Regular firearm hunting season for Southern Zone deer and bear starts November 16 and runs through December 8.
Over 470,000 hunters are expected to participate with an estimated 60% of the statewide deer harvest anticipated during this season.
The DEC is urging hunters to follow safety guidelines, including proper firearm handling. This year, there is an added focus on preventing the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease after it was detected in a captive deer facility in Herkimer County.
Hunters are advised to avoid using deer urine-based lures and to properly dispose of carcasses. More information is available on the DEC’s website.
