New York Mixed Bag: DEC encourages hunters, public to participate in August wild turkey survey

Albany — The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is asking New Yorkers to participate in the state’s annual Summer Wild Turkey Sighting Survey, which continues through the month of August.

Since 1996, DEC has conducted the survey to track wild turkey populations and estimate the number of wild turkey poults (young of the year) per-hen, statewide. Weather, predation, and habitat conditions during breeding and brood-rearing seasons significantly can impact nest success, hen survival, and poult survival.

Participants record the sex and age composition of all flocks of wild turkeys observed during normal travel. Those interested in participating can do so online, or download a form from on DEC’s website. Or, call 518-402-8883 for more information.

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DEC REGION 5 ECO SEAN DEWEY PASSES AWAY DURING FLORIDA VACATION

Ticonderoga, N.Y. — DEC’s Division of Law Enforcement, along with the sporting community in Essex County and the surrounding Region 5 area, are mourning the loss of Environmental Conservation Officer Sean Dewey, who passed away unexpectedly July 25 during a vacation in Florida. He was 64.

Dewey was a U.S. Military veteran, serving as a Military Policeman in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1980 to 1984 and in the USMC Reserves until 1986, his obituary stated. He joined DEC in 2002. Among his many roles were Honor Guard, Drill Instructor and he was a Jet Boat Team member in the original FIRST team. He was also a drum major in the Pipe & Drum band.

“The void left by Sean’s passing is as wide as the sky,” Karen Przyklek, DEC director, Division of Law Enforcement said of Dewey.

MOOSE AT GOODMAN MT. TRAIL EUTHANIZED

Tupper Lake, N.Y. — DEC has humanely euthanized a bull moose on the Goodman Mountain Trail, near Tupper Lake in the northern Adirondacks, after confirming a significant decline in the animal’s health. The continued presence of the moose near the trailhead caused the agency to close the trail earlier this summer, and monitor the animal’s health.

“The moose’s health clearly had deteriorated over time,” Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine Assistant Professor of Practice at the Department of Public and Ecosystem Health Dr. Jennifer Bloodgood, said. “Performing a necropsy will help us to understand the cause of the decline and give us more information on threats to moose health in New York State.”

Euthanizing a moose, or any animal, is always a last resort and DEC only advances euthanasia when the animal is suffering or presents an immediate public health or safety risk. DEC will conduct a post-mortem necropsy to help determine the potential cause of the moose’s failed health and unusual behavior and share information as it becomes available. In the short term, the Goodman Mountain Trail will remain closed while DEC completes a study of the area to fully evaluate evidence of the foraging behavior and habitat range of this animal.

WATERFOWL PERMIT LOTTERY BEGINS FOR OAK ORCHARD AND TONAWANDA WMAS

Oakfield, N.Y. — DEC is accepting entries for a special permit to hunt waterfowl at two popular wildlife management areas in Western New York. The special permit allows for duck hunting on the first Saturday and Sunday of the Western Zone duck season at Oak Orchard and Tonawanda WMAs. The WMAs are primarily in Genesee and Niagara counties, with small portions in Orleans and Erie counties. The opening weekend waterfowl hunting permits will be distributed by a random lottery. The deadline for hunters to apply for the lottery online is Sept. 15.

For each of the two days, Oct. 11 and 12, DEC typically issues 100 permits for Tonawanda WMA and 50 permits for Oak Orchard WMA. Prior to the lottery, WMA wetland conditions will be assessed, and DEC may adjust the number of permits issued.

For questions or concerns about the permit lottery or access to the online entry form, contact the DEC Iroquois Wildlife Field Office at (585) 948-5182.

FISH CREEK PONDS CAMPGROUND TO BE RENUMBERED, 2026 RESERVATIONS DELAYED

Saranac Lake, N.Y. — DEC recently announced that Fish Creek Ponds Campground will be renumbered for the 2026 camping season, after the completion of the current camping season.

Although campers can make reservations nine months in advance, camping reservations for Fish Creek’s 2026 season will be on-hold until approximately December to allow the renumbering to be completed.

Fish Creek Ponds Campground is located in Saranac Lake just south of the St. Regis Canoe Area and is popular with anglers and hikers. During renumbering, campsites throughout the facility will be improved, and family sites, which will accommodate additional people, vehicles and equipment as compared to typical campsites, will be added.

DEC operates nearly four dozen campgrounds and day use areas in the Adirondacks and eight campgrounds in the Catskills. The New York State Department of State Parks, Restoration and Historic Preservation operates campgrounds at state parks elsewhere in New York.

For more information visit: https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/camping/campgrounds-day-use-areas.