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Entries Tagged as 'conservation'

If You Care, Leave It There

May 21st, 2013 · No Comments · Adirondack News

DEC Urges New Yorkers Not To Disturb Fawns and Other Young Wildlife

NYSDEC LogoNew Yorkers should keep their distance and not to disturb newborn fawns or other young wildlife as many animals are in the peak season for giving birth, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today cautioned.

It is not unusual to see a young bird crouched in the yard or a young rabbit in the flower garden, both apparently abandoned. Finding a fawn deer lying by itself is also fairly common. Many people assume that young wildlife found alone are helpless and need assistance for their survival, however, in nearly all cases this is a mistake and typically human interaction does more damage than good. Those that see a fawn or other newborn wildlife should enjoy their encounter but keep it brief, maintain some distance and do not attempt to touch the animal.

Young wildlife quickly venture into the world on shaky legs or fragile wings. While most are learning survival from one or both parents, some normally receive little or no care. Often, wild animal parents stay away from their young when people are near. For all of these young animals, the perils of survival are a natural part of life in the wild.

White-tailed deer fawns present a good example of how human intervention with young wildlife can be problematic. Most fawns are born during late May and the first half of June. While fawns are able to walk shortly after birth, they spend most of their first several days lying still. During this period a fawn is also usually left alone by the adult female (doe) except when nursing. People occasionally find a lone fawn and mistakenly assume it has been orphaned or abandoned, which is very rare. Fawns should never be picked up. If human presence is detected by the doe, the doe may delay its next visit to nurse.

A fawn’s best chance to survive is by being raised by the adult doe. Fawns nurse three to four times a day, usually for less than 30 minutes at a time, but otherwise the doe keeps her distance. This helps reduce the chance that she will attract a predator to the fawn. The fawn’s protective coloration and ability to remain motionless all help it avoid detection by predators and people.

By the end of its second week, a fawn begins to move about more and spend more time with the doe. It also begins to eat grass and leaves. At about ten weeks of age, fawns are no longer dependent on milk, although they continue to nurse occasionally into the fall. During August, all deer begin to grow their winter coat and fawns lose their spots during this process.

Related: Sad ending for baby squirrels

Should you find a fawn or other young wildlife, If You Care, Leave It There. In nearly all cases that is the best thing for the animal. DO NOT consider young wildlife as possible pets. This is illegal and is bad for the animal. Wild animals are not well suited for life in captivity and they may carry diseases that can be given to people. Resist the temptation to take them out of the wild. For more information and answers to frequently asked questions about young wildlife, visit the DEC website at: Care of Young Wildlife

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DEC Alerts Hikers to Muddy Conditions in the High Peaks

May 6th, 2013 · No Comments · Adirondack News

Hikers Should Temporarily Avoid High Elevation Trails in the Adirondacks

NYSDEC LogoWith the start of a new season of outdoor hiking and recreation, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) urges hikers to be cautious and postpone hikes on trails above 3,000 feet until early June when muddy trail conditions are expected to improve.

Trails and vegetation in the higher elevations are most vulnerable at this time of year when melting snow saturates thin soils found on the steep slopes of the mountains and much of the vegetation growing in high elevations is surviving on the edge of existence. Hikers can cause severe erosion of trails and significant damage to vegetation.

DEC urges hikers to avoid hiking on high elevation trails during mud season. Specifically, all trails above 3,000 feet in the Dix, Giant and High Peaks Wildernesses but also any high elevation trails on steep slopes throughout the Adirondacks.

Hikers are also more likely to slip and injure themselves on steep, wet and muddy trails.

On the lower elevation trails, snows melt sooner, soils are thicker and dry more quickly, slopes are not as steep and vegetation is less sensitive to damage from hikers. Even lower elevation muddy trails are less susceptible to erosion.

Hikers are encouraged to wear waterproof footwear and gaiters and to hike through, not around wet and muddy portions of trail to avoid widening the trails or creating “herd paths” around those areas.

DEC asks hikers to avoid the following trails:

  • High Peaks Wilderness Area – all trails above 3,000 feet; where wet, muddy, snow conditions still prevail, specifically: Algonquin, Colden, Feldspar, Gothics, Indian Pass, Lake Arnold Cross-Over, Marcy, Marcy Dam – Avalanche – Lake Colden which is extremely wet, Phelps Trail above John Brook Lodge, Range Trail, Skylight, Wright and all “trail-less” peaks.
  • Dix Mountain Wilderness Area – all trails above Elk Lake and Round Pond
  • Giant Mountain Wilderness Area – all trails above Giant’s Washbowl, “the Cobbles,” and Owls Head.

DEC suggests the following alternative trails for hiking, subject to weather conditions:

  • Debar Mt. Wild Forest:
  • Azure Mountain
  • Giant Mt. Wilderness:
  • Giant’s Washbowl
  • Roaring Brook Falls
  • High Peaks Wilderness:
  • Ampersand Mountain
  • Cascade Mountain
  • Porter Mountain from Cascade Mountain (avoid all other approaches)
  • Big Slide
  • The Brothers
  • Hurricane Mountain Wilderness
  • The Crows
  • McKenzie Mt. Wilderness:
  • Baker Mountain
  • Haystack Mountain
  • Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area:
  • Pharaoh Mountain
  • Saranac Lakes Wild Forest:
  • Panther Mountain
  • Scarface Mountain

Hikers who wait for drier conditions will protect natural resources and trails. Also, the trails will be in better condition later in the season, making for a safer and more enjoyable hike.

DEC’s website contains additional information on :Adirondack Trail Information or contact the DEC Forest Rangers at (518) 897-1300.

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DEC Issues Guidance to Avoid Conflict With Coyotes and Black Bears

March 26th, 2013 · No Comments · Adirondack News

NYSDEC LogoThe New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today issued guidance on preventing conflicts with coyotes and nuisance bear encounters. With the onset of warmer weather, New York’s black bear population will be on the move and coyotes are setting up denning areas for soon-to-arrive pups. Conflicts with people and pets may result as coyotes become territorial around den sites and increase the frequency and intensity of foraging to provide food for their young.

COYOTES
People and coyotes can usually coexist if the coyotes’ natural fear of people is maintained. Below are some steps you can take to reduce/prevent coyote problems from occurring:

  • Do not feed coyotes.
  • Do not allow pets to run free or to be outside unattended.
  • Do not feed pets outside.
  • Make any garbage inaccessible to coyotes and other animals.
  • Fence or enclose compost piles so they are not accessible to coyotes.
  • Eliminate availability of bird seed. Coyotes are attracted to the concentration of birds and rodents that come to feeders. If you feed birds, clean up waste seed and spillage.
  • Fencing your yard may deter coyotes. The fence should be tight to the ground, preferably extending six inches below ground level.
  • Teach children to appreciate coyotes from a distance.
  • If you see a coyote, be aggressive in your behavior – make loud noises, wave your arms, throw sticks and stones to scare it away.
  • Ask your neighbors to follow these same steps.

The Eastern coyote is a firmly established wildlife species in New York, and is an integral part of our ecosystems, from rural farmlands and forests to populated urban and suburban areas. In most cases, coyotes avoid people as much as possible. Coyotes provide many benefits to New Yorkers through observation, photography, hunting and trapping; their calling at night can provide a haunting but harmless reminder of wildlife in our midst. However, if coyotes learn to associate people with food (e.g., garbage, pet food), they may lose their natural fear of humans, and the potential for conflicts increases dramatically.

It is important to keep pets safe. Cats allowed to roam free are at risk from many different factors including domestic dogs and cars. To protect your cat, keep it indoors, or allow it outside only under supervision.

Coyotes view other canines such as domestic dogs as a threat to their young during the spring denning season. Both a dog and a coyote believe that one’s backyard is their territory. Coyotes avoid confrontations with most medium to large-sized dogs, but small breeds may be at risk in some situations. For this reason, do not allow dogs to roam unattended.

If coyotes are seen repeatedly during the daytime in a populated area in close proximity to residences, please report this to the local DEC office, as this may indicate that some individual coyotes may have lost their fear of people and could pose a threat to unattended pets or small children.

For additional information, visit DEC’s website: Coyote Conflicts

BLACK BEARS
Black bears will take advantage of almost any readily available food source, including bird feeders and garbage. To prevent encounters between bears and humans, people should never intentionally feed bears and should take every precaution to discourage bears from seeking out food sources in neighborhoods and other residential areas.

Typically, black bears are timid and will avoid all contact with humans. However, bears will become a nuisance and can cause significant damage if they believe they can obtain an easy meal from bird feeders, garbage cans, dumpsters, barbeque grills, tents, vehicles, out-buildings or houses.

It is not only illegal to intentionally feed bears, it is also illegal to inadvertently feed them. Specifically, after written notice from DEC, the incidental or indirect feeding of bears through food attractants such as garbage, pet food or bird seed is illegal. DEC has the authority to require the removal of these and other food attractants when bears become problematic.

Bear in GrassIt is in the best interest of both bears and people for bears to get their food solely from wild sources. Once a bear learns to associate certain structures with food, it can become a serious nuisance to people and a threat to itself. Bears that lose their natural fear of humans are much more likely to be illegally shot, hit by an automobile or destroyed under a DEC nuisance permit. Some studies suggest that when a bear is fed, either directly or indirectly, its life expectancy is cut by as much as 50 percent.

Once a bear becomes a problem, DEC is often asked to relocate the bear. Contrary to popular belief, bear relocations are rarely effective at solving the problem. Bears are extremely mobile and have excellent homing abilities. Relocated bears often return to their original capture site or may continue their bad habits at a new location. If the circumstances that led to the original problem are not corrected, other bears will quickly be attracted to the site and the bear/human conflicts will persist.

In addition to being ineffective, bear relocations are extremely time consuming and often dangerous. The heavy door on the bear traps, although not dangerous to bears, presents a potential danger to curious humans and pets. The simplest way to avoid a nuisance encounter is to remove all food sources. Removing the food source will remove the bear.

Because virtually all nuisance bear problems are the result of hungry bears being attracted to human food, pet food, bird food or garbage, these problems can be minimized by taking these simple precautions:

  • Never feed bears. It is illegal.
  • If you believe that bears are being fed, please report it to DEC.
  • Stop feeding birds as soon as the snow melts. Birds do not need supplemental food in the summer, when natural foods are most abundant.
  • Clean up all seed fragments and shells left over from winter feeding as the smell will attract bears.
  • Dispose of garbage as frequently as possible and store in a secure building prior to disposal.
  • If garbage is picked up at the curb, put the garbage out just before the scheduled pickup or place it in a roadside bear-resistant container. Do not put garbage out the night before pick-up at the curb.
  • Clean garbage cans frequently with ammonia.
  • Do not burn garbage, it’s illegal and it attracts bears.
  • Do not add meat scraps, bones or melon rinds to your compost pile.
  • Clean up barbecue grills before night fall, and after they cool down store them inside.
  • Feed pets indoors and store pet food indoors. If pets must be fed outdoors, take in all uneaten food and dishes before dark.
  • Turn off kitchen exhaust fans that vent to the outside whenever possible.
  • When camping, keep food out of sight and secured in the trunk of a hard topped, locked vehicle if one is available. If a vehicle is not available, hang food and garbage from a tree at least eight feet off the ground. Keep picnic tables, utensils, fireplaces and the surrounding areas clean.

To learn more about black bears, look for DEC’s DVD Living with New York Black Bears at your public library or visit: Black Bear

Everyone is asked to respect bears as wild animals – from a distance. For more information about bears in your area, contact the nearest regional DEC office. Visit: DEC Regional Office Directory

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DEC: 2012 is One of the Highest Bear Harvests on Record in New York

March 19th, 2013 · 1 Comment · Adirondack News

NYSDEC LogoNew York bear hunters took 1,337 black bears during the 2012 hunting seasons, making last year the third highest bear harvest on record in New York, state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Joe Martens announced today. Only the 2003 harvest (1,864) and 2009 harvest (1,487) surpassed last year’s take.

“New York has excellent bear habitat and vast, accessible public lands that offer exciting opportunities for bear hunting,” said Commissioner Martens. “Black bears are thriving in New York, and they represent a great resource for all New Yorkers. Through the NY’s Open for Hunting and Fishing Initiative, Governor Cuomo is improving opportunities for hunting in New York State.”

Regionally, bear harvest increased in the Adirondacks but decreased in the Southeastern and Central-Western bear hunting areas. Though overall population size plays a large role in harvest totals, annual variations in take are also strongly influenced by environmental factors such as natural food availability and snow fall that affect bear activity and hunting pressure. These environmental influences were very apparent in the harvest totals of the past few years.

2012 New York Bear Harvest
In the Adirondacks, hunters took 606 bears in 2012, returning to a more normal harvest level after an exceptionally low harvest in 2011. This past season, hunters found greatest success during the early season (386 bears; mid-September until mid-October) compared to the regular season (132 bears; late October to early December). This pattern was expected after a summer of low natural food availability. The early season harvest is always high in such years because bears are moving more in search of food and many are closer to human food sources, which in both cases makes them more vulnerable to harvest. In fact, towns along the western and southern fringe of the Adirondacks saw some of the highest harvests as bears were found feeding in corn fields during the early season. Bears also tend to den early when natural foods are scarce, so fewer bears were available to hunters during the regular season.

Bear-favorite BeechIn the Southeastern bear hunting area, bear take dropped from the record 630 taken in 2011 to 442 taken in 2012. Similarly, take in the Central-Western bear hunting area dropped from the record 353 in 2011 to 289 in 2012. In both areas, take during bow season contributed substantially to the overall take (51 percent Southeastern, 37 percent Central-Western) and increased from 2011, reflecting the longer bow season initiated in 2012 and greater availability of bears during this period. Notably, take during the regular season dropped in both areas. The drop was most pronounced in Southeastern New York where biologists anticipated a potential reduced harvest due to early denning behavior associated with the general lack of soft and hard mast (apples, acorns and beechnuts).

Since 2005, DEC has expanded the area open to bear hunting in Southeastern and Central-Western New York and increased season length, aligning bear seasons with deer seasons. These actions were implemented to reduce bear population growth and range expansion. Most recently, in 2011, DEC expanded bear hunting into eastern New York from Rockland and Westchester to Washington counties. Hunters took 22 bears from these newly opened areas, with eight bears coming from each of Washington and Rensselaer counties.

Governor Cuomo’s Open for Hunting and Fishing Initiative is an effort to improve recreational activities for in-state and out-of-state sportsmen and sportswomen and to boost tourism opportunities throughout the state. This initiative includes the streamlining of hunting and fishing licensing and reducing license fees, improved access for fishing at various sites across the state, stocking as much as 900,000 pounds of fish, expanding fishing clinics and increasing hunting opportunities in various regions.

A complete summary of the 2012 bear harvest with breakdown by county, town, and Wildlife Management Unit is available at Deer and Bear Harvests on the DEC website.

NYS Black Bear Cooperator Patch Program
Hunters play a pivotal role in bear management through reporting their bear harvests. Hunters also are asked to submit a tooth sample from their bear for DEC to determine the age of harvested bears. Typically, for all hunters who reported their harvest and submitted a tooth, DEC issues a NYS Black Bear Cooperator Patch and a letter informing them of their bear’s age. DEC is still processing tooth submissions from 2011 and 2012. DEC anticipates that eligible hunters from 2011 and 2012 will receive their patch(es) in late summer 2013.

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DEC to Use Helicopter for Transporting Lime to Remote Adirondack Lake

February 13th, 2013 · No Comments · Adirondack News

Effort Will Counteract Effects of Acid Rain and Facilitate the Return of Brook Trout to Lyon Lake

NYSDEC LogoThe New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) will begin to deliver 80 tons of lime to an acidified lake in the Five Ponds Wilderness Area north of Stillwater Reservoir in the town of Webb, Herkimer County today, DEC Regional Director Judy Drabicki announced.

State police helicopters and their crews will be among the 40 plus staff required to complete this liming operation. From a staging area at Stillwater Reservoir on the ice near the boat launch site, sling loads of 2,000 pounds of lime will be hauled by helicopter for 3.8 miles into Lyon Lake. The lime will be left on the lake and helicopter will return to Stillwater for the next load. This trip will be repeated 80 times over four days, weather cooperating, to get all the lime out to Lyon Lake where DEC staff spreads it across the lake’s frozen surfaces.

Lyon Lake, Webb, Herkimer, NY

“This is largest liming operation DEC ever embarked on, an effort involving months of planning and coordination with DEC staff, Forest Rangers and the critical state police helicopters and pilots and crews,” Director Drabicki said. “Adding lime to the lake will allow brook trout to once again live in this waterbody. This is just the latest effort by Governor Cuomo and DEC to expand opportunities for the fishing and hunting community.”

When the lake thaws in the spring, the lime will combine with lake water and make the water less acid. This will be the first lime treatment for Lyon Lake. DEC plans to stock the lake with native Adirondack brook trout during this fall’s aerial stocking.

DEC has great hopes for reestablishment of brook trout in some larger Adirondack ponds and lakes. Fisheries staff has noted that the larger water bodies maintain a deep cold water layer right through the summer (referred to as stratification), unlike the smaller ponds which now mix right through the summer. This results in warmer water temperatures in these smaller ponds that are not as suitable for brook trout.

Anyone looking for additional information on DEC’s liming program or a list of Adirondack trout ponds can call the Watertown fisheries office at
(315) 785-2263.

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DEC and LGPC Announce Strategy to Address Invasive Species in Lake George

January 16th, 2013 · No Comments · Adirondack News

LGPC to Receive $250K from Environmental Protection Fund to Combat Asian Clams and Other Invasive Species

Comprehensive Environmental Impact Study Process on Preventing Spread of Invasive Species in Lake George is Underway

NYSDEC LogoWorking together, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Lake George Park Commission (LGPC) will take actions to prevent the spread and threat of invasive species such as Asian clams in preparation for the summer 2013 boating season, the agencies announced today. In addition, an environmental review of a comprehensive and long-term plan to address invasive species will begin shortly.

“While much has been done to combat this invasive species, we know more must be done and that is why Governor Cuomo has asked us to take immediate action as well as complete a comprehensive environmental review to determine how we can combat invasive species in Lake George,” DEC Commissioner Joe Martens said. “Invasive species present a risk to the ecosystem and recreational values of Lake George if the threat goes unabated. We are eager to begin this process as soon as possible.”

“Governor Cuomo’s commitment of additional funding for our efforts are welcome weapons in our battle against invasive species in Lake George,” David Wick, Executive Director, Lake George Park Commission said. “We now have a thorough process and plan to determine the best course of action going forward. While Asian clams are unlikely to be eradicated from Lake George, the work we are doing in partnership with DEC and the Lake George communities will help prevent the spread of these clams and other invasives.”

To further protect Lake George from the threat of invasive species in 2013 while the review of the long term plan takes place, the DEC and LGPC will:

  1. Expand the Lake George Association’s boat steward program from May to September. The season previously ran from June to August. This will provide additional protection during months when boat traffic is relatively high but stewards are not currently funded.
  2. Develop and implement a more comprehensive outreach program to local and regional boaters who boat on Lake George on how they can reduce the risk of spreading and introducing invasive species.
  3. Increase patrols by DEC Environmental Conservation Officers and LGPC officers trained in aquatic invasive species spread prevention. These officers will work the launches on a regular required basis.

The state Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) will provide $50,000 from the 2012-13 invasive species prevention allocation to fund the lengthened boat steward program and additional outreach efforts.

Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers

 

LGPC to Receive Additional $200K

In addition to the actions above, the LGPC will receive $200,000 from the EPF to help contain and prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species including Asian clams. As with the allocation above, EPF funds from 2012-13 will be used. Earlier this year the state provided LGPC with $100,000 from the Aid to Localities fund and $100,000 from the EPF to help combat invasive species.

Environmental Impact Review Process

Building upon its work last year, LGPC, in cooperation with the involved state and local agencies, will continue its work pursuant to the State Environmental Quality Review Act to develop a long-term plan for protecting Lake George from invasive species. LGPC will develop a scope for an Environmental Impact Statement and invite public comment to ensure that all reasonable alternatives are considered in the EIS, including mandatory inspections and boat washing. The draft EIS will be subject to public review and comment. Following the comment period, a final EIS will be developed to determine the best course of action on how to prevent the spread of invasive species in Lake George.

The SEQR process must be completed before mandatory inspections and boat washing could be implemented. It is anticipated the SEQR process will be completed by the end of the year.

DEC and LGPC share the goal of preparing a comprehensive long-term plan to address invasive species. Through the environmental review process, including a thorough examination of alternatives, LGPC, DEC and other state and local partners will determine the best course of action.

“The various stake holders have worked diligently on this multifaceted plan to better understand the threat of invasive species in Lake George, prevent their introduction and address existing issues,” said Senator Elizabeth Little of Queensbury. “This proactive and constructive approach will serve Lake George’s ecology and economy well. I thank Governor Andrew Cuomo and DEC Commissioner Joe Martens for committing both the scientific and financial resources to ensure success here.”

State Actions to Combat Invasive Species

Governor Cuomo signed the Invasive Species Prevention Act (ISPA) into law in July 2012. The law directs DEC and the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets to develop by September 2013 a proposed list of invasive species to be regulated and prohibited. In addition, the Invasive Species Council, comprised of nine state agencies, will work with stakeholders on its implementation. Additional actions taken this year by New York State to fight invasive species include:

  • The Adirondack Park Agency has further streamlined its review process for the removal of invasive species in lakes across the Park. APA has approved a general permit that allows for the management of aquatic invasive species using benthic mats and hand harvesting. LGPC is currently using benthic mats under this general permits to control Asian clams on Lake George.
  • Launched I-MAP invasives, a web-based tracking system being used by various state agencies to collect invasive species data from the public and private sector and make information available to fight invasives.
  • Increased efforts post-Sandy to ensure that woody debris was treated correctly, thereby reducing risk of spreading the Asian Long-horned beetle.
  • Selected four new Partnerships in Invasive Species Management (PRISMs). Once these PRISMs are under contract, all of New York State will be encompassed as part of this PRISM system. PRISMs work with state agencies to coordinate local partner efforts, recruit and train citizen volunteers, identify and deliver education and outreach, establish early detection monitoring networks, and implement direct eradication and control efforts.
  • Dedicated funds to fight the hydrilla infestation in Cayuga Lake Inlet.

Prevent the Spread of Invasive Species

“One of the best ways to prevent invasive species from entering a water body is to clean, dry and disinfect all boats, watercraft and fishing equipment before entering a waterway,” Commissioner Martens said. “I encourage everyone who recreates in New York’s waterways to do their part to prevent the spread of invasive species.”

INSPECT & CLEAN your fishing, boating and other water recreation equipment and gear. Remove all mud, plants and other organisms that might be clinging to them when leaving waters, especially those that are known to contain an aquatic invasive species.

DRY your fishing and boating equipment before using it on another body of water. Drying is the most effective “disinfection” mechanism and is least likely to damage sensitive equipment and clothing. All fishing and boating equipment, clothing and other gear should be dried completely before moving to another body of water. This may take a week or more depending upon the type of equipment, where it is stored and weather conditions. A basic rule of thumb is to allow at least 48 hours for drying most non-porous fishing and boating gear at relative humidity levels of 70 percent or less.

DISINFECT your fishing and boating equipment if it cannot be dried before its use in another body of water. Disinfection recommendations vary depending on the type of equipment and disease of concern. Be particularly aware of bilge areas, live wells and bait wells in boats. These areas are difficult to dry and can harbor invasive species.

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DEC Volunteer Sportsman Educators Have Banner Season

December 18th, 2012 · No Comments · Adirondack News

NYSDEC LogoSportsman Education Instructors had a successful year teaching more than 125 classes in the eight counties administered by New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Region 5, Regional Director Robert Stegemann announced today.

In response to an overwhelming demand for classes, the 263 volunteer instructors in DEC Region 5 held classes from spring through mid-October, providing training to more than 6,000 enrollees.

“Governor Cuomo recognizes that hunting and trapping are valuable recreational activities, wildlife management tools and important parts of the cultural heritage of New Yorkers,” said Director Stegemann. “These activities provide an important opportunity for many New Yorkers to connect with nature. DEC appreciates the efforts of all the instructors, apprentices, volunteers, sportsman organizations and schools that together helped thousands of young people.”

All first-time hunters, bow hunters and trappers must pass one or more sportsman education courses before they can obtain a hunting or trapping license in New York State. Sportsman Education Courses develop skills and attitudes which help students to be better hunters. They also learn to respect people, wildlife, and nature; respect public and private property; practice safe and ethical behavior; appreciate man as a part of nature; support conservation efforts and be examples of responsible hunting and trapping.

Instructors provided a total of eight weeks of hunter education classes and two weeks of bow hunter education classes at two DEC Environmental Education Camps: Colby and Pack Forest. In addition, instruction was provided at the Becoming an Outdoors Woman Program fall workshop held in Lake George.

Many area sportsman clubs hosts hunter education programs at their facilities free of charge and their members serve as instructors, apprentices and volunteers. They teach and demonstrate how to understand and appreciate the responsibilities of ethical hunting and trapping.

A number of area school districts allowed hunter education programs in their schools and some created after school programs based around the courses. DEC and hunter education instructors continue to seek out and work with additional schools that can host the classes or make them part of a school program.

DEC Environmental Conservation Officers (ECOs) participate in the majority of the classes, teaching the rules and regulations for hunting and trapping. Some of the officers teach entire classes when their schedules allow.

ECOs also provided a trapper education class for DEC staff from more than eight program that work with trappers in some aspect. DEC staff greatly benefited from this training and gained a better understanding of the sport, its laws and regulations and its importance to the ecology and economy of New York State.

Instructors in DEC Region 5 also assisted in recruiting and training new instructors. In 2012, 14 people became certified instructors, 32 apprentices continued to work towards their certification and 22 people applied to become instructors.

Another improvement to the program has been the increase in home study classes. The home study classes in both gun and bow hunting were designed to better reach military personnel on leave and students active in after-school programs. The classes allow students to complete part of the class online or in a workbook prior to receiving ‘hands on’ instruction in skills, equipment, responsibilities and ethics. This allows instructors to educate students in less time, while still ensuring the proper instruction of students.

DEC continues to seek more volunteer sportsman education instructors. Instructors must at be at least 18 years old, with a minimum of three years of experience in an outdoor-related field, be of good character, respected in their community, and communicate well with young people. Volunteers must commit to complete the training and apprenticeship, teach at least one class a year, and attend a refresher course every two years. Applications may be found on the DEC web site at: www.dec.ny.gov/docs/wildlife_pdf/sepia11.pdf

More information on the DEC Sportsman Education Program may be found at: http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7860.html

If you are interested in signing up for a free sportsman education course, a list of the classes can be found at: http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/9191.html

Sportsman Education Facts

Hunter Education: Required before a person can obtain any hunting license (including hunting with a bow and arrow for small game). The course covers basic firearms handling and outdoor skills plus hunting techniques. The minimum course time is 10 hours. The minimum age for the course is 11 years. The minimum age for a hunting license is 12 years. All students under 16 years of age are required to bring a permission slip signed by a parent or legal guardian.

Bowhunter Education: Required to hunt deer and bear with a bow and arrow. The course teaches the things that make bow hunting a special challenge and helps to make a more successful hunter. The minimum course time is 8 hours and the minimum age for the course is 11 years. However, the minimum age for hunting big game with bow and arrow is 14 years.

Trapper Education: Required for all new trappers. Covers how to trap responsibly and catch target species, while avoiding unwanted species. Teaches students how to set traps, identify animals and habitats, and how to treat pelts to produce marketable furs. The minimum course time is 8 hours and there is no minimum age limit.

Waterfowl Education: This is a voluntary course that may be required for some special hunting areas. The course teaches the identification of ducks, geese, and other water birds on the wing. The minimum course time is 3 hours and there is no minimum age.

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