Southern Zone Deer Hunters Eagerly Await Saturday’s Opener

Next Saturday morning before dawn there will be a steady stream of car lights heading for rural areas. Adults who cannot find their glasses or remember where they left their car keys will have everything organized to precision. Youth who move like glaciers on school mornings will bound out of bed and be instantly ready to go. November 21 has been circled on thousands of calendars for several months. It is the opening of Southern Zone big game season.

All across the southern part of New York State hunters will set out in pursuit of the nation’smost popular big game animal — the whitetail deer. For a lot of people it is “The” deer season. Opening day is still a big event for deer hunters, but it is a far cry from what it used to be. Due to the popularity of bowhunting in recent years a lot of the anticipation and excitement of opening day of regular firearms season is lost.

These days many hunters take to the woods on October 1 with their stands, compound bows, etc. and enjoy several weeks of seeing and trying to bag a deer. Also the

total number of deer hunters has declined in recent years for a variety of reasons.

Unlike other season openers, which are mostly psychological, or a welcome beginning of good times to come, the opening days of southern zone deer season are directly related to success. Statistics show that 55% of the bucks taken are shot on the first two days of the season. Thus if you hunt later in the season, your odds of getting a buck are reduced, although there will still be bucks around. Remember, there will never be more bucks in the woods than there are on opening day.

Easier hunting conditions, the familiarity of hunting small woodlots or farms instead of bigger woods, and increased deer numbers and density all contribute to the immense popularity of southern zone hunting. Increased numbers of hunters afield also increase your chances of seeing deer since they often move deer from one area to another. Sixty percent of the state’s total deer harvest comes from the southern zone.

Because of the greater deer density and easier hunting conditions, the success rate of hunters is greater. Roughly one in 15 hunters in the northern zone gets a buck while the success rate in the southern zone is approximately one in 10. When you factor in deer management permits, about one in five hunters will get a deer of some type.

Deer management permits allow hunters to take an antlerless deer in specific wildlife management areas. Their availability is determined by the DEC’S decision to stabilize the population at a desired level in each area. However in those areas where does have been hunted regularly taking a doe is not a certain, or easy thing.

Everyone has their favorite areas and tactics, but one of the methods that will probably still pay off if there are other hunters in the area is to be sitting on watch aboutmid day. Many hunters get cold, restless, or head out to the truck or nearby diner for

lunch. In the process they often move deer that they never see. Thus, a large number of deer are shot by hunters on watch between 11 a. m. and 2 p. m.

There are a lot of different opinions and favorite methods but if you are ever going to sit onwatchmuch of the day, this should be the day. Hunters moving to and from their hunting spots, others in nearby areas still- hunting, or driving are likely to cause deer to be on the move most of the day. If you have a good spot in likely cover or a funnel area the odds are that you will make yourself comfortable and hope someone else moves a deer towards you.

Regardless of where you hunt, your number one concern should be safety. Be certain of your target and what is beyond it. Wear some blaze orange since statistics showthatmost accidents involve people who weren’t wearing orange.

Be sure and use caution if you are using a tree stand. Statistics show that most hunting accidents are from tree stands and not firearms. Old wooden stands are not safe since nails rust, etc. causing unsafe conditions. In wet conditions the ladder or other steps are likely to be slippery. Many people get excited at seeing deer and are likely to fall when moving into position for a shot so be sure to use your safety harness. Never climb up or down with a loaded firearm.

Finally, be sure and be an ethical sportsman. In addition to safety, you should be sure of your shot for quick, clean kills. Follow up every shot, even an apparent miss.

Remember that even a fatal shot may not show any apparent effects. Follow even a bloodless trail for at least 200 yards. It is the mark of a responsible sportsman to make sure that every possible wounded animal is found.

The weather forecast calls for cold and cloudy conditions but no rain or snow is expected. More relevant is the forecast for deer prospects. Deer sightings by hunters have been scarce so far this season. But the DEC says that throughout Central New York there is a good population. The deer population has remained stable for several years in Region 7M which includes much of Madison andchenango counties. Regions 7F and 7J which are west along northern Madison County have an increasing population which thedecwants to lower and bring into balance through increased Deer Management Permits.

Good luck to all hunters next week and in the remaining season, which ends December 13 in the southern zone. Even though you may not get one in the first fewdays, do not get discouraged. Although half of the bucks may be taken in the first couple days, less than 10% of the trophy bucks are taken then.

Be sure to let us know of any nice deer that youget or any interesting stories.