DEC Special License Exams

DEC Special License Exams

Registration Deadline April 10

Examinations for individuals seeking a license to practice the sport of falconry, become a volunteer wildlife rehabilitator, or use leashed tracking dogs to find wounded or injured big game animals are scheduled for April 12. DEC is offering the examinations online and at no cost to participants to increase access to the examinations.

LINKS:

NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Special License Exams Registration April 2024 (alchemer.com) 

Be sure to register BY April 10th to be eligible by the exam date.

Print your own hunting license?

Print your own hunting license?

BIG changes for sporting licenses

Beginning on August 1st 2024 NYS will issue licenses electronically and will not provide a printed tag.  This is largely due to the decreased availability and increased cost of Valeron (tear proof) stock.  License purchasers can either print their license on PLAIN PAPER at the issuer or print the license at home.

 

There are a few advantages to the licensee:
1.  All of your license tags will fit on a standard size 8.5×11 paper (or 2 max).
2. No waiting for tags to arrive in the mail.
3.  Eliminates the $15 lost license reissue fee.

There are also disadvantages:
1.  Black on white is not easy to see.
2.  Plain paper tears easily – especially when wet.

Check out the links on the DEC website:
DEC Announces Changes to Sporting License Fulfillment Beginning Aug. 1 – NYSDEC

plainpaperconversion.pdf (ny.gov)

Jeff Jondle – ECFSC President

 

Deer recovery using drone is illegal

Deer recovery using drone is illegal

Drones Not Allowed For Deer Recovery in New York

As sportsmen and women we all hope for a quick and successful recovery of wild game.  Taking only high percentage shots and using the correct equipment are ethical and consistent with fair chase. Employing aircraft of any type including drones is not ethical or lawful in New York State.  A good alternative is to contact Deer Search.  Their team of recovery volunteers are licensed with the DEC.

Recently, DEC has received inquiries about the potential use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs or drones) to assist with the recovery of hunter-harvested deer or bear. However, tracking and recovery of a deer or bear are part of the hunt, and New York laws do not allow drones to be used in this way.

Drones are defined and regulated as aircraft by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and aircraft may not be used to aid deer or bear hunters. This applies to both hobby/recreational drone pilots and drone pilots flying under FAA commercial regulations.

Confusion comes because the same section of law that prohibits use of aircraft also prohibits use of dogs to aid in hunting deer or bear.  However, a separate section of law authorizes DEC to regulate and license the use of leashed tracking dogs specifically to aid in the recovery of deer and bear.  The law does not make a similar provision for aircraft, including drones, and DEC cannot regulate or license the use of drones without authorizing statute.

Jeff Jondle – ECFSC President

 

Share the woods safely

Share the woods safely

Respect the rights of others and share the woods.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today encouraged 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.

How To Share The Woods During Hunting Season (youtube.com) 

Jeff Jondle – ECFSC President

 

WNY Pheasant Season

WNY Pheasant Season

DEC Announces WNY Fall Pheasant Season Opens Oct. 21st 

Pheasant hunting season in Western New York opens Saturday, Oct. 21, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced today. DEC will release approximately 3,700 adult ring-necked pheasants on Region 9 lands open to public hunting for this fall’s pheasant hunting season. Stocked pheasants will be provided by DEC’s Reynolds Game Farm in Ithaca, NY.

READ MORE ON DEC WEBSITE