New York Mixed Bag: DEC opens sponsored pheasant hunt host application process

Albany — The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is currently accepting applications to host sponsored pheasant hunts, which are free, non-competitive events open to the public and organized by volunteer groups, clubs, individuals, or organizations.

As part of the program, DEC will distribute up to 6,000 mature pheasants annually to approved sponsored pheasant hunt coordinators across New York. Pheasants are provided free of cost, with two pheasants provided per registered hunter.

Sponsored pheasant hunts provide valuable opportunities for youth, women, novice hunters, veterans, people with disabilities, and others to gain hands-on experience in the field. While sponsored hunts have traditionally been concentrated earlier in the pheasant season, they can also be hosted after deer season, offering a great way to extend hunting opportunities when other seasons wind down.

Applications to host a Sponsored Pheasant Hunt will be accepted until Jan. 10, 2026, and must be submitted at least 45 days prior to the event. For more information, contact the NYSDEC Reynolds Game Farm at 607-273-2768 or by e-mail wildlife@dec.ny.gov Subject: Sponsored pheasant hunt host.

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Feedback Wanted From Anglers Who Fish The Delaware River Tailwaters

Hancock, N.Y — DEC is asking anglers who fish the Delaware River Tailwaters to take part in a special angler survey. The agency is currently conducting a QR code angler survey on the trout fishery in the East Branch Delaware River from Pepacton Reservoir downstream to Hancock, in the West Branch Delaware River from Cannonsville Reservoir downstream to Hancock, and from Hancock downstream to Callicoon.

At the end of a fishing trip, anglers can complete the short survey by scanning the QR code with a phone, even if no trout were caught. Signs to access the QR code survey can be found throughout the river segments listed above.

Monitoring this premier fishery for enhanced management remains a top priority for DEC and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. Understanding angler use is key to managing this fishery.

By sharing information about your fishing experience, you play an important role in helping us maintain quality trout fishing. When anglers participate, anglers benefit.

Teen Angler Drowns After Falling in Poultney River Near Vermont Border

Hampton, N.Y. —The Washington County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the drowning death of a 14-year-old boy from Hampton, in Washington County. The boy was fishing the Poultney River, along the Vermont border on July 1 and was located just north of the bridge on County Route 11.

The victim was pulled from the water by first responders.

Resuscitative efforts were administered immediately after but were unsuccessful. Fair Haven (Vermont) EMS, Hampton F.D., Whitehall F.D., West Fort Ann F.D. NYSP Aviation, NYS Forest Ranger, Fair Haven P.D. Washington County DPS all responded to the incident, which the Sheriff’s office said was an accidental drowning.

Reminder: Rattlesnake Hill WMA, Mianus River Gorge Habitat Projects Aug. 2

Nunda, N.Y. — To improve local habitat for white-tailed deer and other wildlife, DEC and the National Deer Association (NDA) are seeking volunteers to join in habitat improvement day on Saturday, Aug. 2 at the Rattlesnake Hill Wildlife Management Area in Livingston and Allegany counties. For more information, and to register for the event, visit here, or email: megan@deerassociation.com.

Also on Aug. 2, the NYS Chapter Of The Wildlife Society and the Mianus River Gorge, Inc organization are seeking volunteers for a day-long project in Mianus River Gorge, in Westchester County. The goal is to remove invasive species in a the area that buffers the ecologically important old-growth hemlock forest. Aug. 23 is scheduled as a back-up date. For more information email: nytws.president@gmail.com.

DEC Rolls Out New Fish Stocking Trucks

Albany — In an ongoing effort to maintain and modernize our fleet of DEC stocking trucks, the agency has rolled out five new-style 6-tankers and nine new-style 3-tankers.

DEC operates 12 fish hatcheries that annually produce up to 850,000 pounds of fish (16 species) that are stocked into more than 1,200 waterbodies for recreational and restoration purposes. Trucks are integral components of the programs, serving as mobile life support systems during critical production phases. Including stocking and transfers, the fish are moved almost 250,000 miles annually to achieve enhanced fishing opportunities across NYS.

The new trucks, featuring custom aluminum tanks and bodies, align with DEC’s overarching rationale for modernization, thereby enhancing the longevity and efficiency of the delivery system.