Opening day for the regular (firearm) big-game season in the Southern Zone of New York state was officially open 30 minutes before sunrise today. All the game camera pics, all the strategy sessions with family and friends, all the planning, clothes, firearms preparedness, safety thoughts, looking beyond the shot, and how to stay warm when it gets cold … we need all of those this weekend. It’s the culmination of our preparations, and it’s going to be a great weekend.

Good stuff.

DEC is urging all hunters to prioritize safety while afield. Most hunting-related injuries occur when hunters climb in and out of a tree stand. Hunters, it’s crucial to strap up before you go up your tree stand to stay connected from the time you leave the ground to the time you get back down. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and warnings before using a tree stand, and never climb in or out of a tree stand with a loaded firearm. These measures ensure your safety and the safety of those around you.

Daily hunting hours for deer and bear include the entire daylight period, beginning 30 minutes before sunrise and continuing until 30 minutes after sunset. The season runs today through Dec. 8, and then in the late archery and muzzleloader season from Dec. 9-17, and then again, for deer only, from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, 2025, for the special late holiday hunting season.

Hunters enjoy extra-special exposure to nature when such wary wildlife as red fox decide to stop, sit and watch what and who is making all the noise in the woods as hunters converge to forests on opening day. Photo courtesy of James Monteleone

These hunting hours ensure there is enough light for hunters to identify their target and what’s beyond while maximizing opportunities to harvest deer and bear in the early morning and late afternoon when these species are most active. Hunters should check the sunrise and sunset times before hunting each day for their exact location.

Hunters must wear fluorescent orange or fluorescent pink clothing (either a hat, vest, or jacket that is visible in all directions) when pursuing deer or bear with a firearm and should always follow the basic rules of firearm safety: 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. Follow these simple rules, and hunters are safe.

DEC also encourages hunters to let the young bucks walk and harvest a doe instead. This is part of DEC’s “Let Young Bucks Go and Watch Them Grow” campaign, which aims to maintain a healthy deer population. By voluntarily passing up opportunities to harvest young bucks, hunters across the state are contributing to a steady decrease in the percentage of yearling bucks (1.5 years old) in the buck harvest. This, in turn, leads to an increase in the rate of older bucks (at least 2.5 years old) in the harvest. So, more older bucks are being harvested in New York than ever. By harvesting does instead of young bucks, hunters help keep deer populations balanced with available habitat, allowing deer to meet their nutritional requirements for body and antler growth and fawn production.

There’s good news for youngsters who want to hunt big game. Once again, this year, 12- and 13-year-old hunters may hunt deer with a firearm during the New York State regular firearms season when accompanied by a licensed, experienced adult mentor. This pilot program was established in 2021 and extended through 2025 for upstate counties that choose to participate. The program does not apply to Westchester or Suffolk counties; Erie and Rockland counties have yet to opt in.

Lastly, it’s always been a challenge for hunters to report their deer, bear, or turkey harvest using DEC’s HuntFishNY mobile app. However, it’s a crucial part of our responsibility as hunters. Through the mobile app, hunters can easily access an electronic version of their hunting license and tags and report their harvests immediately using their mobile device. Hunters can also report their harvest by calling (1-866-GAME-RPT) or through DEC’s website. Reporting your harvest within seven days is required by law and provides critical data to inform DEC’s management of deer, bear, and turkey populations. Your contribution is vital to the conservation of our wildlife.

New York state wildlife managers remind all hunters that they can choose non-lead ammunition for a reduced risk of lead exposure to themselves and non-target wildlife. Remember, too, that hunters can donate venison to help those less fortunate while contributing to deer management. New for the 2024 big-game season: For the first time, big game hunters can use rifles in Niagara County. Back tags no longer need to be worn by hunters anywhere in the state.

Of course, most hunters already know that New York State hunting licenses and tags are being printed on plain paper. It is now the hunter’s responsibility to protect their license and tags. Carcass tags must still be filled out, dated, signed, and attached to the animal as regulation requires. DEC suggests storing licenses and tags in a waterproof bag or container while hunting, placing the completed carcass tag in a zip-top bag or other reusable waterproof protector, and securely fastening it to the deer, bear, or turkey to ensure the tag remains protected and legible. This may go electronic in 2025.

Remember that this has been a dry year. New York state is currently experiencing active wildfires. Depending on where you are hunting, be sure to check fire danger maps before heading afield and take steps to reduce wildfire risks. This is not only for your safety but also to protect the environment and wildlife habitats.

Good luck in the woods and on the water.

CALENDAR

Nov. 16 through Dec. 8: NYS Southern Zone regular (firearm) big-game season

Nov. 21: Southtowns Walleye Assoc. monthly meeting, 7 p.m., 5895 Southwestern Blvd., Hamburg, Info: 716-208-4023

Dec. 9-17 and Dec. 26-Jan. 1: NYS Southern Zone late bowhunting season