We designed this shirt for our readers and those who frequent NYBowhunter.com and would like to thank everyone for their continued support.
Drop us a line and let us know what you think about the new Team NYB t-shirt.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Team NYB T-shirts Now Available
We designed this shirt for our readers and those who frequent NYBowhunter.com and would like to thank everyone for their continued support.
Drop us a line and let us know what you think about the new Team NYB t-shirt.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Team NYB Begins Management of New Property
This weekend, team NYB took advantage of the warm weather and spent a day on our new property lease in Duchess County, NY to start preparing for spring turkey season.
We scouted the property to get everyone familiarized with the terrain, which consists mainly of grassy fields with a few hedgerows, surrounded by small areas of woods and a roadway along one side. A river bed runs just beyond the largest wooded area. This property will provide us with the opportunity to hunt different scenarios come the fall.
Based on our current knowledge of turkey activity on the property from veteran turkey hunter Jim Filardi, we picked a location at the point of a hedgerow over-looking one of the fields, to set up a natural ground blind. This location should give us maximum advantage for filming, and hopefully harvesting, some big spring gobblers.
As this is a natural blind, we will have to check on it a couple days before the season opens to ensure the blind is not badly weathered and to make any last minute adjustments. We plan to set up several decoys within bow range as well as a pop-up blind in the second hedgerow, in case we find the birds have roosted in a different location than expected.
The team is also currently researching how to best plant a food plot to establish a natural feeding area for deer that will maximize our bowhunting opportunities come the fall.
Stay tuned for updates on our strategies and preparations in managing the property leading into both turkey and deer season! Feel free to share your own strategies and experiences on the forum so we can all become more successful hunters this season!
We scouted the property to get everyone familiarized with the terrain, which consists mainly of grassy fields with a few hedgerows, surrounded by small areas of woods and a roadway along one side. A river bed runs just beyond the largest wooded area. This property will provide us with the opportunity to hunt different scenarios come the fall.
Based on our current knowledge of turkey activity on the property from veteran turkey hunter Jim Filardi, we picked a location at the point of a hedgerow over-looking one of the fields, to set up a natural ground blind. This location should give us maximum advantage for filming, and hopefully harvesting, some big spring gobblers.
As this is a natural blind, we will have to check on it a couple days before the season opens to ensure the blind is not badly weathered and to make any last minute adjustments. We plan to set up several decoys within bow range as well as a pop-up blind in the second hedgerow, in case we find the birds have roosted in a different location than expected.
The team is also currently researching how to best plant a food plot to establish a natural feeding area for deer that will maximize our bowhunting opportunities come the fall.
Stay tuned for updates on our strategies and preparations in managing the property leading into both turkey and deer season! Feel free to share your own strategies and experiences on the forum so we can all become more successful hunters this season!
Monday, March 22, 2010
Ontario County Sheds
Damien has been having some good luck this year and found a few sheds while out in Monroe and Ontario Counties. The shed on the right in the picture is so fresh it still has some flesh on it from when it dropped off the buck's head. What an awesome find.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Massive Buck Found Dead in Monroe County
Damien from the NYB Forum had been searching for sheds with his brother Aaron when Aaron came across this monster buck. This is one of the most massive bucks I've seen from New York and reminds me of the Canadian giants I recently saw in at the Rockland Show. This buck probably scores in the 150s, what a brute!
Friday, March 19, 2010
Long Island Sheds
One of our members from the NYB Forum emailed me recently to share a photo of some sheds he found. Although he wasn't on his way to shed hunt, he spotted one in a corn field at his hunting spot and then got out to walk around and ended up finding four more. The big matching set is from a beautiful P&Y 10 pointer which should be a dandy next season.
Monday, March 15, 2010
More Sheds Falling in New York
Keith recently sent in this picture of a nice antler he found while out shed hunting. It looks like the rodents chewed it a little bit, but this is a great find and in good condition.
With the heavy downpour we've been having recently it should flatten everything down so the sheds stick out a bit. I was disappointed that I didn't get out to do any shed hunting on Saturday, but I'm hoping to get out as soon as the rain stops.
If you're out there shed hunting and you come across any let us know! You can email us at info@nybowhunter.com.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Team NYB Makes New Investment
After deliberating over the issue,Team NYB has decided to lease land with Buckaroo-Stoo owner Jim Filardi.
As a team, we plan to have a successful turkey hunting season on our new property. It is our hope to segue into the upcoming deer season by preparing and strategically placing food plots throughout the land.
Be sure to check back on NYBowhunter.com to get an update on how we are doing with are new project.
As a team, we plan to have a successful turkey hunting season on our new property. It is our hope to segue into the upcoming deer season by preparing and strategically placing food plots throughout the land.
Be sure to check back on NYBowhunter.com to get an update on how we are doing with are new project.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
GEAR GUIDE: Eureka Centerfire 0° F Sleeping Bag
CONS: Big, bulky, heavy, not for backpacking
Recently, I received the Centerfire Sleeping Bag from Eureka to review. The Centerfire Sleeping Bag was a heavyweight sleeping bag that could keep me warm in below zero temperatures.
When the box arrived at my door I realized that this wasn't the type of sleeping bag I was used to. Being mostly a summer backpacker with a lightweight sleeping bag that can easily fit in the bottom of my pack I wasn't ready for the big 13 pound 6 ounce sleeping bag.
The sleeping bag was huge when I took it out of the box. I had to remind myself that this wasn't for your backcountry hikes, this was more along the lines of setting up a base camp in the Adirondack Mountains for a week long hunt in the middle of November.
With almost 7 pounds of ThermaShield insulation and a very soft and inviting flannel liner there was no way that this bag was going to let me be cold when the temperatures dropped. The construction of this bag is very well thought out with zippers on both sides to allow for movement in the bag as well as ventilation at the bottom of the bag for warmer nights.
While this isn't a bag I'd try to take with me on a backpacking trip, it would be my number one pick for a base camp during the late fall/early winter hunting seasons here in the North East. If you see yourself in a wall tent deep in the Adirondaks next season make sure you stay warm with a well insulated sleeping bag like the Eureka Centerfire.
NYB Disclosure: cmp.ly/6/c5jhwl
Monday, March 8, 2010
DEC Reports: Deer Harvest Continues at High Rate
Hunters harvested approximately 222,800 deer in the 2009 season, virtually the same number as were harvested statewide the previous season, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis announced today. The annual deer hunting report also showed that nearly 16,000 14- and 15-year-olds signed up for the "Junior Big-Game License".
Deer Harvest
The 2009 deer take included more than 120,700 antlerless deer (adult females and fawns) and just over 102,000 adult bucks. Antlerless takes grew by 3 percent from 2008 (117,232), while buck takes dropped 3.5 percent from 2008 (105,747). Totals for bow and muzzleloader seasons were on par with the past few years.
Differences were most noticeable in the Northern Zone, where antlerless take was down by almost 8 percent and buck take dropped 21 percent from 2008, returning to levels seen in 2005 and 2006. Deer take during the regular season seemed strongly affected by a warm November -- both deer and hunter activity tend to slow down in warm weather and the lack of snow cover made for difficult hunting conditions during a time that typically accounts for the majority of deer harvest.
Southern Zone deer harvests were comparable to 2008 with overall buck take essentially unchanged and antlerless take only increasing about 4 percent. Still, biologists noted that the lack of snow throughout much of the Southern Zone regular season likely kept deer harvests from being higher.
Western New York continues to lead the state in total deer-harvest densities, but Orange County in southeastern New York has also become a strong contender. The top five counties for 2009 were Yates (13.2 total deer per square mile), Wyoming (11.2), Orange (10.5), Genesee (9.9), and Ontario (9.5). Importantly, total harvest is strongly impacted by the number of Deer Management Permits (DMPs) available in an area, which directly affects the harvest of antlerless deer. A more accurate picture of relative deer population densities is revealed by the density of buck harvest. By this figure, the top counties for buck harvest density were: Wyoming County (4.6 bucks per square mile), Yates County (4.5 bucks per square mile), Allegany County (4.0), Orange County (3.9), and Cayuga County (3.7).
2009 Deer Harvest
CWD surveillance began in New York in 2002, with increased efforts since 2005 after the disease was detected in five captive and two wild deer in Oneida County. Surveillance efforts continued in 2009 with more than 1,800 samples tested. CWD is a rare neurological disease that affects the brains of deer, elk and moose, causing the animals to become emaciated, lose body functions and eventually die. Despite intensive testing of nearly 30,000 deer in the five years since the disease was detected, no additional cases have been found in the state
The 2009 deer harvest broken down by county, town, and Wildlife Management Unit with comparisons to previous years' deer harvests is available on the DEC website.
Deer Harvest
The 2009 deer take included more than 120,700 antlerless deer (adult females and fawns) and just over 102,000 adult bucks. Antlerless takes grew by 3 percent from 2008 (117,232), while buck takes dropped 3.5 percent from 2008 (105,747). Totals for bow and muzzleloader seasons were on par with the past few years.
Differences were most noticeable in the Northern Zone, where antlerless take was down by almost 8 percent and buck take dropped 21 percent from 2008, returning to levels seen in 2005 and 2006. Deer take during the regular season seemed strongly affected by a warm November -- both deer and hunter activity tend to slow down in warm weather and the lack of snow cover made for difficult hunting conditions during a time that typically accounts for the majority of deer harvest.
Southern Zone deer harvests were comparable to 2008 with overall buck take essentially unchanged and antlerless take only increasing about 4 percent. Still, biologists noted that the lack of snow throughout much of the Southern Zone regular season likely kept deer harvests from being higher.
Western New York continues to lead the state in total deer-harvest densities, but Orange County in southeastern New York has also become a strong contender. The top five counties for 2009 were Yates (13.2 total deer per square mile), Wyoming (11.2), Orange (10.5), Genesee (9.9), and Ontario (9.5). Importantly, total harvest is strongly impacted by the number of Deer Management Permits (DMPs) available in an area, which directly affects the harvest of antlerless deer. A more accurate picture of relative deer population densities is revealed by the density of buck harvest. By this figure, the top counties for buck harvest density were: Wyoming County (4.6 bucks per square mile), Yates County (4.5 bucks per square mile), Allegany County (4.0), Orange County (3.9), and Cayuga County (3.7).
2009 Deer Harvest
- Total Take 222,798
- Adult Male 102,057
- Antlerless 120,741
- Adult Female 84,330
- DMPs Issued 527,371
- DMP Take 89,458
- DMAP Take 9,789
- Muzzleloader 18,773
- Bowhunting 34,546
CWD surveillance began in New York in 2002, with increased efforts since 2005 after the disease was detected in five captive and two wild deer in Oneida County. Surveillance efforts continued in 2009 with more than 1,800 samples tested. CWD is a rare neurological disease that affects the brains of deer, elk and moose, causing the animals to become emaciated, lose body functions and eventually die. Despite intensive testing of nearly 30,000 deer in the five years since the disease was detected, no additional cases have been found in the state
The 2009 deer harvest broken down by county, town, and Wildlife Management Unit with comparisons to previous years' deer harvests is available on the DEC website.
Friday, March 5, 2010
New York Eagle Count Approaches Record
With an annual mid-winter survey near completion, preliminary results indicate that the bald eagle population in New York State may be at an all-time high since the state began its repopulation efforts more than 30 years ago, Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis announced today.
New York has conducted annual surveys since 1979 and the highest official winter count occurred in 2008 with 573 bald eagles spotted. DEC's preliminary results for 2010 indicate that sightings may exceed this number as regions of the state continue to provide favorable wintering habitat for both New York resident eagles and for Canadian visitors. As of Jan. 31, 459 eagles had been sighted, a pace well ahead of the 2008 record. New York's survey efforts are part of a national initiative that monitors the locations and numbers of bald eagles wintering in the lower 48 states.
The number of wintering and breeding eagles in New York reached its nadir in 1975 when the state could document only one, unproductive pair of eagles due to the ravages of habitat loss, indiscriminant killing and DDT contamination. That year, DEC launched its effort to restore bald eagles to New York. The aggressive program led by DEC biologist Peter Nye included years of collecting bald eagles from Alaska and transporting and releasing the young birds to carefully selected habitats around the state. Nye and other DEC staff continue to monitor New York's growing population and their work has since been emulated by many other states. The state's Endangered Species Act has also played an essential role in the recovery of bald eagles, as well as other vulnerable species by enabling DEC to protect critical breeding, foraging and migratory habitat.
"The resurgence of the bald eagle has been one of New York's most amazing environmental success stories," Commissioner Grannis said. "This has been due to the tremendous commitment of many DEC staff over the past three decades and the ongoing cooperation of individuals and communities that recognize the importance of protecting essential habitat bald eagles need to thrive."
Bald eagles generally require and seek out open water where they find their preferred food - fish or waterfowl. Several areas of New York with essential open-water wintering habitats host hundreds of eagles each winter, many coming from northern Canadian Provinces. By early January, the birds have arrived at their annual wintering grounds, providing a good opportunity to track how the overall population is faring.
At the start of the survey in early January, DEC works with the New York State Police Aviation Unit to conduct aerial observations of the state's largest known wintering habitats. This information is supplemented with reports from dozens of volunteers throughout the state who are on-the-ground and report their observations to DEC.
During last month's aerial survey, 101 eagles were identified along the St. Lawrence River (a record), 30 along Lake Champlain, 277 in Southeast New York (the Hudson River and Delaware River basins), and 51 in western New York (Allegheny River and Lake Erie basins). This winter's count is expected to be higher than previous years because of prolonged periods of cold weather and extensive ice conditions - factors which can draw more eagles in from Canada and concentrate them within a few suitable wintering habitats in New York. Additional eagle reports will be added to these totals as the volunteers' ground-counts are reviewed.
For the past several years, as many as 15,000 bald eagles annually were counted across the nation, with the Northeast region seeing the greatest increase in overall numbers of wintering eagles since 1986. The 2010 survey was especially important as it marked the next scheduled update for a comprehensive 25-year national and regional trend analysis.
The good news in winter eagle numbers comes on the heels of another record-breaking breeding season for bald eagles in New York. In 2009, 173 breeding pairs were confirmed to have successfully raised (fledged) 223 young.
More information about bald eagles in New York State can be found at: http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/7068.html.
Contact:
Maureen Wren (518) 402-8000
New York has conducted annual surveys since 1979 and the highest official winter count occurred in 2008 with 573 bald eagles spotted. DEC's preliminary results for 2010 indicate that sightings may exceed this number as regions of the state continue to provide favorable wintering habitat for both New York resident eagles and for Canadian visitors. As of Jan. 31, 459 eagles had been sighted, a pace well ahead of the 2008 record. New York's survey efforts are part of a national initiative that monitors the locations and numbers of bald eagles wintering in the lower 48 states.
The number of wintering and breeding eagles in New York reached its nadir in 1975 when the state could document only one, unproductive pair of eagles due to the ravages of habitat loss, indiscriminant killing and DDT contamination. That year, DEC launched its effort to restore bald eagles to New York. The aggressive program led by DEC biologist Peter Nye included years of collecting bald eagles from Alaska and transporting and releasing the young birds to carefully selected habitats around the state. Nye and other DEC staff continue to monitor New York's growing population and their work has since been emulated by many other states. The state's Endangered Species Act has also played an essential role in the recovery of bald eagles, as well as other vulnerable species by enabling DEC to protect critical breeding, foraging and migratory habitat.
"The resurgence of the bald eagle has been one of New York's most amazing environmental success stories," Commissioner Grannis said. "This has been due to the tremendous commitment of many DEC staff over the past three decades and the ongoing cooperation of individuals and communities that recognize the importance of protecting essential habitat bald eagles need to thrive."
Bald eagles generally require and seek out open water where they find their preferred food - fish or waterfowl. Several areas of New York with essential open-water wintering habitats host hundreds of eagles each winter, many coming from northern Canadian Provinces. By early January, the birds have arrived at their annual wintering grounds, providing a good opportunity to track how the overall population is faring.
At the start of the survey in early January, DEC works with the New York State Police Aviation Unit to conduct aerial observations of the state's largest known wintering habitats. This information is supplemented with reports from dozens of volunteers throughout the state who are on-the-ground and report their observations to DEC.
During last month's aerial survey, 101 eagles were identified along the St. Lawrence River (a record), 30 along Lake Champlain, 277 in Southeast New York (the Hudson River and Delaware River basins), and 51 in western New York (Allegheny River and Lake Erie basins). This winter's count is expected to be higher than previous years because of prolonged periods of cold weather and extensive ice conditions - factors which can draw more eagles in from Canada and concentrate them within a few suitable wintering habitats in New York. Additional eagle reports will be added to these totals as the volunteers' ground-counts are reviewed.
For the past several years, as many as 15,000 bald eagles annually were counted across the nation, with the Northeast region seeing the greatest increase in overall numbers of wintering eagles since 1986. The 2010 survey was especially important as it marked the next scheduled update for a comprehensive 25-year national and regional trend analysis.
The good news in winter eagle numbers comes on the heels of another record-breaking breeding season for bald eagles in New York. In 2009, 173 breeding pairs were confirmed to have successfully raised (fledged) 223 young.
More information about bald eagles in New York State can be found at: http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/7068.html.
Contact:
Maureen Wren (518) 402-8000
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Managing Deer in Westchester County
Conversations on Conservation presents the Conservation Café - “What’s New? Managing Deer in Westchester County” on Friday, March 12, 2010 from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. (Registration 8 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.) at the Westchester County Center 198 Central Avenue, White Plains, NY.
Property managers, planners, naturalists, environmentalists, students and the public can hear the latest on several strategies for managing deer over-population.
A question-and answer session will be included; Westchester County Parks staff will be on hand to discuss the county’s 2009 pilot deer bow hunting program.
Carpooling is encouraged. Coffee will be served. Bring your own mug!
Moderator:
Speakers:
Conversation on Conservation (CoC) provides a forum for dialogue about current environmental issues.
Reservations are requested: please call (914) 864-7047 by Wednesday, March 10 to confirm your attendance and for directions.
Property managers, planners, naturalists, environmentalists, students and the public can hear the latest on several strategies for managing deer over-population.
A question-and answer session will be included; Westchester County Parks staff will be on hand to discuss the county’s 2009 pilot deer bow hunting program.
Carpooling is encouraged. Coffee will be served. Bring your own mug!
Moderator:
- Rod Christie, Executive Director, Mianus River Gorge Preserve
Speakers:
- Mark Weckel, PhD candidate, Mianus River Gorge Preserve - “Controlled Archery Hunts – Are They Working”
- Dave Ryan, Chief of Police, Town of Pound Ridge - Three Years of Municipal Bow Hunting Program
- Howard Kilpatrick, State of Connecticut DEP - Eight Years Culling Deer at Bluff Point
- Allen T. Rutberg, Ph. D. Center for Animals and Public Policy, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University Immunocontraceptives at Fire Island
Conversation on Conservation (CoC) provides a forum for dialogue about current environmental issues.
Reservations are requested: please call (914) 864-7047 by Wednesday, March 10 to confirm your attendance and for directions.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Rockland World Fishing and Hunting and Outdoor Expo
Hey everyone, if you don't already know this week is the annual hunting and fishing show at Rockland Community College (March 4th through the 7th). We just wanted to give everyone a heads up that Team NYB will be at the show walking around.
We would love to meet and greet and answer any questions any of you have about what we are doing and plans for the upcoming seasons. It's also a great show to take a youngster to. It's a great time for the whole family with many new products to be displayed and also many outfitter booths.
So come check it out and if you notice any of us from Team NYB please come say hi.
We would love to meet and greet and answer any questions any of you have about what we are doing and plans for the upcoming seasons. It's also a great show to take a youngster to. It's a great time for the whole family with many new products to be displayed and also many outfitter booths.
So come check it out and if you notice any of us from Team NYB please come say hi.
Sheds Dropping in New York
My buddy Joe sent in this picture the other day of some sheds him and his son found while out in the woods. It's no secret that the deer are shedding their antlers, but finding this many so early is exciting. Over the next few weeks things should really pick up - assuming we don't get dumped on with snow again!
Team NYB has several cameras out right now and will be shed hunting hard over the next few weeks. Check back soon for updates!
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
New York Nears Record Bear Harvest Record
Bear harvest numbers in 2009 were the second-highest ever recorded in New York State, Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis announced today. Last fall's harvest was only exceeded by 2003's record total.
"With bear population numbers growing in New York, it's no surprise that bear harvest numbers grew last hunting season," said Commissioner Grannis. "DEC is committed to working with our many partners to help manage the bear population in a way that is beneficial for recreation, while also protective of communities."
Statewide, hunters took 1,487 black bears in 2009 - a 15 percent increase from the 1,295 taken in 2008. The 2009 increase is principally due to a strong surge in bear harvest in the Adirondack region, where the 814 bears taken in 2009 was a 40 percent increase over 2008. In 2003, 1,864 bears were harvested statewide.
While overall population size plays the largest role in the annual harvest, take numbers are also strongly influenced by environmental factors that affect bear movements and the timing of bear denning, such as food availability and snowfall. The 2009 early bear season proved to be the most productive time for hunters in the Adirondacks, accounting for more than 50 percent of the bear take. Bears were more active during the early season due to poor production of soft mast (cherries and berries), and their increased activity were a benefit for hunters.
Harvest numbers ran high in New York's other two bear hunting regions as well: 494 bears were taken in the Southeastern bear area and 179 in the Central-Western bear area. The totals represented the second biggest harvest for each region. These numbers are consistent with bear population growth trends in recent years. Bowhunters are especially important in these areas, accounting for more than one-third of the bear take in the Southeastern area and almost 50 percent in the Central-Western bear hunting area. In general, favorable weather conditions and a relatively good food supply kept bears from denning early and led to plenty of opportunities for hunters.
(Note: In recent years, DEC has expanded the number of areas open to bear hunting in several areas. As a result, in 2009, DEC changed the designations of the bear hunting regions historically known as "Allegany" and "Catskills" to "Central-Western" and "Southeastern," respectively.)
Hunters play a pivotal role in the state's bear management by reporting bear harvests and submitting tooth samples which enable DEC to determine the age of harvested animals. To encourage participation in the voluntary tooth sampling program, DEC issues a NYS Black Bear Cooperator Patch to all hunters who report their harvest and submit a tooth. More than 750 patches will be distributed for the 2009 hunting season, with eligible hunters receiving their patch in late summer 2010 when all the age data has been processed.
In addition to harvest totals, DEC uses a variety of indices to measure bear populations. Taxidermists and DEC wildlife personnel collect age and sex information from harvested bears, as well as movement data from tagged bears. This information, along with data from incidents of bear-human conflicts, is used to help determine whether bear populations are increasing or decreasing, and if bears are expanding their range. The information helps DEC biologists manage bear populations and establish future hunting regulations to assure the management of black bears in New York State is at a level that is both sustainable and compatible with human interests.
The 2009 bear harvests by county, town, and Wildlife Management Unit, with comparisons to previous years' bear harvests, are available on the DEC website: http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/42232.html. Historical bear harvest data is available at: http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/42238.html.
Contact:
Maureen Wren (518) 402-8000
"With bear population numbers growing in New York, it's no surprise that bear harvest numbers grew last hunting season," said Commissioner Grannis. "DEC is committed to working with our many partners to help manage the bear population in a way that is beneficial for recreation, while also protective of communities."
Statewide, hunters took 1,487 black bears in 2009 - a 15 percent increase from the 1,295 taken in 2008. The 2009 increase is principally due to a strong surge in bear harvest in the Adirondack region, where the 814 bears taken in 2009 was a 40 percent increase over 2008. In 2003, 1,864 bears were harvested statewide.
While overall population size plays the largest role in the annual harvest, take numbers are also strongly influenced by environmental factors that affect bear movements and the timing of bear denning, such as food availability and snowfall. The 2009 early bear season proved to be the most productive time for hunters in the Adirondacks, accounting for more than 50 percent of the bear take. Bears were more active during the early season due to poor production of soft mast (cherries and berries), and their increased activity were a benefit for hunters.
Harvest numbers ran high in New York's other two bear hunting regions as well: 494 bears were taken in the Southeastern bear area and 179 in the Central-Western bear area. The totals represented the second biggest harvest for each region. These numbers are consistent with bear population growth trends in recent years. Bowhunters are especially important in these areas, accounting for more than one-third of the bear take in the Southeastern area and almost 50 percent in the Central-Western bear hunting area. In general, favorable weather conditions and a relatively good food supply kept bears from denning early and led to plenty of opportunities for hunters.
(Note: In recent years, DEC has expanded the number of areas open to bear hunting in several areas. As a result, in 2009, DEC changed the designations of the bear hunting regions historically known as "Allegany" and "Catskills" to "Central-Western" and "Southeastern," respectively.)
Hunters play a pivotal role in the state's bear management by reporting bear harvests and submitting tooth samples which enable DEC to determine the age of harvested animals. To encourage participation in the voluntary tooth sampling program, DEC issues a NYS Black Bear Cooperator Patch to all hunters who report their harvest and submit a tooth. More than 750 patches will be distributed for the 2009 hunting season, with eligible hunters receiving their patch in late summer 2010 when all the age data has been processed.
In addition to harvest totals, DEC uses a variety of indices to measure bear populations. Taxidermists and DEC wildlife personnel collect age and sex information from harvested bears, as well as movement data from tagged bears. This information, along with data from incidents of bear-human conflicts, is used to help determine whether bear populations are increasing or decreasing, and if bears are expanding their range. The information helps DEC biologists manage bear populations and establish future hunting regulations to assure the management of black bears in New York State is at a level that is both sustainable and compatible with human interests.
The 2009 bear harvests by county, town, and Wildlife Management Unit, with comparisons to previous years' bear harvests, are available on the DEC website: http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/42232.html. Historical bear harvest data is available at: http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/42238.html.
Contact:
Maureen Wren (518) 402-8000
Monday, March 1, 2010
Post Season Trail Cam Pics
With the amount of acorns we had this season there should be some big bucks running the woods next year. October seems so far away right now!
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