MID-HUDSON – Big game hunting season in the state’s southern zone has begun – starting today (Saturday, November 18) – and running through December 10.
The state Department of Environmental Conservation says about 85 percent of New York’s 550,000 licensed hunters participate this season with deer harvest accounting for almost 60 percent of the total deer harvest and 30 to 60 percent of the statewide bear harvest.
DEC big game biologist Brendan Quirion said hunters should wear blaze orange or pink to see and be seen.
“We recommend hunters choose to use non-lead ammunition. It reduces the risk of exposure to you from lead ands it also helps protect other species of wildlife like bald eagles that that may feed on the carcass, remains from your kill,” he said.
Quirion also said only about 50 percent of deer harvests are reported. They should all be reported for wildlife management, said Quirion.
And if your freezer is already full of venison, hunters can explore donating some to local food pantries.
