New York Mixed Bag: DEC’s fall turkey forecast optimistic following poult survey

Albany — The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation said thanks to good spring productivity, fall turkey hunters can expect improved opportunities compared to last year.

The fall turkey season in the Southern Zone began Oct. 19 and runs through Nov. 1, and takes place on Long Island’s Suffolk County Nov. 16-29. In the Northern Zone, the season took place Oct. 1-14.

This past August, community scientists from around the state reported nearly 1,800 observations of hen turkeys and poults to help DEC estimate productivity of turkeys (e.g., the number of poults per hen). Productivity this past summer was the highest documented since 2013 and the third highest since the survey began in 2005.

The good productivity was likely the result of a dry and warm nesting season. The late June rains don’t appear to have negatively impacted turkeys (and other ground nesting gamebird) productivity.

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DEC Issues ‘Share The Woods’ Reminder To Both Hunters and Hikers

Albany — With hikers, bikers and birders enjoying the autumn woods around the same time as hunting seasons, especially the firearms season are opening, DEC is reminding all outdoor users of their “share the woods” mantra. Regular big game hunting season in the Northern Zone began Oct. 26 and closes Dec. 8. Bowhunting season for deer and bear is ongoing in the Southern Zone and the regular firearms season on begins on Nov. 16.

A DEC press release said hunting-related shooting incidents involving non-hunters are extremely rare, but the agency encourages all outdoor adventurers to be aware of the presence of others. Hikers should be aware they may meet hunters bearing firearms or archery equipment while hiking on trails. Hunters are fellow outdoor recreationists and hunting is permitted on Forest Preserve and Conservation Easement lands. Hunters should likewise recognize they may encounter hikers and others enjoying the outdoors.

All outdoor users are encouraged to bear bright clothing; blaze orange or blaze pink (by law, for hunters). Bright colors allow hikers and hunters to be seen more easily and from farther awa. Also, pack a light source, map, compass, first aid kit, food and water.

NSSF Launches Website And Firearms Fact Sheet to Support U.S. Military Veterans

Washington, D.C.— Ahead of Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11, the National Shooting Sports Foundation has developed a webpage containing resources for military veterans, including a fact sheet discussing mistaken beliefs the organization said causes some veterans to forego seeking health care from the Dept. of Veterans Affairs (VA) because of concerns about having their firearms taken away.

The fact sheet is titled “Correcting Mistaken Beliefs about VA Confiscating Veterans’ Guns.” The webpage shares information and resources that can benefit veterans’ health and resiliency, and that highlights their role as employees and leaders in America’s firearm industry.”

The site includes information about several NSSF veterans-focused initiatives. They include programs to help prevent suicide among veteran and non-veteran populations and a careers center that lists job opportunities in the firearm industry, which employs thousands of veterans. The goal of the fact sheet is to dispel misinformation about veterans, health care and personal firearms and was developed by the Veterans Healthcare Policy Institute. The website is: www.nssf.org/nssf-supports-veterans/.