New York’s small game seasons offers variety of opportunities

The DEC announced recently that most small game seasons will kick off October 1 across NY State. More that 80,000 hunters venture afield for a variety of small game species to establish new traditions and enjoy the time hunting. Most waterfowl zones have special days for youth and members of the military on active duty or veterans.

Most waterfowl zones have special hunting days for youth and members of the military, Many of these begin prior to the regular season that allow these hunters the opportunity to hunt with less competition and hunting pressure. In the Northeast Zone that special youth and military season was this past weekend, Sept. 18 — 19. The opening of the regular northeast duck season starts Oct. 2.

Ruffed Grouse (partridge) season started Sept. 20 in the northern zone and opens in the rest of the state on October 1. Despite lower numbers this is a special time for many of us. More will be written in next

week’s column.

Pheasant hunting is not the big attraction that it used to be in the in 1960s and 1970s. Loss of habitat, differing harvest patterns, and the resurgence of predators like hawks and owls have led to an irreversible decline in pheasant numbers. Gone forever are the days when Tom Roberts, Ron Daniels, Jack Radley, and I would be heading out the door with the sound of the bell still echoing in our ears. Regardless the DEC will release over 30,000 birds at select Wildlife Management Areas across the state. Check the DEC website for the list of WMAS where pheasants will be released. The season opens Oct. 1 in the northern and southern portions of the state and Oct. 16 in the central and western.

The DEC offers a special youth-only hunt season to provide junior hunters the opportunity to hunt pheasants during the weekend prior to the regular pheasant hunting season. In western New York that youth hunt weekend is Oct. 9 and 10. In northern and eastern New York the youth pheasant hunt weekend is Sept 25 and 26. Both the junior hunter and their adult mentor must have a hunting license. Only the junior hunter can carry a firearm and harvest birds on these dates.

Squirrels, rabbit, and hare hunting provide ample opportunities for learning, safety, and practice. Varying hare (“snowshoe rabbits”) season starts Oct.1 in the northern zone but the start is later in the southern tier.

Wild turkey hunting creates lots of excitement but populations reached their peak a few years ago and the declining numbers are reflected in restricted seasons and bag limits. Although you may see large numbers along the roadside in August, this is not indicative of overall populations. It is a sign that young of the year are feeding heavily on grasshoppers in the roadside grass. Scout for areas of hard and soft mast, including agricultural crops. Turkeys may range two or three miles in search of food at this time of year. Seasons are Oct. 1 — 14 in the Northern Zone and Oct. 16 — 29 in the Southern Zone. The limit is one bird of either sex.

Not many hunters go after woodcock these days but they are challenging, exciting, and fun to hunt. Since they are a migratory bird, you have to have a HIP number to report harvest. This is for the federal authorities to keep track of harvest numbers by this toll free number, which must be recorded on your hunting license.

SHORT CASTS

Proposal May Allow Counties To Opt Out of Holiday Hunt

DEC Proposal on Holiday Hunt Invites Public Comments. Public comments on the proposed regulations establishing the Special Holiday Hunt will be accepted through November 14, 2021. Commissioned Basil Seggos announced recently that the DEC will be accepting comments on a regulation that if adapted, would allow counties to opt out of the recently established end of the year hunt in the southern zone. This hunt was created to allow hunters with valid licenses and permits an extension of the late bow and muzzleloader hunt in southern New York.

The DEC adopted this season earlier this year, providing hunters with new opportunities to venture afield when friends and families are home on school break.

Anyone participating must have the valid bow, crossbow, or muzzleloader permit.

But the proposed regulation addresses concerns by some local leaders about a holiday hunt interfering with snowmobiling opportunities is some communities.

Snowmobiling and small game hunting have safely co-existed for decades and Commissioner Seggos encouraged all interested stakeholders to weigh in before November 14 on the regulations that would let each county “opt out” of the holiday hunt.

The purpose was designed to allow stakeholders to share comments and address concerns some land owners might prevent access to the network of trails that cross private land. If this regulation is adopted those southern zone counties that prohibit hunting between Christmas and New Years must annually adopt a local law and send a copy to the DEC.

Product Review — Grizzly Cooler

Outdoorsmen always have a need for coolers and the newest soft-sided coolers By Grizzly fit the bill on many fronts. Grizzly Coolers are made for hunting, fishing, camping, tailgating, boating, paddling, and more. They are built to last a life-time and their online selection of soft-sided coolers is no exception. The soft-sided Grizzly models

are convenient but tough and efficient. Their motto that they are built to last a lifetime is no idle claim.

Check out the coolers at grizzlycoolers.com. Whether it is a fishing trip, hunting day trip, hike The Grizzly Drifter 12 is perfect for most of your needs. It is the perfect choice for day trips or night time outings. The capacity is 15 — 12 oz cans with ice. The 9 x 11 ½ x 13 high has room for a lot of beverages or “goodies”. The 2 inch thick foam liner will keep things cool all day, Two Grizzly Grip pockets are convenient and the lid opens with an easy flip.

The Grizzly Drifter accommodates larger loads and is made with quality construction and convenient design. They are made in the USA. Coolers are available in blue, black, or Realtree camo. Waterproof polyester sides and polyester shell, along with padded shoulders straps make it easy for transportation.

Whether it is an adventure on the water, an offroad trip, or insulated led and base, the Grizzly can keep your drinks or food cold all day. It is well insulated, easy to carry, and tough. Invest in quality and be sure of your cooler. Free Fishing Day Saturday , September 25 will be one of the NYS Free Fishing Days. Anglers will not have to possess a fishing license to go fishing that day. It also coincides with National Hunting and Fishing Day. This is a great opportunity to introduce or reacquaint someone with the fun of fishing. Or possibly re-aquaint yourself with fishing!

Ruffed Grouse Society Banquet Cancelled

The Central NY Chapter of the Ruffed Grouse Society has cancelled plans for this year’s banquet. In view of the uncertainty of COVID, and concern of many members, the leadership decided to cancel this year’s fund-raising banquet. There is a tremendous amount of work involved and once you start to go forward, it is very difficult to call off an event of this magnitude. There will be more details in next week’s column. Flood at Rome Hatchery Last month the effect of a Tropical Storm dropped 9 inches of water on the Rome Trout Hatchery and flooded the East Ponds. These are a series of 7 ponds with 5 ponds in each. At that time 9 of the 35 were occupied by approximately 270,800 brown trout. Staff worked quickly to minimize the loss to 8% (21,550) which was impressive in face of the flooding.