The 2012 regular big game hunting season for deer and black bears in New York’s Southern Zone opens at sunrise on Saturday, Nov. 17, and closes at sunset on Sunday, Dec. 9. See the 2012-13 New York Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide for more information. It’s also available on the DEC website. You must possess a valid 2012 Big Game or Sportsman license in order to hunt.
Hunters will have up to seven days to report a harvested deer or bear, which is mandatory. Successful hunters can file a report by using DEC’s online reporting system or by calling the toll-free automated reporting system at 1-866-GAME-RPT (1-866-426-3778).
With proper certification, crossbows may now be used for hunting big game during any big game season in which shotguns and muzzleloaders are permitted and all late muzzleloading seasons. However, crossbows cannot be used in “bowhunting-only” areas of the state or during bowhunting seasons. The law will expire on Dec. 31 unless the state Legislature and Gov. Andrew Cuomo agree to extend it.
Centerfire rifles are now legally permitted to take deer and bears in most Southern Tier counties including Allegany, Steuben, and Yates. But they are not allowed in Livingston or Ontario. Any shotgun, 20-gauge or larger, firing a single projectile or slug and any legally-registered centerfire handgun can be used to hunt big game in any county. For the third year in a row, a bill to allow rifle hunting for deer and bears in parts of Ontario County was approved by the Legislature but it has not yet been signed by the Governor.
I am predicting a banner year for deer hunters for several reasons. Because of last year’s easy winter, the number of winter-killed deer was negligible. And the prolonged stretch of mild weather, coupled with plenty of feed, extended the rut well into January, which adds up to more does being bred. The proof was in this year’s fawn crop. I saw newborn fawns in late July and I’ve seen several does with triplets.
But the best news is for serious buck hunters. Apparently the Quality Deer Management ethic is paying off because I’m also seeing more trophy bucks than ever before. Hunters who’ve been passing up fork-horns and six-pointers in years past have a pretty good chance of taking a trip to the taxidermist this season.
Hunt hard, shoot straight, and be safe. Good luck!
The 2012 regular big game hunting season for deer and black bears in New York’s Southern Zone opens at sunrise on Saturday, Nov. 17, and closes at sunset on Sunday, Dec. 9. See the 2012-13 New York Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide for more information. It’s also available on the DEC website. You must possess a valid 2012 Big Game or Sportsman license in order to hunt.
Hunters will have up to seven days to report a harvested deer or bear, which is mandatory. Successful hunters can file a report by using DEC’s online reporting system or by calling the toll-free automated reporting system at 1-866-GAME-RPT (1-866-426-3778).
With proper certification, crossbows may now be used for hunting big game during any big game season in which shotguns and muzzleloaders are permitted and all late muzzleloading seasons. However, crossbows cannot be used in “bowhunting-only” areas of the state or during bowhunting seasons. The law will expire on Dec. 31 unless the state Legislature and Gov. Andrew Cuomo agree to extend it.
Centerfire rifles are now legally permitted to take deer and bears in most Southern Tier counties including Allegany, Steuben, and Yates. But they are not allowed in Livingston or Ontario. Any shotgun, 20-gauge or larger, firing a single projectile or slug and any legally-registered centerfire handgun can be used to hunt big game in any county. For the third year in a row, a bill to allow rifle hunting for deer and bears in parts of Ontario County was approved by the Legislature but it has not yet been signed by the Governor.
I am predicting a banner year for deer hunters for several reasons. Because of last year’s easy winter, the number of winter-killed deer was negligible. And the prolonged stretch of mild weather, coupled with plenty of feed, extended the rut well into January, which adds up to more does being bred. The proof was in this year’s fawn crop. I saw newborn fawns in late July and I’ve seen several does with triplets.
But the best news is for serious buck hunters. Apparently the Quality Deer Management ethic is paying off because I’m also seeing more trophy bucks than ever before. Hunters who’ve been passing up fork-horns and six-pointers in years past have a pretty good chance of taking a trip to the taxidermist this season.
Hunt hard, shoot straight, and be safe. Good luck!
