New York has too many antlerless deer and it’s turning to hunters throughout the state for help.
Through a new statewide Earn-a-2nd-Buck system and changes to the use of its Deer Management Permits announced last month, the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is hoping to increase the harvest of antlerless deer and better manage the state’s abundant deer population.
“Deer populations are growing across much of New York and in many areas, are increasing to levels that are detrimental to deer, their habitat, and the public,” DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said. “These regulatory changes are a result of robust public engagement and reflect DEC’s continued commitment to conservation.”
Here’s what to know.
New York introduces new regulations in effort to lower antlerless deer population
The state DEC has approved the following regulation changes for antlerless deer hunting in New York:
How the new statewide Earn-a-2nd-Buck system works
Under the Earn-a-2nd-Buck system, New York hunters will receive a first Antlered Deer Tag, which can be used during any season except September’s antlerless season. If you harvest and report an antlerless deer using a DMP, Bow/Muzzleloader Antlerless Deer Tag or Deer Management Assistance Program Tag, you’ll be eligible for a second Antlered Deer Tag to be used during those same seasons.
Hunters who buy bowhunting and muzzleloading privileges also receive a Bow/Muzzleloader Antlerless Deer Tag for each privilege.
The new system also includes the reclassification of some tags. A Regular Season Deer Tag is now an Antlered Deer Tag and a Bow/Muzzleloader Either-Sex Deer Tag is now a Bow/Muzzleloader Antlerless Deer Tag.
The DEC’s initial proposal put out in March, which included these changes based on input from state deer hunters and professional deer managers across the Northeast, received more than 1,000 public comments. Through review of that feedback, the DEC found that some New Yorkers were concerned about the potential for the overharvest of deer in some areas through the new Earn-a-Buck system.
To mitigate these concerns, the DEC says they have processes in place to reduce the state’s antlerless harvest “should the new regulations be more successful than anticipated.” The agency will also monitor fraudulent harvest reports by requiring report attestations, conducting law enforcement field checks and, if requested by the DEC, requiring hunters to provide proof of antlerless deer harvest within seven days through a photo, the deer’s head or contact information for where the deer was processed.
Emily Barnes covers state government for the USA TODAY Network-New York with a focus on how policy and laws impact New Yorkers’ taxes, communities and jobs. Follow her on Instagram or X @byemilybarnes. Get in touch at ebarnes@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: NY needs to cull the deer population. These new hunting rules may help
Reporting by Emily Barnes, New York State Team / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Emily Barnes, New York State Team | USA TODAY Network
