There is a dimension of hunting that is often overlooked here in New York State. For those of us who love being in the outdoors on a crisp fall morning, sitting in a deer stand, we appreciate the simple fact that we can be in nature, alone in the quiet and surrounded by the woods. However, there is another aspect of hunting that is truly the essence of why we do it.
A Strong Start to the Firearm Season
It is the first full week of the regular firearm season for whitetail deer and bear in Western New York. The middle of the week has brought pretty decent weather, and many hunters report taking some respectable bucks and filling their doe tags. Others, including myself, are still waiting to see even one deer pass by!
I have been hunting with my boys, who are still young, and just being with them in the woods has been an unforgettable experience. Sometimes the memories we make out there matter even more than what we tag.
The Conservation Role Every Hunter Plays
One of the most overlooked aspects of what we do as hunters is the conservation piece. Keeping deer numbers in check and managing populations responsibly is a vital role that hunters play. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) does an incredible job studying wildlife and outlining detailed plans for upcoming seasons.
They are responsible for managing tag distribution, monitoring populations, and ensuring that no region becomes unbalanced or unhealthy. This work allows our wildlife to thrive and our hunting traditions to continue.
Monitoring Chronic Wasting Disease in New York
The DEC is also responsible for keeping the deer herd and other wildlife as healthy as possible. That is why they have implemented a program to monitor and eliminate Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in the Empire State.
Here’s how you can help: across various locations in New York, the DEC is asking hunters in certain regions to bring harvested deer heads to designated drop-off sites. Biologists will examine them to track and prevent the spread of CWD.
“During the 2025 hunting season, DEC will intensively sample deer for CWD in the towns of Columbia, German Flatts, Litchfield, Warren, and Winfield in Herkimer County and the town of Richfield in Otsego County”.
Why Feeding Wildlife Does More Harm Than Good
Even if you don’t hunt, it’s important to remember that feeding wildlife is never a good idea. While some believe animals can’t survive without our help, the truth is that wildlife does just fine on its own. In fact, feeding animals often draws them into concentrated areas, which can cause diseases like CWD to spread more rapidly.
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Hunting: More Than a Sport
Although hunting is often considered a sport, for many families it is also a necessity. Venison provides an important source of protein throughout the year. But beyond that, hunting in New York State is fundamentally about conservation. We as hunters play a pivotal role in not only the future of our traditions, but also the health and welfare of the animals we pursue.
Passing the Tradition On
I encourage you to share the experience with your kids or a young person when you can. Keeping the hunting tradition alive is about more than the hope of harvesting a trophy whitetail buck. It’s also critical to the future of conservation efforts here in New York State.
Brothers Kill Monster Bucks On The Same Day In WNY
Gallery Credit: Clay Moden