 adult bucks. Deer harvests in the Northern Zone were very comparable to 2009, with adult buck take (approx. 16,100) essentially unchanged and antlerless take (approx. 12,500) only increasing about 3%. In the Southern Zone, excluding Long Island, adult buck take (approx. 89,900) increased nearly 6% while antlerless take (approx. 108,600) increased only about 2%. Western New York continues to lead the state in total deer-harvest densities, but Orange County in southeastern New York remains a strong contender. The top five counties for 2010 were Yates (14.3 total deer per square mile), Wyoming (12.2), Genesee (11.0), Cayuga (10.0), and Orange County (10.0). Importantly, total harvest is strongly impacted by the number of Deer Management Permits (DMPs) available in an area, which directly affects the harvest of antlerless deer. A more accurate picture of relative deer population densities is revealed by the density of buck harvest. By this figure, the top counties for buck harvest density were: Wyoming (4.9 bucks per square mile), Yates (4.9 bucks per square mile), Allegany (4.0), Schuyler (3.8), and Cayuga County (3.8). Across the state, hunters took a slightly higher proportion of 2.5 year old and older bucks than in previous years, continuing a trend that has developed over the past decade. This past year, about 45% of harvested bucks were 2.5 years or older, compared to only 33% in 2000. Deer harvest data are gathered from two main sources: harvest reports required by all successful hunters, and DEC staff?s examination of harvested deer at check stations and meat processors. Statewide harvest estimates are made by cross-referencing these two data sources. Though an average of only 45% of successful hunters have reported their harvest each year since 2005, statewide harvest estimates remain statistically accurate to within ?2%. During the 2010 deer season, DEC tested 1,780 hunter-harvested deer for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) and found no CWD infected deer. With no CWD detections since 2005, last summer, DEC decommissioned the CWD containment area and no longer required mandatory checking of harvested deer in that area. Additionally, DEC continues to develop a deer management plan based on input collected during a series of public meetings held in 2009; information from a recent statewide survey of deer hunters; and assessments from a deer biologists and regional wildlife managers. This plan will provide a blueprint for deer management for the next five years, including a number of reforms to strengthen the program. DEC anticipates that the plan will be available for public review and comment later this spring. Deer populations and harvest vary widely across the state. The 2010 and previous year?s deer harvest by county, town, and Wildlife Management Unit are available at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/42232.html on the DEC website -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From nybiggame at lists.dec.state.ny.us Fri May 20 07:14:36 2011 From: nybiggame at lists.dec.state.ny.us (Wild White-tailed Deer and Black Bear List) Date: Fri, 20 May 2011 07:14:36 -0400 Subject: [Nybiggame] DEC proposes new opportunities for bear hunting References: <4DD60FA5.4648.0000.1@gw.dec.state.ny.us> <4DD61219.4648.0000.1@gw.dec.state.ny.us> Message-ID: <4DD614DC.4648.0000.1@gw.dec.state.ny.us> NY Big Game: DEC has proposed regulations that will open new areas east of the Hudson River to black bear hunting and establish uniform bear hunting season dates across the Southern Zone beginning in fall 2011. Increasing opportunity for bear hunting in the Southern Zone will help alleviate agricultural and homeowner conflicts with bears, provide recreational opportunity, and facilitate wise use of bear meat and hides. The specific changes proposed for the Southern bear range would: Open WMUs 3F, 3G, 3N, 3R, 3S, 4C, 4K, 4L, 4T, 4U, 4Y, 4Z, 5S and 5T to black bear hunting for the archery, regular and muzzleloading seasons. This would include all of Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess, Columbia, Rensselaer, and Washington counties, and the portion of Rockland that was not already open for black bear hunting. Season dates for these units will be the same as those in place for adjacent units already open to bear hunting in the Southern bear range. Establish an earlier start to the existing regular black bear season in wildlife management units in parts of central and western New York by removing the 7-day lag that has previously existed between the start of the regular deer season and the regular bear season in this portion of New York. This will provide a uniform bear hunting season framework for all bear hunting in the Southern Zone. A detailed description of the proposal and instructions for providing comments are available at www.dec.ny.gov/regulations/propregulations.html DEC will be accepting public comments on the proposal through July 5, 2011. Please do not respond to this email to submit your comments. The proposed rulemaking can also be viewed in detail in the May 18, 2011 publication of the New York State Register at www.dos.state.ny.us/info/register/2011.html This map illustrates the proposed bear hunting expansion east of the Hudson River (red). The proposed regulations would also establish a consistent bear hunting season across the Central-Western (blue), Southeastern (orange) and East of the Hudson (red) bear hunting areas. Jeremy Hurst Big Game Biologist Note: To change your email address with NY Big Game, get a password reminder, or unsubscribe please visit http://lists.dec.state.ny.us/mailman/listinfo/nybiggame You may also catch the latest updates on New York's fish and wildlife by subscribing to Field Notes, another free online e-mail list provided by the Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources. To learn more and subscribe, see www.dec.ny.gov/about/63801.html -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/jpg Size: 19587 bytes Desc: not available URL: From nybiggame at lists.dec.state.ny.us Mon Jun 13 13:14:29 2011 From: nybiggame at lists.dec.state.ny.us (Wild White-tailed Deer and Black Bear List) Date: Mon, 13 Jun 2011 13:14:29 -0400 Subject: [Nybiggame] Draft NYS Deer Management Plan available for Comment Message-ID: <4DF60D35020000000013598C@gwsmtp.dec.state.ny.us> NY Big Game, We now have a draft deer management plan available for your review and comment. The proposed 5-year plan is available at http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/7211.html and we will be accepting public comment on the draft through Thursday, July 28. The draft plan describes six primary goals that encompass the current priorities for deer management and the values and issues expressed by the public: Manage deer populations at levels that are appropriate for human and ecological concerns; Promote and enhance deer hunting as an important recreational activity, tradition, and population management tool in New York; Reduce negative impacts caused by deer; Foster public understanding and communication about deer ecology, deer management, economic aspects and recreational opportunities; Manage deer to promote healthy and sustainable forests and enhance habitat conservation efforts to benefit deer and other species; and Ensure that the necessary resources are available to support sound management of white-tailed deer in New York. Comments may be submitted in writing through July 28 to DEC Deer Management Plan, NYSDEC, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4754 or by email to deerplan at gw.dec.state.ny.us using ?Deer plan? in the subject line. Please do reply to NY Big Game to submit your comments. Jeremy Hurst Big Game Biologist Note: To change your email address with NY Big Game, get a password reminder, or unsubscribe please visit http://lists.dec.state.ny.us/mailman/listinfo/nybiggame You may also catch the latest updates on New York's fish and wildlife by subscribing to Field Notes, another free online e-mail list provided by the Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources. To learn more and subscribe, see www.dec.ny.gov/about/63801.html if (document.getElementsByTagName){var anchors = document.getElementsByTagName("a");var hostname = window.location.hostname.replace("www.","").toLowerCase();for (var i=0; ivar imgloc = "?action=Attachment.Viewif (document.getElementsByTagName){var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0; i= 2){var searchAttachId = imgsrc.lastIndexOf("/"); if(searchAttachId != -1 && imgsrc.substring(searchAttachId+1).search(/^[0-9]+$/) == 0){}else{ if(imgsrc.lastIndexOf("http") == -1 || imgsrc.lastIndexOf(window.location.pathname) != -1){if(parent.attachList && imgsrc.substring(searchAttachId+1) in parent.attachList){}}}}}} -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From nybiggame at lists.dec.state.ny.us Tue Jun 14 13:11:01 2011 From: nybiggame at lists.dec.state.ny.us (Wild White-tailed Deer and Black Bear List) Date: Tue, 14 Jun 2011 13:11:01 -0400 Subject: [Nybiggame] Evaluation of the Pilot Antler Restriction Program References: <4DF612DA02000000001359B2@gwsmtp.dec.state.ny.us> <4DF630C902000000001359F5@gwsmtp.dec.state.ny.us> <4DF72DE20200000000135A83@gwsmtp.dec.state.ny.us> <4DF75DE50200000000135AEF@gwsmtp.dec.state.ny.us> Message-ID: <4DF75DE50200000000135AEF@gwsmtp.dec.state.ny.us> NY Big Game, DEC has completed summary evaluations of the pilot antler restriction program in the southern Catskills. DEC assessed impacts of the antler restriction by monitoring changes evident in the deer harvest and by monitoring hunter attitudes through a series of surveys conducted with the Human Dimensions Research Unit at Cornell University. Final reports are available at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/27663.html and include DEC's evaluation (A Summary of New York's Pilot Antler Restriction Program) and Cornell's report (Hunters? Experiences with and Attitudes about Antler Restrictions in Wildlife Management Units 3C, 3J, 3H, and 3K during the 2010 Hunting Season). Key Findings: The pilot antler restriction (AR) program substantially reduced the proportion of yearling (1.5 year old) bucks in the harvest and shifted harvest composition to older bucks. The number of 2.5+ year old bucks in the harvest increased since implementation of ARs. However, the increase did not fully compensate for the reduction in yearling harvest, and total buck take has generally remained >20% below pre-AR levels. WMU 3H was the only unit where buck take returned to the level immediately prior to AR. A shift in sex ratios of deer observed in the pilot AR units was apparent, though a similar shift was observed in neighboring units without ARs. ARs had no effect on hunter participation for the majority of hunters, but overall participation by non-local hunters appeared to decline because of AR. The impact of ARs on hunter satisfaction was mixed. Satisfaction with buck-hunting was generally higher in the pilot AR units than the surrounding region, but similar increases in buck-hunting satisfaction were observed in the surrounding region as occurred within the pilot area. More hunters reported being satisfied than dissatisfied with the level of protection afforded to young bucks and with the level of safety they felt in the pilot area. However, a majority of hunters reported being dissatisfied with (1) the number of antlered bucks compared to antlerless deer seen, (2) the number of older, larger-antlered bucks seen, (3) their opportunity to shoot larger-antlered bucks, and (4) the number of older bucks compared to the number of young bucks seen. Hunter expectations for the pilot AR program were largely unmet. A majority of hunters in the pilot AR units prefer that the program continue. It appears that participants? belief that the AR program will eventually result in their desired outcomes has stronger influence than unmet expectations and mixed satisfaction levels on their willingness to have the program continue. Deer management population indices were compromised by ARs. DEC must develop additional methods for monitoring deer populations to manage effectively with ARs. For related surveys on hunter attitudes about antler restrictions in New York, see www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/74971.html Additionally, DEC's draft deer management plan (www.dec.ny.gov/animals/7211.html#DeerPlan) addresses antler restrictions in Goal 2 and Appendix 3. Please do not reply to NY Big Game to submit your comments regarding the pilot antler restriction program or the draft deer plan. Rather, send us your comments on the draft deer plan to DEC Deer Management Plan, NYSDEC, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4754 or by email to deerplan at gw.dec.state.ny.us using ?Deer plan? in the subject line. Jeremy Hurst Big Game Biologist Note: To change your email address with NY Big Game, get a password reminder, or unsubscribe please visit http://lists.dec.state.ny.us/mailman/listinfo/nybiggame You may also catch the latest updates on New York's fish and wildlife by subscribing to Field Notes, another free online e-mail list provided by the Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources. To learn more and subscribe, see www.dec.ny.gov/about/63801.html if (document.getElementsByTagName){var anchors = document.getElementsByTagName("a");var hostname = window.location.hostname.replace("www.","").toLowerCase();for (var i=0; ivar imgloc = "?action=Attachment.Viewif (document.getElementsByTagName){var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0; i= 2){var searchAttachId = imgsrc.lastIndexOf("/"); if(searchAttachId != -1 && imgsrc.substring(searchAttachId+1).search(/^[0-9]+$/) == 0){}else{ if(imgsrc.lastIndexOf("http") == -1 || imgsrc.lastIndexOf(window.location.pathname) != -1){if(parent.attachList && imgsrc.substring(searchAttachId+1) in parent.attachList){}}}}}} -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From nybiggame at lists.dec.state.ny.us Fri Jul 15 12:54:41 2011 From: nybiggame at lists.dec.state.ny.us (Wild White-tailed Deer and Black Bear List) Date: Fri, 15 Jul 2011 12:54:41 -0400 Subject: [Nybiggame] Clarification of the Draft Deer Management Plan References: <4E1ED59502000000001371EE@gwsmtp.dec.state.ny.us> <4E203891020000000013734B@gwsmtp.dec.state.ny.us> Message-ID: <4E203891020000000013734B@gwsmtp.dec.state.ny.us> NY Big Game, In reviewing comments already submitted for our draft deer management plan, it is apparent that a couple strategies of the plan need greater clarification. We have posted the following notes at www.dec.ny.gov/animals/7211.html to explain that the plan: (1) does not propose a 1-buck per hunter rule, and (2) does not propose an early muzzleloader season across the board for the Southern Zone. 1) 1-Buck Rule? - It's not in the plan. Strategy 1.3.2 proposes to initiate a process to discontinue either-sex and antlerless-only bow and muzzleloader tags for antlerless harvest and transition to a system based exclusively on Deer Management Permits (DMPs) in all areas of the state. Some hunters have apparently misinterpreted this strategy as though DEC intends to institute a 1-buck per hunter rule. However, this is not the case. The proposal is strictly based on the need for a more sensitive antlerless harvest system, and Appendix 5.6 in the deer plan describes this need and purpose. At this point, the draft plan presents a concept for improved antlerless management. The potential tag system is not fully described, but bow and muzzleloader hunters would still be able to harvest one antlered deer during the regular season and one during either of the special seasons. 2) Early Muzzleloader Season in the Southern Zone? - It's proposed for very limited circumstances in specific areas only. Strategy 2.2.6 proposes a possible early muzzleloader season under very limited circumstances. Some hunters have apparently misinterpreted this strategy as though an early muzzleloader season is being proposed for most or all of the Southern Zone. However, this is not the case. The strategy describes an approach to progressively increase harvest pressure on antlerless deer in areas where deer populations are above desired levels. This would be considered where DMPs are available to all hunters and additional steps are necessary to reduce the local deer population. A short, early muzzleloader season for antlerless deer is proposed as the third step of a three-step process. Based on current deer population trends, it is likely that step 1 (use of Bonus DMPs; see www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/10001.html for an explanation of Bonus DMPs) might be appropriate for 8-12 Wildlife Management Units, mostly located in northern Regions 8 and 9. If use of Bonus Permits is sufficient, then we would not need to progress on to step 2 (make part of the bow and late muzzleloading season antlerless-only) or step 3 (a short early-muzzleloader season for antlerless deer). The draft deer plan is available at www.dec.ny.gov/animals/7211.html. I encourage you all to carefully read the plan, form your own opinions and give us feedback. Please remember that July 28 is the deadline for submitting comments on the draft deer management plan. Comments may be submitted in writing to DEC Deer Management Plan, NYSDEC, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4754 or by email to deerplan at gw.dec.state.ny.us using ?Deer plan? in the subject line. Please do reply to NY Big Game to submit your comments. Jeremy Hurst Big Game Biologist Note: To change your email address with NY Big Game, get a password reminder, or unsubscribe please visit http://lists.dec.state.ny.us/mailman/listinfo/nybiggame You may also catch the latest updates on New York's fish and wildlife by subscribing to Field Notes, another free online e-mail list provided by the Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources. To learn more and subscribe, see www.dec.ny.gov/about/63801.html if (document.getElementsByTagName){var anchors = document.getElementsByTagName("a");var hostname = window.location.hostname.replace("www.","").toLowerCase();for (var i=0; ivar imgloc = "?action=Attachment.Viewif (document.getElementsByTagName){var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0; i= 2){var searchAttachId = imgsrc.lastIndexOf("/"); if(searchAttachId != -1 && imgsrc.substring(searchAttachId+1).search(/^[0-9]+$/) == 0){}else{ if(imgsrc.lastIndexOf("http") == -1 || imgsrc.lastIndexOf(window.location.pathname) != -1){if(parent.attachList && imgsrc.substring(searchAttachId+1) in parent.attachList){}}}}}} -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From nybiggame at lists.dec.state.ny.us Thu Jul 28 15:26:44 2011 From: nybiggame at lists.dec.state.ny.us (Wild White-tailed Deer and Black Bear List) Date: Thu, 28 Jul 2011 15:26:44 -0400 Subject: [Nybiggame] Opportunities for habitat management within the Lake Champlain Basin Message-ID: <4E317FB40200000000137DBC@gwsmtp.dec.state.ny.us> NY Big Game, One of the strategies in our draft deer management plan calls for promoting landowner awareness and participation in state and federal land conservation programs that benefit deer and deer habitat. Here is an immediate opportunity. The Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) has announced special funding through the America's Great Outdoors initiative for the Lake Champlain Basin. Eligible landowners within the basin will be able to enroll in the Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP) to manage grassland and shrubland habitat. While targeted for grassland and shrubland birds, the program will also benefit other wildlife such as woodcock, deer, turkeys, and cottontails. NRCS has reduced the minimum land required for this initiative to five acres, allowing smaller landowners to participate. To apply or find out more about the program, please call or visit the Plattsburgh, Malone, or Greenwich NRCS Service Centers at the locations listed below. You can also read more about WHIP at www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/whip. The deadline for enrollment for this initiative is August 10, 2011. Additional funding may be available after this initial program offering. Plattsburgh: 6064 State Route 22 Plattsburgh, NY 12901-9601 (518) 561-4616 Malone: 151 Finney Blvd Malone, NY 12953-1067 (518) 483-2850 Greenwich: 2530 State Route 40 Greenwich, NY 12834-9627 (518) 692-9940 For information about other programs and opportunities for habitat work on private lands throughout the state, contact DEC at (518) 402-8907 or e-mail f&wlip at gw.dec.state.ny.us Jeremy Hurst Big Game Biologist Note: To change your email address with NY Big Game, get a password reminder, or unsubscribe please visit http://lists.dec.state.ny.us/mailman/listinfo/nybiggame You may also catch the latest updates on New York's fish and wildlife by subscribing to Field Notes, another free online e-mail list provided by the Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources. To learn more and subscribe, see www.dec.ny.gov/about/63801.html if (document.getElementsByTagName){var anchors = document.getElementsByTagName("a");var hostname = window.location.hostname.replace("www.","").toLowerCase();for (var i=0; ivar imgloc = "?action=Attachment.Viewif (document.getElementsByTagName){var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0; i= 2){var searchAttachId = imgsrc.lastIndexOf("/"); if(searchAttachId != -1 && imgsrc.substring(searchAttachId+1).search(/^[0-9]+$/) == 0){}else{ if(imgsrc.lastIndexOf("http") == -1 || imgsrc.lastIndexOf(window.location.pathname) != -1){if(parent.attachList && imgsrc.substring(searchAttachId+1) in parent.attachList){}}}}}} -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From nybiggame at lists.dec.state.ny.us Mon Aug 15 17:47:55 2011 From: nybiggame at lists.dec.state.ny.us (Wild White-tailed Deer and Black Bear List) Date: Mon, 15 Aug 2011 17:47:55 -0400 Subject: [Nybiggame] 2011 hunting licenses, deer forecasts and other updates Message-ID: <4E495BCB0200000000138D64@gwsmtp.dec.state.ny.us> NY Big Game, 2011-2012 hunting, fishing and trapping licenses are now available at the 1,500 license sales outlets throughout the state. Licenses may also be purchased online(www.dec.ny.gov/permits/28941.html), by mail or telephone (1-866-933-2257). The 2011-2012 licenses are valid beginning Oct. 1, 2011 through Sept. 30, 2012. Hunters may also apply for Deer Management Permits (DMPs, often called "doe tags") any time between now and October 1. The 2011 allocation of DMPs and odds of being selected for DMPs in each unit have been posted at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/30409.html. Your chances of being selected for a DMP remain the same throughout the entire application period. Our 2011 deer hunting season forecasts are now on our website at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/37304.html. These include brief descriptions of the landscape and deer population trends within each Wildlife Management Unit. Other important notes for the 2011 hunting seasons include: Crossbows may now be used for hunting big game (deer and bear) during the early bear season, regular firearms seasons, the special January firearms season in Suffolk County, and all late muzzleloading seasons. See Crossbow Hunting (www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/68802.html) for more information and the Certificate of Qualification. Recent legislation lowered the minimum age for youth hunters to purchase a Junior Bowhunting license for big game hunting from 14 to 12 years of age. See the Junior Hunter Mentoring Program (www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/46245.html) for detailed information on youth hunting requirements. Bear hunting will be open in new areas in eastern New York and bear hunting season dates in central and western New York have been modified to create a uniform season across the Southern Zone. See Bear Hunting Seasons (www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/28605.html#Black) for dates and locations. New legislation now allows use of rifles for big game hunting in Wyoming and Cortland counties and in the portion of Chautauqua County south of Route 20. See www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/35010.html for a map of where rifles can be used for big game hunting. Please note that the legislation for Cortland County does not allow the use of crossbows in that county during the regular big game season. Finally, if you are a bowhunter, we invite you to participate in our Bowhunter Sighting Log (www.dec.ny.gov/animals/7193.html). The Bowhunter Sighting Log basically involves keeping a diary of your bowhunting activity and the number of animals you see. These data help us track deer and other wildlife populations. To see an example of the data, just look at our deer season forecasts. We have included Bowhunter Sighting Log data in the charts associated with each WMU forecast. We could use more bowhunter participation in many northern, eastern, and southeastern counties and in Westchester and Suffolk counties. To participate, please e-mail us (fwwildlf at gw.dec.state.ny.us - specify Bowhunter Sighting Log in the subject line) and provide your name, address, hunter ID (back tag number), a list of the counties where you hunt, and whether or not you have participated in New York's bowhunter log in any previous year. Jeremy Hurst Big Game Biologist Note: To change your email address with NY Big Game, get a password reminder, or unsubscribe please visit http://lists.dec.state.ny.us/mailman/listinfo/nybiggame You may also catch the latest updates on New York's fish and wildlife by subscribing to Field Notes, another free online e-mail list provided by the Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources. To learn more and subscribe, see www.dec.ny.gov/about/63801.html -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From nybiggame at lists.dec.state.ny.us Fri Aug 19 15:21:16 2011 From: nybiggame at lists.dec.state.ny.us (Wild White-tailed Deer and Black Bear List) Date: Fri, 19 Aug 2011 15:21:16 -0400 Subject: [Nybiggame] New law establishes antler restrictions in a part of WMU 3A Message-ID: <4E4E7F6C0200000000139230@gwsmtp.dec.state.ny.us> NY Big Game, On August 17, Governor Cuomo signed into law a bill (S5602/A394-A; http://m.nysenate.gov/legislation/bill/S5601-2011) that establishes mandatory antler restrictions in the portion of Wildlife Management Unit 3A that lies south and west of State Route 28 (includes parts of Delaware, Sullivan, and Ulster counties). The law prohibits hunters from taking any antlered deer except those antlered deer that have at least one antler with at least three points. The law applies to all public and private lands and all hunting seasons. Only hunters under the age of 17 are exempt and may take any antlered deer with at least one antler measuring three or more inches in length. This law goes into effect immediately, and hunters are expected to comply with the new law during the 2011-2012 hunting seasons. Deer hunting regulations in all other WMUs were not affected by this legislation. DEC is in the process of updating our website to reflect the new law. Jeremy Hurst Big Game Biologist Note: To change your email address with NY Big Game, get a password reminder, or unsubscribe please visit http://lists.dec.state.ny.us/mailman/listinfo/nybiggame You may also catch the latest updates on New York's fish and wildlife by subscribing to Field Notes, another free online e-mail list provided by the Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources. To learn more and subscribe, see www.dec.ny.gov/about/63801.html -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From nybiggame at lists.dec.state.ny.us Wed Aug 24 15:04:07 2011 From: nybiggame at lists.dec.state.ny.us (Wild White-tailed Deer and Black Bear List) Date: Wed, 24 Aug 2011 15:04:07 -0400 Subject: [Nybiggame] New Report Released on Deer Hunting Message-ID: <4E5512E70200000000139612@gwsmtp.dec.state.ny.us> NY Big Game, US Fish and Wildlife Service economists just released a report confirming that deer hunting is by far the most popular type of hunting in the U.S. According to the 2006 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation, there were 10.1 million deer hunters in 2006, which is nearly four times great than the second most hunted species: wild turkey. This report, available at http://library.fws.gov/Pubs/deerhunting_natsurvey06.pdf (1.5Mb), presents a wide array of information on deer hunter behavior and demographic patterns, from general participation levels to bag rates. USFWS is currently conducting the 2011 National Survey to continue tracking demographic and participation trends, and they expect the results will be available in early 2012. Since 1991 wildlife-related recreation participation as a whole has declined by 20% nationwide, but deer hunting has bucked this trend staying rock steady at over 10 million participants. Deer hunting is by far the most popular type of hunting, representing 80% of all hunters in the U.S. and 60% of all days afield. In 2006, deer hunters nationwide spent $8.9 billion on trip and equipment purchases with an average of $885 per participant. The average deer hunter is a married white man between the ages of thirty-five and forty-four. There were a significant number of female deer hunters too; over 900 thousand in 2006. The report highlights some numbers specifically for New York. 92% of NY hunters hunt deer. NY hunters spent over 5,700,000 days hunting deer in 2006, roughly 60% of their total hunting time. On average, NY hunters spent 13 days hunting deer in 2006; 11 days for unsuccessful deer hunters and 17 days for successful hunters. This finding is a bit lower than results from our 2007 and 2010 NY deer hunter surveys which indicated that deer hunters spent roughly 18-19 days afield per year. For additional insights on deer hunter participation and demographic trends in New York, see our deer hunter surveys at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/74971.html. Jeremy Hurst Big Game Biologist Note: To change your email address with NY Big Game, get a password reminder, or unsubscribe please visit http://lists.dec.state.ny.us/mailman/listinfo/nybiggame You may also catch the latest updates on New York's fish and wildlife by subscribing to Field Notes, another free online e-mail list provided by the Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources. To learn more and subscribe, see www.dec.ny.gov/about/63801.html -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From nybiggame at lists.dec.state.ny.us Fri Aug 26 14:53:36 2011 From: nybiggame at lists.dec.state.ny.us (Wild White-tailed Deer and Black Bear List) Date: Fri, 26 Aug 2011 14:53:36 -0400 Subject: [Nybiggame] DEC Investigating Deer Mortality in Rockland County. Message-ID: <4E57B37002000000001397A1@gwsmtp.dec.state.ny.us> NY Big Game, DEC is investigating reports of sick and dead deer in the Town of Clarkstown in Rockland County, NY. To diagnose the cause of mortally, tissue samples are being collected at the DEC's Wildlife Pathology Unit and sent to the Cornell University Animal Health Diagnostic Center for diagnostic testing. While test results are pending, the DEC does not consider this as a human health issue at this time. DEC is requesting residents in the Rockland County area to refrain from approaching any sick deer or deer behaving abnormally, and to please report these animals to the DEC Regional Wildlife Office in New Paltz by calling (845) 256-3098. We will provide updates as new information is available. Jeremy Hurst Big Game Biologist Note: To change your email address with NY Big Game, get a password reminder, or unsubscribe please visit http://lists.dec.state.ny.us/mailman/listinfo/nybiggame You may also catch the latest updates on New York's fish and wildlife by subscribing to Field Notes, another free online e-mail list provided by the Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources. To learn more and subscribe, see www.dec.ny.gov/about/63801.html if (document.getElementsByTagName){var anchors = document.getElementsByTagName("a");var hostname = window.location.hostname.replace("www.","").toLowerCase();for (var i=0; ivar imgloc = "?action=Attachment.Viewif (document.getElementsByTagName){var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0; i= 2){var searchAttachId = imgsrc.lastIndexOf("/"); if(searchAttachId != -1 && imgsrc.substring(searchAttachId+1).search(/^[0-9]+$/) == 0){}else{ if(imgsrc.lastIndexOf("http") == -1 || imgsrc.lastIndexOf(window.location.pathname) != -1){if(parent.attachList && imgsrc.substring(searchAttachId+1) in parent.attachList){}}}}}} -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From nybiggame at lists.dec.state.ny.us Wed Sep 7 09:32:03 2011 From: nybiggame at lists.dec.state.ny.us (Wild White-tailed Deer and Black Bear List) Date: Wed, 07 Sep 2011 09:32:03 -0400 Subject: [Nybiggame] Update: NY Black Bear Research Message-ID: <4E673A130200000000139FE3@gwsmtp.dec.state.ny.us> NY Big Game, Over the past year, DEC and Dr. Angela Fuller, Assistant Leader of the New York Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit at Cornell University, have begun two black bear research projects in south-central New York. The projects will provide information on black bear populations that will assist in developing effective management strategies for this expanding population. Specifically, the projects will generate an estimate of how many bears exist in the study area and will provide an understanding of where bears spend time and how they move through landscapes. This will help DEC predict where bears may continue to expand their range and where human-bear interactions may occur in the future. With one field season now complete, we recently received an update on the research progress. Project Update The study area (1,013 mi2) encompasses portions of Steuben, Allegany, and Livingston Counties. Beginning in May, 2011 the research team (graduate students Matthew Adams and Catherine Sun and their 8 technicians) under the advisement of Dr. Fuller, has been collecting hair samples from black bears using barbed wire corrals and has been trapping and tagging black bears. They will use genetic techniques to identify individual bears from the hairs collected from the barbed wire. The tagged bears are being tracked using radiocollars that send the researchers hourly text messages with a GPS location of the bear. The research team captured 42 black bears (25 males, 14 females, 3 cubs) and fitted 20 bears (11 adult males, 5 adult females, and 4 yearling females) with radiocollars. Over the course of 10 weeks, they deployed 223 barbed wire corrals and collected hair samples at 115 sites. The research was conducted on both public and private lands, including 154 private landowners, 26 state lands, parks, and county forests. The researchers are extremely grateful to the 154 private landowners, who have participated in the research by allowing access to their lands. Jeremy Hurst Big Game Biologist Note: To change your email address with NY Big Game, get a password reminder, or unsubscribe please visit http://lists.dec.state.ny.us/mailman/listinfo/nybiggame You may also catch the latest updates on New York's fish and wildlife by subscribing to Field Notes, another free online e-mail list provided by the Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources. To learn more and subscribe, see www.dec.ny.gov/about/63801.html -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From nybiggame at lists.dec.state.ny.us Thu Sep 8 08:24:17 2011 From: nybiggame at lists.dec.state.ny.us (Wild White-tailed Deer and Black Bear List) Date: Thu, 08 Sep 2011 08:24:17 -0400 Subject: [Nybiggame] Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) confirmed as cause of death in Rockland County deer Message-ID: <4E687BB1020000000013A0F7@gwsmtp.dec.state.ny.us> NY Big Game, DEC has confirmed that approximately 100 white-tailed deer found dead in the Town of Clarkstown, Rockland County, over the last two weeks were killed by Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD). EHD is a viral disease of white-tailed deer that is transmitted by the biting midge in the family Culicoides. The EHD virus does not infect humans and humans are not at risk by being bitten by the infected midge also known as a no-see-um or punkie. DEC wildlife biologists collected a sampling of deer carcasses in Rockland County and submitted them to the Fish and Wildlife Health Unit for necropsy. Tissue samples were then sent to the Animal Health Diagnostic Center at Cornell University and the National Veterinary Services Laboratory where the diagnosis of EHD was identified. The EHD virus was last confirmed in New York in 2007 in Albany and Niagara Counties. EHD outbreaks are most common in the late summer and early fall when the midges are abundant. The symptoms of EHD include fever, small hemorrhages or bruises in the mouth and nose, swelling of the head, neck, tongue and lips. A deer infected with EHD may appear lame or dehydrated. Frequently, infected deer will seek out water sources and many succumb near a water source. An infected deer may die within 1-3 days after being bitten by the midge or the disease may progress more slowly over weeks or months. There is no treatment and no means of prevention for EHD. The dead deer do not serve as a source of infection for other animals. EHD outbreaks do not have a significant impact on deer populations in general but may have a noticeable impact in the immediate area. Generally, EHD outbreaks occur in a specific geographic area and about half of the EHD infected deer may die in an outbreak. In the North, the first hard frost kills the midges that transmit the disease and the EHD outbreak ends. As general wise practice, hunters should not handle or eat any deer that appears sick or acts strangely. DEC will continue to monitor the situation. Sightings of sick or dying deer should be reported to the nearest DEC Regional Office or to an Environmental Conservation Officer. For more information on EHD and helpful related links, visit the DEC website directly at www.dec.ny.gov/animals/39767.html. Jeremy Hurst Big Game Biologist Note: To change your email address with NY Big Game, get a password reminder, or unsubscribe please visit http://lists.dec.state.ny.us/mailman/listinfo/nybiggame You may also catch the latest updates on New York's fish and wildlife by subscribing to Field Notes, another free online e-mail list provided by the Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources. To learn more and subscribe, see www.dec.ny.gov/about/63801.html -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From nybiggame at lists.dec.state.ny.us Thu Sep 29 10:57:21 2011 From: nybiggame at lists.dec.state.ny.us (Wild White-tailed Deer and Black Bear List) Date: Thu, 29 Sep 2011 10:57:21 -0400 Subject: [Nybiggame] October 1 brings a new license year and DMP application deadline Message-ID: <4E844F11020000000013B2A7@gwsmtp.dec.state.ny.us> NY Big Game, This Saturday, October 1, 2011 marks the start of a new license year. Hunters should clean out their pockets of old tags and begin carrying the 2011-2012 hunting license and tags this Saturday. October 1 is also the deadline to apply for Deer Management Permits (DMPs, "doe tags"). See www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/30409.html for where DMPs are available and the probabilities of getting selected for 1st or 2nd choice DMPs in each Wildlife Management Unit (WMU). We've issued roughly 70% of our DMP target so far, which is fairly typical at this point since many hunters, like me, wait until the last few days of the application period to purchase their license and apply for a DMP. Additionally, October 1 is the opening day of Regular Season for deer in Suffolk County (WMU 1C). Deer hunters in WMU 1C may use their Regular Season Deer Tag, special season either-sex or antlerless tag, or DMP tags for WMU 1C, but all deer hunting during the Suffolk County regular season is with bowhunting equipment only. Bonus tags are also available to hunters who take an antlerless deer on a DMP for WMU 1C. Remember, responsible hunters report their game harvest. Not only is reporting your deer, bear, or turkey harvest required by law, it is also good game management. If you have not yet reported your take via our website, give it a shot this year. Click the reporting icon at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/8316.html or follow the "Hunt" link from our home page www.dec.ny.gov for the internet harvest reporting system. It's quick, easy and it provides us with important data to manage effectively. Good hunting! Jeremy Hurst Big Game Biologist Note: To change your email address with NY Big Game, get a password reminder, or unsubscribe please visit http://lists.dec.state.ny.us/mailman/listinfo/nybiggame You may also catch the latest updates on New York's fish and wildlife by subscribing to Field Notes, another free online e-mail list provided by the Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources. To learn more and subscribe, see www.dec.ny.gov/about/63801.html -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From nybiggame at lists.dec.state.ny.us Thu Oct 13 08:22:52 2011 From: nybiggame at lists.dec.state.ny.us (Wild White-tailed Deer and Black Bear List) Date: Thu, 13 Oct 2011 08:22:52 -0400 Subject: [Nybiggame] SZ bow season and NZ muzzleloader season begin this Saturday References: <4E957532020000000013BB67@gwsmtp.dec.state.ny.us> <4E969FDC020000000013BBBA@gwsmtp.dec.state.ny.us> Message-ID: <4E969FDC020000000013BBBA@gwsmtp.dec.state.ny.us> NY Big Game, The 2011-2012 Southern Zone bowhunting season and Northern Zone muzzleloader season for deer and bear begin at sunrise on Saturday, October 15. "The early seasons are a great time to be in the woods," said Commissioner Joe Martens. "With recent legislation now allowing 12-13 year olds to purchase a Junior Bowhunting license, we encourage adult hunters to share their passion, experience, and time with a junior hunter this year." Hunters are reminded of several other changes for the upcoming hunting seasons: Mandatory antler restrictions are in effect during bow and gun hunting seasons this year in a portion of Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) 3A in the Catskills (part of Delaware, Sullivan and Ulster counties). The new law, established by the New York State Legislature, covers the portion of WMU 3A that lies south and west of State Route 28 and requires that bucks taken in this part of WMU 3A have at least one antler with 3 or more points that are at least 1 inch long. The law applies to all public and private lands and all hunting seasons in the affected portion of WMU 3A. Only hunters under the age of 17 are exempt and they may take any antlered deer with at least one antler measuring three or more inches in length. See www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/27663.html for more information about antler restrictions in New York. Bear hunting has been expanded in eastern New York, from Westchester to Washington County, and is open during the same time periods as deer hunting. For specific bear hunting areas and season dates, visit www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/28605.html#Black. Crossbows may NOT be used during the early bowhunting or early muzzleloading seasons, but crossbows may be used during the regular firearms and late muzzleloader seasons. See Crossbow Hunting at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/68802.html for more information and the Certificate of Qualification. DEC encourages bowhunters to participate in the Bowhunter Sighting Log www.dec.ny.gov/animals/7193.html. The Bowhunter Sighting Log involves keeping a diary of your bowhunting activity and the number of animals seen. These data help DEC track deer and other wildlife populations. To participate, e-mail DEC at fwwildlf at gw.dec.state.ny.us (specify Bowhunter Sighting Log in the subject line) and provide name, address, hunter ID (back tag number), a list of the counties where you hunt, and whether or not you have participated in New York's bowhunter log in any previous year. Additional information that may be of interest for hunters includes: 2011 Deer Hunting Season Forecasts by WMU www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/37304.html. Hunting the Black Bear in New York (PDF booklet) www.dec.ny.gov/docs/wildlife_pdf/bbhunting10.PDF. Deer and Bear Harvest Reports www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/42232.html. Junior Hunter Mentoring Program and Permission Form www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/46245.html I expect to be in a tree stand Saturday morning and I hope you all get the chance to be in the woods as well. Good hunting! Jeremy Hurst Big Game Biologist Note: To change your email address with NY Big Game, get a password reminder, or unsubscribe please visit http://lists.dec.state.ny.us/mailman/listinfo/nybiggame You may also catch the latest updates on New York's fish and wildlife by subscribing to Field Notes, another free online e-mail list provided by the Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources. To learn more and subscribe, see www.dec.ny.gov/about/63801.html -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From nybiggame at lists.dec.state.ny.us Mon Oct 17 13:11:30 2011 From: nybiggame at lists.dec.state.ny.us (Wild White-tailed Deer and Black Bear List) Date: Mon, 17 Oct 2011 13:11:30 -0400 Subject: [Nybiggame] DEC Adopts Deer Management Plan Message-ID: <4E9C2982020000000013BF5E@gwsmtp.dec.state.ny.us> NY Big Game, The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced that it has adopted a five-year deer management plan. The final plan, which has been revised based on public comment on a previously released draft version, is now available at www.dec.ny.gov/animals/7211.html. "White-tailed deer are an important and valued natural resource for New Yorkers," Commissioner Joe Martens said. "DEC's new deer management plan provides strategic direction for our staff over the next five years and will help us focus our efforts where they can best meet the biological and social demands associated with deer. This plan emphasizes the importance of hunting for deer management, and we are particularly excited to create new opportunities for young deer hunters," Martens said. "We are also cognizant of the significant ecological impacts associated with deer, and we are eager to more fully bring our knowledge of these impacts into the population management process." The plan describes six primary goals that encompass the current priorities for deer management and the values and issues expressed by the public: Manage deer populations at levels that are appropriate for human and ecological concerns; Promote and enhance deer hunting as an important recreational activity, tradition, and population management tool in New York; Reduce negative impacts caused by deer; Foster public understanding and communication about deer ecology, deer management, economic aspects and recreational opportunities; Manage deer to promote healthy and sustainable forests and enhance habitat conservation efforts to benefit deer and other species; and Ensure that the necessary resources are available to support sound management of white-tailed deer in New York. Public comment on the draft deer management plan was carefully reviewed by the Department, and several notable changes were made in the adopted plan, including: Changing to a 5-year cycle for evaluating deer population objectives; DEC removed the proposal to completely discontinue either-sex and antlerless-only tags; DEC is committing to implementing a youth deer hunting opportunity. Details related to timing and structure of a youth hunt have been removed from the plan so as to allow continued discussion to identify the most appropriate option; and DEC clarified that a special antlerless-only season for muzzleloader hunters will only occur as the 3rd phase of a multi-phase process, and only in WMUs where additional doe harvest is needed. DEC intends to begin implementing strategies of the deer plan immediately. While many strategies will take several years to develop, DEC expects to begin rulemaking to implement a number of hunting-related aspects of this plan prior to the 2012-13 hunting seasons, including: Establishing a youth deer hunt; Starting the Southern Zone bow season October 1st; Allowing DMPs to be used during the bow and early muzzleloader season in the Northern Zone; and Expanding mandatory antler restrictions into 7 WMUs in southeastern New York. DEC strives to provide a deer management program that balances diverse public interests and values with the biological needs and ecological relationships of deer, for the benefit of New York's white-tailed deer herd and the people of New York. Jeremy Hurst Big Game Biologist Note: To change your email address with NY Big Game, get a password reminder, or unsubscribe please visit http://lists.dec.state.ny.us/mailman/listinfo/nybiggame You may also catch the latest updates on New York's fish and wildlife by subscribing to Field Notes, another free online e-mail list provided by the Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources. To learn more and subscribe, see www.dec.ny.gov/about/63801.html -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From nybiggame at lists.dec.state.ny.us Mon Oct 24 15:19:35 2011 From: nybiggame at lists.dec.state.ny.us (Wild White-tailed Deer and Black Bear List) Date: Mon, 24 Oct 2011 15:19:35 -0400 Subject: [Nybiggame] Assessment of Public Comment on the NYS Deer Plan References: <4EA57670020000000013C4DF@gwsmtp.dec.state.ny.us> <4EA58207020000000013C4FF@gwsmtp.dec.state.ny.us> Message-ID: <4EA58207020000000013C4FF@gwsmtp.dec.state.ny.us> NY Big Game, We have now posted our Assessment of Public Comment on the draft NYS Deer Management Plan, 2012-2016 at www.dec.ny.gov/animals/7211.html. We reviewed all of the input received on our draft deer management plan, and we appreciate the time and effort that so many took to express their personal and organizational views in writing. We prepared this Assessment of Public Comment as a brief overview of what seemed to be the principal issues identified with the draft plan, and we offer our response to those issues. Jeremy Hurst Big Game Biologist Note: To change your email address with NY Big Game, get a password reminder, or unsubscribe please visit http://lists.dec.state.ny.us/mailman/listinfo/nybiggame You may also catch the latest updates on New York's fish and wildlife by subscribing to Field Notes, another free online e-mail list provided by the Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources. To learn more and subscribe, see www.dec.ny.gov/about/63801.html -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From nybiggame at lists.dec.state.ny.us Mon Oct 31 15:28:36 2011 From: nybiggame at lists.dec.state.ny.us (Wild White-tailed Deer and Black Bear List) Date: Mon, 31 Oct 2011 15:28:36 -0400 Subject: [Nybiggame] Leftover DMPs available beginning November 1; Bonus permits also available Message-ID: <4EAEBEA40200000000B34B11@gwsmtp.dec.state.ny.us> NY Big Game, Leftover DMPs In some Wildlife Management Units (WMUs), we issued Deer Management Permits (DMPs) to all applicants during the initial application period, but the DMP target was still not reached. In these units, we will re-open the application process for leftover DMPs beginning tomorrow, November 1, 2011. Leftover DMPs are available for the following Wildlife Management Units (WMUs): 1C, 3M, 3R, 3S, 7H, 8A, 8F, 8G, 8H, 8J, 8N, 9A, and 9F. Hunters may apply for up to 2 additional DMPs in these WMUs. Applications are accepted at license issuing outlets only. You cannot apply by phone, mail or on-line. DMPs are issued on a first-come / first-serve basis until the desired target is reached in each unit. See www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/6399.html for additional details. Bonus DMPs Also, DEC continues to offer Bonus DMPs to successful hunters in WMUs 1C, 3S, 4J, and 8C. New this year, DEC will also be offering Bonus DMPs in WMU 9A. Bonus DMPs are available to hunters who take an antlerless deer on a Deer Management Permit (DMP) or a Bonus DMP in one of these units. To participate, hunters must visit a check station to confirm kill of an antlerless deer and properly filled out DMP. See www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/10001.html for check station information and more details about the Bonus Permit program. If you are curious about the DMP quota setting and issuance process, you may enjoy reading about it at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/47743.html Good Hunting! Jeremy Hurst Big Game Biologist Note: To change your email address with NY Big Game, get a password reminder, or unsubscribe please visit http://lists.dec.state.ny.us/mailman/listinfo/nybiggame You may also catch the latest updates on New York's fish and wildlife by subscribing to Field Notes, another free online e-mail list provided by the Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources. To learn more and subscribe, see www.dec.ny.gov/about/63801.html -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From nybiggame at lists.dec.state.ny.us Tue Nov 15 13:46:36 2011 From: nybiggame at lists.dec.state.ny.us (Wild White-tailed Deer and Black Bear List) Date: Tue, 15 Nov 2011 13:46:36 -0500 Subject: [Nybiggame] DEC Announces Nov. 19 Opening of Southern Zone Deer and Bear Hunting Seasons Message-ID: <4EC26D3C0200000000B3562C@gwsmtp.dec.state.ny.us> NY Big Game, The 2011 regular deer and bear hunting seasons open at sunrise on Saturday, Nov. 19 in New York's Southern Zone, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Joe Martens announced today. The two big game seasons close at sunset on Sunday, Dec. 11. ?Hunters provide a valuable public service by keeping deer and bear populations in check. Regulated hunting is the most effective and efficient tool to maintain wildlife populations at levels that are compatible with our communities and natural resources,? Commissioner Martens said. ?We expect deer harvests to be up slightly from last year, and with expanded bear hunting opportunities in the Southern Zone, big game hunters should have an exciting season.? 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, Dec. 12 and close at sunset on Tuesday, Dec. 20. Hunters taking part in these special seasons must possess either bowhunting or muzzleloading privileges. In the Northern Zone, the regular deer and bear hunting season opened Oct. 22 and will close at sunset on Dec. 4. This zone generally includes the Adirondacks, Tug Hill Plateau, Eastern Lake Ontario Plain, and the Champlain and St. Lawrence valleys. A late muzzleloading season for deer will be open in portions of the Northern Zone from Dec. 5 to Dec. 11. Hunters should be aware of several important programs and recent changes as they prepare for the 2011 regular Southern Zone hunting season. 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 Mandatory Antler Restrictions: A new law covers the portion of wildlife management unit (WMU) 3A that lies south and west of State Route 28 (which includes parts of Ulster, Sullivan and Delaware counties) and requires that bucks taken in this part of the unit have at least one antler with three or more points that are at least one inch long. The law applies to all public and private lands and all hunting seasons in the affected portion of the unit. Mandatory antler restrictions are also in effect in WMUs 3C, 3H, 3J, and 3K (which include portions of Ulster and Sullivan counties). Only hunters under the age of 17 are exempt and may take any antlered deer with at least one antler measuring three or more inches in length. See DEC?s website for more information: www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/27663.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). Junior Hunters: Junior Hunters (14 and 15 years old) can hunt deer and bear with a firearm when appropriately accompanied by an experienced adult. See the junior hunter mentoring webpage for program requirements and to download the mentored youth hunter permission form: www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/46245.html Venison Donation: Hunters are encouraged to participate in the Venison Donation program. By filling your permits and donating your deer, you help accomplish the needed deer management and you can feed less fortunate families. For more information see: www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/8351.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 careful attention to basic firearm safety rules that can prevent hunting related shooting incidents: 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. Remember to wear hunter orange. For specific descriptions of regulations and open areas, hunters should refer to the 2011-12 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide at: www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/37136.html Hunters are urged to review all regulations and safety tips contained in the guide. Good Hunting! Jeremy Hurst Big Game Biologist Note: To change your email address with NY Big Game, get a password reminder, or unsubscribe please visit http://lists.dec.state.ny.us/mailman/listinfo/nybiggame You may also catch the latest updates on New York's fish and wildlife by subscribing to Field Notes, another free online e-mail list provided by the Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources. To learn more and subscribe, see www.dec.ny.gov/about/63801.html -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From nybiggame at lists.dec.state.ny.us Wed Nov 30 08:40:03 2011 From: nybiggame at lists.dec.state.ny.us (Wild White-tailed Deer and Black Bear List) Date: Wed, 30 Nov 2011 08:40:03 -0500 Subject: [Nybiggame] DEC Police Ticket Dozens for Deer Poaching References: <4ED4C88D0200000000B35E10@gwsmtp.dec.state.ny.us> <4ED4DA180200000000B35E34@gwsmtp.dec.state.ny.us> <4ED5EBE30200000000B35EE5@gwsmtp.dec.state.ny.us> Message-ID: <4ED5EBE30200000000B35EE5@gwsmtp.dec.state.ny.us> NY Big Game, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) police officers recently concluded a blanket deer taking enforcement detail in the Capital Region and surrounding areas in conjunction with the states of Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont. Environmental Conservation Officers (ECO) worked in conjunction with their counterparts in neighboring states to set up saturation patrols to target illegal deer shooting with the use of an artificial light, a practice commonly known as deer jacking. Typically, deer jacking occurs in remote rural areas, throughout the night. During this operation, which took place in late October and the first three weeks of November, ECOs worked long hours and often confronted armed individuals. ?The vast majority of hunters pursue and take game legally,? said DEC Law Enforcement Major Tim Duffy. ?We work closely with the sporting community to stop individuals from illegally taking game to the detriment of wildlife populations and the legal efforts of honest hunters.? ECOs are out in full force this time of year patrolling, staking out, and observing the lands on which people take deer. They are in uniform and undercover; they are in vehicles and on foot; they are checking licenses and watching over deer decoys. Below is a list of individuals ticketed by ECOs for violating New York?s Environmental Conservation Laws in the Capital Region and surrounding areas. Saratoga County On October 20, an ECO staked out the Hans Creek Road in the town of Providence for poachers using lights to take deer. A vehicle turned on to the road and immediately a spotlight shined from the car sweeping the field along the road. The ECO observed a firearm pointing out from the car and heard a shot fired while a doe deer was illuminated by the spotlight. The vehicle continued down the road to the ECOs vehicle and was stopped. A second ECO arrived at the scene and the three occupants of the car were interviewed. All were issued summonses to appear in the town of Providence Justice Court as follows: Craig Dufare, 18, of Middle Grove was charged with taking wildlife from a motor vehicle, possessing a loaded long gun in a motor vehicle, using of light while possessing an unsecured gun, illegally taking protected wildlife, discharging a firearm across a public highway, and shooting deer with rim fire ammunition. He faces up to $4,000 in fines and up to three years in jail. Elizabeth Lewis, 18, of Middle Grove was charged with possessing a loaded long gun in a motor vehicle, taking big game without a license and using a light and while possessing an unsecured gun. She faces up to $2,250 in fines and up to two years in jail. A 16-year old male in the vehicle was charged with taking big game without a license, taking deer with the aid of an artificial light, possessing a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle, attempting to take wildlife with aid of motor vehicle and discharging a firearm across a public highway. He faces maximum possible penalties of $4,000 in fines and up to three years and one month in jail. On Nov 15, Christopher Columbe, 26, and Justin Carr, 26, both of Saratoga Springs were both charged with operating an artificial light on lands inhabited by deer while in possession of a firearm. Both men were served summons to appear in the town of Northumberland Justice Court. Columbe and Carr each face maximum penalties of $1,000 in fines and up to 90 days in jail. Albany County On October 29, Mark Meringolo, 42, of Athens was charged with shooting deer over bait, a violation. He was issued a summons to appear in Rensselaerville Town Court. Meringolo faces a maximum of $250 in fines and up to 15 days in jail. On November 5, John Facci, 40, of Schenectady was charged with shooting deer over bait, a violation. He was issued a summons to appear in Colonie Town Court and faces a maximum of $250 in fines and up to 15 days in jail. On November 9, Drew McCardle, 50, of Delanson was charged with taking a doe deer without a permit, taking a deer with a firearm during bow season (both misdemeanors), and hunting without a license, a violation. He was issued summonses to appear Knox Town Court. McCardle faces a maximum of $4,250 in fines and up to two years in jail. On November 15, Joshua Beck, 18, of Slingerlands was charged with using a spotlight within 500 feet of a dwelling, a violation. He was issued a summons to appear in Guilderland Town Court. Beck faces a maximum of $250 in fines and up to 15 days in jail. On November 18, John Mister, 53, of Greenville was charged with illegal possession of wildlife and failure to tag deer, both violations. He was issued a summons to appear in Westerlo Town Court. Mister faces a maximum of $500 in fines and up to 30 days in jail. On November 19, Stephen West, 28, of Mayfield (Fulton County) was charged with possessing a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle, a misdemeanor. He was issued a summons to appear in Berne Town Court. West faces a maximum of $1000 in fines and up to 90 days in jail. On November 19, Mark Ginter, 37, of Gloversville was charged with possessing a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle, a misdemeanor. He was issued a summons to appear in Berne Town Court. Ginter faces a maximum of $1,000 in fines and up to 90 days in jail. On November 19, Charles Welsh, 40, of Rensselaerville was charged with possessing a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle, a misdemeanor. He was issued a summons to appear in Berne Town Court. Welsh faces a maximum of $1,000 in fines and up to 90 days in jail. On November 20, Kenneth Davey, 49, of Richmondville was charged with possessing a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle, a misdemeanor. He was issued a summons to appear in Rensselaerville Town Court. Davey faces a maximum of $1,000 in fines and up to 90 days in jail. On November 20, Mark McNally, 50, of Queens was charged with hunting with a rifle in a prohibited county, a misdemeanor. He was issued a summons to appear in Rensselaerville Town Court. McNally faces a maximum of $1,000 in fines and up to 90 days in jail. On November 20, Ando Carmello, 52, of Stanfordville (Dutchess County) was charged with hunting with a rifle in a prohibited county, a misdemeanor. He was issued a summons to appear in Rensselaerville Town Court. Carmello faces a maximum of $1,000 in fines and up to 90 days in jail. On November 20, Frank Scavetta, 52, of Queens was charged with hunting with a rifle in a prohibited county, a misdemeanor. He was issued a summons to appear in Rensselaerville Town Court. Scavetta faces a maximum of $1,000 in fines and up to 90 days in jail. On November 26, Fred Oliver, 69, of Delmar was charged with shooting deer over bait, a violation. He was issued a summons to appear in Bethlehem Town Court. Oliver faces a maximum of $250 in fines and up to 15 days in jail. On November 27, Mario Pennacchia, 52, of Schenectady was charged with taking a doe deer without a permit (a misdemeanor), discharging a bow within 500 feet of a residence and shooting deer over bait, both violations. He was issued summonses to appear Knox Town Court. McCardle faces up to $2,500 in fines and up to one year in jail. Schenectady County On November 18, Michael Wheeler, 48, of Schenectady was charged with illegal possession of a doe deer and taking a deer with a firearm during bow season, both misdemeanors. He was issued summonses to appear in Princetown Town Court. Wheeler faces a maximum of $4,000 in fines and up to two years in jail. Rensselaer County On October 25, Jamie Sears, 40, of Pittsfield, MA was charged with shooting at game after hours and hunting without a back tag (both violations) and making a false statement while applying for a license, a misdemeanor. He was issued summonses to appear in the town of Petersburg Justice Court. He faces a maximum of $700 in fines and up to three months in jail. On October 25, Nicholas Lentine, 30, of Pownal, VT was charged with failure to carry a big game license while hunting, a violation. Lentine was issued an appearance ticket returnable in Petersburg Justice Court and faces up to $250 in fines and/or 15 days in jail. On October 26, Matthew Sadlowski, 21, of Johnsonville was charged with spotlighting with an unsecure bow in a motor vehicle, a violation. Sadlowski was issued an appearance ticket returnable to Pittstown Justice Court and faces up to $250 in fines and up to 125 days in jail. On November 1, Kenneth Luskin, 43, of Pittstown was charged with failure to tag a deer, a violation. Luskin was issued an appearance ticket returnable to Pittstown Justice Court and faces up to $250 in fines and up to 15 days in jail. On November 13, James W. Roberts, 44, of Mechanicville was charged with shooting over bait, a violation. Roberts was issued an appearance ticket returnable to Pittstown Justice Court and faces up to $250 in fines and up to 15 days in jail. On November 5, Carlos I. Correa, 52, of Troy was charged with hunter trespass, a violation. Correa was issued an appearance ticket returnable to Pittstown Justice Court and faces up to $250 in fines and up to 15 days in jail. On November 1, Steven Torres, 40, of Watervliet was charged with hunter trespass, a violation. Torres was issued an appearance ticket returnable to North Greenbush Justice Court and faces up to $250 in fines and up to 15 days in jail. On November 6, Paul A. Jerominek, 47, of Troy was charged with the misdemeanor of unlawful take of a deer and the violation of hunting without a license. Resolution of the matter is pending in Brunswick Town Court where Jerominek faces up to $2,000 in fines and up to 90 days in jail. On November 27, Brian Jones of Berlin, 22, and John MacMillen, 22, of Poestenkill were each charged with taking deer with the aid of an artificial light, possessing a loaded gun in a motor vehicle and taking wildlife from a motor vehicle, all misdemeanors. Additionally, Jones was charged with the misdemeanor of shooting two deer over bait and the violation of hunting without a big game license during the archery only season. Resolution of the charges are pending in Berlin Town Court where MacMillen faces a fine of up to $5,000 and up to 270 days in jail and Jones faces a fine of up to $9,000 and up to a year in jail. On November 13, Tom Gill, 22, of Nassau was charged with shooting deer with a gun during archery season and with hunting without a license, both violations. Gill was issued appearance tickets returnable to Nassau Justice Court and faces a fine of up to $500 and up to 15 days in jail. On November 11, Fred Beagle, 34, of Cambridge was charged with possessing a loaded gun in a motor vehicle (a misdemeanor) and a traffic infraction of an unregistered vehicle. Beagle was issued an appearance ticket returnable to Pittstown Justice Court and faces up to $1,000 in fines and up to 90 days in jail. Columbia County On November 10, Todd Hall, 44, of Austerlitz and David Hall, 43, of Chatham were charged with possession of an unsecured firearm in a motor vehicle while spotlighting, a misdemeanor. Both were issued an appearance tickets returnable to Austerlitz Justice Court and face up to $1,000 in fines and up to 90 days in jail. On November 24, Dominick Popp, 74, of Gallatin was issued appearance tickets for the illegal taking of deer and shooting over a bait pile. Popp appeared in Gallatin Town Court, apologized for his actions and paid a $750 fine. Montgomery County On November 10, Jeremy Harrington, 38, of Canajoharie was charged with taking a deer with a firearm during bow season (a misdemeanor) and trespassing on posted land, a violation. He was issued summonses to appear Palatine Town Court and faces up to $2,250 in fines and up to one year in jail. On November 11, Joseph Moreau, 54, of Nelliston was charged with illegally taking a deer (a misdemeanor) and trespassing on posted land, a violation. He was issued summonses to appear Palatine Town Court and faces up to $2,250 in fines and up to one year in jail. On November 23, Dylan Slater, 20, of Canajoharie was charged with illegal possession of a doe deer, a misdemeanor. He was issued a summons to appear in Glen Town Court and faces up to $2,000 in fines and up to one year in jail. On November 20, Timothy Ferguson, 42, of Broadalbin was charged with illegal possession of a doe deer, a misdemeanor. He was issued summonses to appear in Florida Town Court and faces up to $2,000 in fines and up to one year in jail. On November 20, Nick Henderson, 23, of Schenectady was charged with illegal possession of wildlife and possessing the license and tags of another, both violations. He was issued a summons to appear in Florida Town Court and faces up to $500 in fines and up to 30 days in jail. Washington County On September 13, three Ticonderoga men were charged with deer jacking in the town of Putnam. Jesse Mars, 24, Adam Mosier, 26, and Nicholas Vlamis, 26, were each charged with taking deer with the aid of an artificial light, taking deer during the closed season, using lights in a motor vehicle while in possession of a firearm, discharging a firearm from a public highway, and possessing a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle. All charges are misdemeanors punishable by up to $6,000 in fines and up to one year in jail. All three men were issued summonses to appear in the town of Putnam Justice Court. On November 13, Robert D. Wilson, 37, of Hebron, Stephanie A. Defoe, 24, of Hudson Falls, and Mark Havens, 35, of Glens Falls were each charged with operating a spotlight on lands inhabited by deer while in possession of three long guns and a longbow, a misdemeanor. All three were issued summonses to appear in the town of Hebron Justice Court. Each face up to $1,000 in fines and up to 90 days in jail. On November 17, Justin Phillips, 22, of Whitehall was charged with operating lights on lands inhabited by deer while in possession of a firearm, a misdemeanor. He was issued a summons to appear before the town of Whitehall Justice Court. Phillips faces up to $1,000 in fines and up to 90 days in jail. On November 19, Tabor Joiner, 26, of Glens Falls and Christopher Paige, 36, of Hudson Falls were charged with operating a spotlight on lands inhabited by deer while in possession of a firearm, a misdemeanor. The two were also allegedly in possession of a loaded air rifle. Both were issued summonses to appear before the town of Kingsbury Justice Court. Joiner and Paige each face maximum possible penalties of $2,000 in fines and up to 90 days in jail. On November 13, Joshua L. Phillips, 24, of Salem was charged with operating a spotlight on lands inhabited by deer while in possession of a crossbow, a misdemeanor. He was issued summonses to appear in the town of White Creek Justice Court. Phillips faces up to $1,000 in fines and up to 90 days in jail. Below is a list of individuals ticketed by ECOs for violating New York?s Environmental Conservation Laws in the Adirondacks and the North Country. Clinton County On November 12, Matthew Heywood, 34, of Burrillville, RI and Timothy Heywood, 48, of Blackstone, MA, were both charged with using a spotlight with unsecured firearm, a misdemeanor. Both men were issued summonses to appear in the town of Black Brook Justice Court. The Heywoods each face up to $1,000 in fines and up to 90 days in jail. Essex County On September 22, Rourk Nielsen, 18, of Ticonderoga was charged with taking a deer during the closed season, a misdemeanor. He was issued a summons to appear before the town of Ticonderoga Justice Court. Nielsen faces up to $2,000 in fines and up to 90 days in jail. On September 29, James Flora, 21, of Plattsburgh was charged with discharging a bow across a public highway and taking deer from a public highway, both violations. He was issued summonses to appear in the town of Chesterfield Justice Court. Flora faces up to $500 in fines and up to 15 days in jail. On October 13, Larry Cooney, 38, of Elizabethtown was charged with discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling (a misdemeanor) and taking a pheasant by means not permitted, a violation. He was issued summonses to appear in the town of Westport Justice Court and faces up to $1,250 in fines and up to 90 days in jail. On October 14, William Leclair, 55, of Port Douglas was charged with possessing a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle, a misdemeanor. He was issued a summons to appear in the town of Chesterfield Justice Court and faces up to $1,000 in fines and up to 90 days in jail. On October 22, Michael Clarke, 21, of Keeseville was charged with using lights on lands inhabited by deer while in possession of a long gun in a motor vehicle, a misdemeanor. He was issued a summons to appear in the town of Chesterfield Justice Court and faces up to $1,000 in fines and up to 90 days in jail. On October 22, Jason Ryan, 19, of Keeseville was charged with using lights on lands inhabited by deer while in possession of a long gun in a motor vehicle, a misdemeanor. He was issued a summons to appear in the town of Chesterfield Justice Court and faces up to $1,000 in fines and up to 90 days in jail. On October 23, Daniel Grey, 42, of Ticonderoga was charged with possessing a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle, a misdemeanor. He was issued a summons to appear before the town of Crown Point Justice Court and faces up to $1,000 in fines and up to 90 days in jail. On November 11, Harold Bailey, 56, of Keeseville was charged with possessing a firearm while using an artificial light, a misdemeanor. He was issued a summons to appear in the town of Chesterfield Justice Court and faces up to $1,000 in fines and up to 90 days in jail. Franklin County On October 14, Nicholas Francis, 21, and Travis Stacey, 21, both of Akwesasne were charged with illegal possession of a deer (a misdemeanor) and taking a doe deer without a permit, a violation. Each was issued summonses to appear before the town of Bombay Justice Court. Francis and Stacey each face up to $1,250 in fines and up to 90 days in jail. On October 20, Westley Dermody, 53, of Keeseville was charged with shooting deer over bait, a violation. He was issued a summons to appear in the town of Franklin Justice Court and faces up to $250 in fines and up to 15 days in jail. On October 21, Carl F. Shantie, 54, of North Bangor was charged with unlawful feeding of deer and shooting deer over bait, both violations. He was issued summonses to appear before the town of Brandon Justice Court and faces up to $500 in fines and up to 15 days in jail. On October 21, Justin Racicot, 24, from Constable and Scott K. Messenger, 21, and Darrin J. Jeffery, 20, both of North Bangor were charged with using lights on lands inhabited by deer while in possession of a long gun in a motor vehicle, a misdemeanor. They were issued summonses to appear before the town of Moira Justice Court. Each man faces up to $1,000 in fines and up to 90 days in jail. On October 22, Kevin T. Jessey, 23, of Plattsburgh was charged with shooting deer over bait, a violation. He was issued a summons to appear before the town of Brighton Justice Court and faces up to $250 in fines and up to 15 days in jail. On October 27, Timothy W. Rock, 52, of Gabriels was charged with shooting deer over bait and shooting during closed hours, both violations. He was issued summonses to appear before the town of Brighton Justice Court and faces up to $500 in fines and up to 15 days in jail. Hamilton County On October 22, Joseph Meyer, 61, of Mechanicville (Saratoga County) was charged with feeding whitetail deer and shooting deer over bait, both violations. He was issued summonses to appear before the town of Indian Lake Justice Court. Meyer faces up to $500 in fines and up to 30 days in jail. Responding to an ATV trespass complaint in the town of Indian Lake an ECO discovered deer and bear bait in the area. On October 22, after a month-long investigation, three men were charged with numerous violations of Environmental Conservation Law. Michael J. Weis, 48, of Babylon (Suffolk County) was charged with illegally feeding bear and deer, placing a salt lick on lands inhabited by deer and bear, ATV infractions (all violations), and illegally discharging sewage, a misdemeanor. Vincent Pizzello, 58, of West Islip (Suffolk County) was charged with illegally feeding deer, shooting deer over bait and failure to carry hunting license and carcass tags while hunting, all violations. George M. Saraiva, 42, of New City (Rockland County) was charged with illegally feeding deer and shooting deer over bait, both violations. The three men were issued summonses to appear before the town of Indian Lake Justice Court. Weis faces maximum penalties of $38,750 in fines and up to one year and 90 days in jail. Pizzello faces up to $750 in fines and up to 45 days in jail. Saraiva faces up to $500 in fines and up to 30 days in jail. On September 17, the opening day of early bear season, David Willet Jr., 32, of Troy was charged with feeding bears, shooting bears over bait and killing a bear over bait. He pleaded guilty in town of Long Lake Justice Court to all three charges. Willet paid more than $800 in fines and the bear he killed was seized at the taxidermist and forfeited to the state. Fulton County On October 17, after investigating a complaint of illegal hunting and the illegal transfer of tags two Fulton County men were charged with a number of violations of Environmental Conservation Law. Charles Holland, 39, of Perth was charged with taking over the limit of whitetail deer, a misdemeanor with maximum possible penalties of $2,000 in fines and one year in jail. Larry Johnson Jr., 41, of Gloversville was charged with unlawful transfer of a tag to another, no consignment slip, and illegally possessing protected wildlife - all violations. He faces up to $750 in fines and up to 45 days in jail. Holland and Johnson were issued summonses to appear in the town of Perth Justice Court. On October 22, the opening day of the Northern Zone deer season, ECOs observed a car stopped along a road in the town of Oppenheim where a decoy had been set up. A person exited the vehicle with a firearm and took a shot at a deer decoy set up in view of the road. ECOs stopped the vehicle and with the subsequent assistance of a New York State Trooper charged two men in the vehicle with a number of violations. James J. George Jr., 28, of Oppenheim was charged with possessing a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle, discharging a gun over a public highway and possession of marijuana. Both men were issued summonses to appear in the town of Oppenheim Justice Court. George faces up to $2,350 in fines and up to 90 days in jail. Warren County On October 3, a New York State Trooper and an ECO charged Matthew Cleveland, 18, of Weavertown with taking deer with the aid of an artificial light, discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling, discharging a firearm across a public highway and taking a doe deer during the closed season - all misdemeanors. He was issued summonses to appear in the town of Johnsburg Justice Court. Cleveland faces up to $6,000 in fines and up to one year in jail. If you have information regarding illegal hunting activities, please contact the DEC Turn in Poachers & Polluters (TIPP) line at 1-800-847-TIPP (7332). Note: To change your email address with NY Big Game, get a password reminder, or unsubscribe please visit http://lists.dec.state.ny.us/mailman/listinfo/nybiggame You may also catch the latest updates on New York's fish and wildlife by subscribing to Field Notes, another free online e-mail list provided by the Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources. To learn more and subscribe, see www.dec.ny.gov/about/63801.html -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From nybiggame at lists.dec.state.ny.us Fri Dec 9 16:40:54 2011 From: nybiggame at lists.dec.state.ny.us (Wild White-tailed Deer and Black Bear List) Date: Fri, 09 Dec 2011 16:40:54 -0500 Subject: [Nybiggame] 2011 Deer and Bear Harvest Update Message-ID: <4EE23A160200000000B36944@gwsmtp.dec.state.ny.us> NY Big Game, This weekend brings the final days of deer hunting in the Northern Zone and the final days of the Southern Zone regular seasons. Muzzleloader and late bow seasons for deer and bear in the Southern Zone will begin Monday, Dec. 12 and continue through Tuesday, Dec. 20. It has been an interesting season with generally mild conditions all around, but now with a little snow finally on the ground in many upstate areas, this weekend could be productive for a lot of hunters. Of course, you can't fill your tags if you're not in the woods. As it stands now, deer harvest reports seem to be on par with last year at this time. We started out with reported deer take through mid-November running about 5% less than last year. Then reports during the first week of the Southern Zone regular season were slow, near 20% less than the opening week in 2010. But hunters did well Thanksgiving week, and currently reports are tracking very close to reported take in 2010. At this point, we are just tracking harvest reports and aren't yet calculating the total harvest. That will come after the January deer season closes on Long Island and after we review all the data from our field checks of harvested deer. For bears, this season has shaped up to be quite different from last year, with preliminary harvests down in the Northern Zone but at record levels in the Southern Zone. Bear hunting was expanded into eastern New York this year, with the newly opened area spanning from Westchester County to Washington County. Hunters in the new areas have taken over 40 bears so far. Even without these additional bears, the preliminary take in southeastern New York (DEC Regions 3 and 4) looks like it could be one of the top harvests. In central and western New York (DEC Regions 7, 8, and 9), we're on track to top 300 bears, which will shatter the previous record of 189 bears taken in 2008. If you get out this weekend, enjoy and hunt safely. Otherwise, the Southern Zone muzzleloader season runs through December 20, and bowhunting continues in Westchester and Suffolk counties till December 31. Finally, the special firearms deer season in Suffolk County runs weekdays, January 9-31 (see www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/40409.html for details). Good hunting. Jeremy Hurst Big Game Biologist Note: To change your email address with NY Big Game, get a password reminder, or unsubscribe please visit http://lists.dec.state.ny.us/mailman/listinfo/nybiggame You may also catch the latest updates on New York's fish and wildlife by subscribing to Field Notes, another free online e-mail list provided by the Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources. To learn more and subscribe, see www.dec.ny.gov/about/63801.html -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: