New York DEC Announces Tentative 2013-14 Migratory Game Bird Hunting Seasons
OutdoorHub 06.11.13
The tentative schedule for many of New York’s 2013-14 migratory game bird seasons is now available, allowing sportsmen and sportswomen to plan outdoor activities well in advance, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Joe Martens announced today. Tentative season dates for ducks, geese, woodcock, snipe and rails can be found on the DEC website at: http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/28503.html.
“New York’s Open for Hunting and Fishing Initiative supports tourism opportunities to further benefit sportsmen and sportswomen throughout the state,” Commissioner Martens said. “DEC announces the tentative schedule so hunters can begin making plans for statewide hunting trips and for a safe and successful season. Still, we always remind hunters to check the final dates, usually issued in late summer, before going afield.”
The final season dates, bag limits and other regulations for 2013-14 migratory game bird hunting seasons in New York will be posted on DEC’s website and announced by a statewide news release, once they are approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Hunters should confirm the final season dates before going afield.
The tentative season dates were developed by a team of DEC staff representing all regions of the state, taking into consideration anticipated federal regulations for the coming year and recommendations from Waterfowl Hunter Task Forces established by DEC for each zone. DEC has used a task force approach since 1997, and it has been very helpful for setting seasons where hunter preferences are diverse. For more information about the task forces, go to: www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/40737.html.
Tentative season dates for the Lake Champlain Zone were not included because they will be determined by the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Board following public meetings likely to be held in August in Whitehall, NY and Burlington, VT. DEC encourages New York waterfowl hunters who frequent the Champlain Zone to attend one of these meetings; details will be announced later this summer. Comments and suggestions about the Lake Champlain Zone may also be submitted to any DEC season-setting team member or by e-mail to wfseason@gw.dec.state.ny.us.
Copies of the 2013-14 migratory game bird hunting regulations brochure will be available on the DEC website in late August and by mid-September wherever hunting licenses are sold.
Governor Cuomo’s NY 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, and increasing hunting opportunities in various regions.
For more information about hunting waterfowl or other migratory game birds in New York, visit the DEC website at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/28175.htm.
