The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation encourages outdoor enthusiasts to respectfully share the woods and follow safety precautions this fall and winter. Hikers, nature photographers, leaf peepers, and mountain bikers are encouraged to follow safety measures while hunters and trappers are afield.
Regular big game hunting season in the Northern Zone began Oct. 21 and closes Dec. 3. Bowhunting season for deer and bear is ongoing in the Southern Zone and ends at the beginning of the regular firearms season on Nov. 18.
Tips for hikers and hunters venturing afield this fall include:
– Tell someone intended destinations and return times. If plans change, notify them;
– Dress for the weather; account for both location and elevation changes;
– Become familiar with planned hiking trails or hunting areas;
– Wear bright clothing; blaze orange or blaze pink. Bright colors allow hikers and hunters to be seen more easily and from farther away; and,
– Pack the 10 essentials, especially a light source, map, and first aid kit.
Be Prepared
Wear proper gear and attire, including sturdy, comfortable boots.
The 10 Hiking Essentials
Moisture-wicking synthetic fabrics that keep your skin dry and help regulate your body temperature in both cold and warm weather – avoid cotton as it holds moisture
Layered clothing is recommended even for summer hikes
Light-colored clothing, which will make it easier to see ticks
Waterproof, sturdy, and comfortable shoes or boots
A watch or other time-keeping device
Trekking poles will reduce leg fatigue and joint pain
Snowshoes and traction devices in the winter
10 Hiking Essentials
Carry these essentials in a day pack on all hikes for a safe and enjoyable experience.
Navigation:
– Map
– Compass
– GPS system
– Extra batteries
Insulation/Rain gear
– Waterproof/windproof jacket
– Hat
– Gloves
– Thermal undergarments – pack extra
– Wool socks – pack extra
– Goggles – Winter
– Face mask – Winter
Light
– Headlamp
– Flashlight
– Lanterns
– Extra batteries
First aid supplies
– Use a pre-made kit or build your own
Emergency kit
– Whistle
– Signal mirror
– Duct tape
– Pocket knife/multi-tool, etc.
– Bright colored cloth
Fire
– Matches in waterproof container
– Lighter
– Fire starters
Nutrition
– Choose high protein and high calorie items
– Pack extra food
In the winter break food into small pieces and pack in the center of pack to avoid freezing
Water
– Pack at least 2 liters per person
– Carry more than you think you will need
– Water filtration or purifying system
– In the winter insulate your hydro-tubing or pack water in the center of pack to avoid freezing
Sun and insect protection
– Sunglasses
– Sunscreen
– Hat
– Bug Repellent
– Bug Net
Emergency shelter
– Tent
– Space Blanket
– Tarp
For more tips on sharing the woods this fall, check out this recent DEC video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEndeX0p1KU.
While hunting-related shooting incidents involving non-hunters are extremely rare, DEC encourages all outdoor adventurers to be aware of the presence of others enjoying New York’s natural resources. Hikers should be aware they may meet hunters bearing firearms or archery equipment while hiking on trails. Hunters are fellow outdoor recreationists and hunting is permitted on Forest Preserve and Conservation Easement lands. Hunters should likewise recognize they may encounter hikers and others enjoying the outdoors.
Hunting is among the most popular forms of wildlife recreation in the state, drawing an estimated 600,000 New Yorkers. Hunting is safe and economically important, helping to manage wildlife populations and promote family traditions while fostering an understanding and respect for the environment.
Hunters looking for solitude can minimize the disturbance associated with other forms of recreation by following a few tips. Before a season opens, when hunters are scouting for the perfect spot or stand location, take the time to check if the planned location is a popular one. Avoid crowding other hunters and recognize that if a hunting location is near a popular hiking spot, noise can be a factor. If a preferred hunting spot is too crowded, identify an alternative location ahead of time.
When adventuring with a pet, make sure to keep them on a leash. Loose pets can cause problems with other recreators and can get into trouble with wild animals. Also, to make pets more identifiable in the woods, give them a brightly colored collar, leash or other covering.
DEC maintains hiking trails and permits hunting in many areas of forest preserve lands in the Adirondack and Catskill Parks, as well as in state forests, wildlife management areas, and unique areas. Find a place by visiting our website, checking out DECinfo Locator, or downloading the HuntFishNY Wildlife App. Many trails are also accessible to people with disabilities.
DEC is also warning about chronic wasting disease. Hunters are critical to protecting New York deer and moose from CWD, an untreatable, fatal disease of the brain and nervous system. It’s caused by a misfolded protein called a prion that is spread in deer tissues, saliva, urine, and feces. Hunters can bring CWD prions into to New York without realizing it.
To protect deer, do not bring hunter-killed deer, elk, moose, or caribou carcasses into New York from other states and do not use deer urine-based lures.
DEC reminds hunters of the importance of reporting their harvest. Harvest reporting is critical to wildlife management, and hunters are required to report their harvest of deer, bear, and turkey within seven days of taking the animal. Hunters may still use the phone report system, but the online and mobile systems are fast, convenient, and easy for hunters to accurately enter information.
More information on harvest reporting is available at https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/8316.html.
More information on CWD is also available at https://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/7191.html.