No matter where you live in the Hudson Valley, it is important that you know about hunting safety, especially if you plan to be out in the woods. Non-hunters should be aware that hunting season is in full swing, and hunters should also keep safety in mind as well.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation shared a great video on its social media last week that reminded hunters how to dress for safety, and they also offered some valuable information. If you hunt, you may know some of this, but it is always good to remind yourself.

Reminder from the NYS DEC: To Stay Safe This Hunting Season

If you don’t hunt, the information that the NYS DEC shared can be valuable to you. It gives you great insight into what is happening in the woods and around our waterways this time of year. I myself don’t hunt, but I do hike, and knowing when I will encounter hunters or when certain trails are closed is helpful.

NYS DEC Sharing the Woods

NYSDEC via YouTube

First off, you should realize that there are hunting seasons year-round. There are also regional seasons based on how they have zoned New York State. The Hudson Valley is in the Southern Zone, so it is a good idea to consult the schedule and maps that the NYS DEC shares on dec.ny.gov.

Also worth noting is that some of your favorite spots may be closed for hunting season. Check before you go and always look for posted warnings and closure signs at trailheads.

Hunting Seasons Vary By Zone and More in New York State

Seasons are broken up by zone, weapon, and the type of animal being harvested. Bowhunting has been going on in our region and ends this week (November 14th), but regular big game season begins this weekend (Nov 15th). The NYS DEC asks hunters to please hunt safely.

Hunting is very safe and is getting safer thanks to the efforts of the DEC’s Hunter Education Program, volunteer instructors, and the vigilance of New York’s hunting community. Due to ongoing efforts to teach hunting safety, responsibility, and ethics, incident rates over the last five years are at the lowest levels recorded in New York. (NYS Department of Environmental Conservation via Facebook)

 

Safety Tips For Hunters from the NYS DEC

For hunters, the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation shared these 5 important tips:

1 – Treat every firearm as if it were loaded

2 – Control the muzzle, always keep it pointed in a safe direction

3 – Identify your target and what lies beyond it.

4 – Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire

5 – Wear orange or pink

As for us non-hunters, we need to keep in mind that hunters have a purpose in the woods, so we need to be respectful and share the space. The NYS DEC put together this great reminder video for all of us who enjoy the woods.

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Gallery Credit: Weston Loving