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DEC announces start of small game hunting seasons in northern New York

Posted 9/18/19

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced today that several small game hunting seasons open Oct. 1 across New York State. Several special …

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DEC announces start of small game hunting seasons in northern New York

Posted

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced today that several small game hunting seasons open Oct. 1 across New York State.

Several special youth-only hunting seasons for pheasants and waterfowl occur prior to the start of the regular season, and youth hunting programs are scheduled in DEC's Region 6 and Region 1. Season dates, bag limits, and other hunting regulations for New York's suite of small game species can be found in the Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide, which can be obtained from a license-issuing agent.

Waterfowl Hunting and Youth Waterfowl Days

Hunting seasons for waterfowl (ducks, geese, and brant) begin in early October in many parts of the state. In addition, there are special opportunities for junior hunters (ages 12 to 15) prior to the regular season. Junior hunters must be accompanied by a licensed adult hunter, and both the junior hunter and adult must be registered with the Harvest Information Program (HIP). Adult hunters must also have a federal migratory bird stamp. This fall's youth waterfowl days are Sept. 21 and 22 in the northeast zone.

Ruffed Grouse Hunting

Ruffed grouse hunting season in northern New York opens on Sept. 20 and runs through the last day of February.

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

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

Pheasant Hunting

Approximately 30,000 adult pheasants will be released on lands open to public hunting for the upcoming fall pheasant hunting season. The pheasant hunting season begins Oct. 1 in northern New York.

Since 2007, DEC has offered a special youth-only season to provide junior hunters the opportunity to hunt pheasants during the weekend prior to the regular pheasant hunting season. In Northern New York the youth pheasant hunt weekend is Sept. 28 and 29. Both the junior hunter and their adult mentor must have a hunting license. Only the junior hunter is allowed to carry a firearm and harvest birds on these dates.

Squirrel, Rabbit, and Hare Hunting

Opportunities to pursue squirrels and rabbits can be found throughout the state, including on many public lands. Squirrel seasons started Sept. 1 in upstate New York. Rabbit hunting begins on Oct. 1 in upstate New York and on Nov. 1 on Long Island. With ample opportunities and mild weather, squirrel and rabbit hunting are great ways to introduce new people to hunting.

Snowshoe hare (or varying hare) season starts Oct. 1 in the Northern Zone.

Wild Turkey Hunting

Several years ago, DEC updated the fall turkey hunting season structure in response to declines in turkey populations and to ensure that harvest opportunities are sustainable and in line with current environmental conditions. The cold, wet spring weather New York experienced this year may have contributed to reduced recruitment of young birds. With that in mind, hunters may expect to see fewer birds this fall than in recent years and may have to work harder to locate a flock.

Season dates for fall 2019 are Oct. 1 - 14 in the Northern Zone. The statewide, season bag limit is one bird of either sex. Hunting hours are sunrise to sunset.