NY NE & SE openers

Kevin B

Well-known member
The openers in the Northern & southern zones once again will be on the same day. I hope with the elimination of the Task forces the new season setting matrix will correct this in 2019. The southern zone spit got it right with the Nov 6th- December 30th end date,same as the Vt Champlain zone. Can't wait till summer is over!
 
Good morning, Kevin~


I attended the Southeastern Zone meeting. DEC explained that the Northeastern Zone TF would not even consider opening on September 30. I was lobbying for SE "first half" to open on Octoberv13 - but there were no other takers.


Let's hope for a cool, crisp and early Fall !


All the best,


SJS

 
Good morning Steve,

Yes that is correct, not one of the members myself included considered the 30th.The TFNE policy has been for the past 8 years if the first Saturday in October was on or before the 2nd then the opener would be the following weekend.

The NE zone meeting usually had been the first to meet and make recommendations. It will be interesting going forward to see how the matrix balances openers but you can bet you will never see zones open on the same date.

The last actions we were asked for was "out of the box dates" for hunting birds early and late to put into the matrix. According to the hunter survey all TF's in the state were hitting hunters preferences. I hope the computer can equal or better that.

As for me I am getting my Ontario license this fall ,107 day season 15 miles from camp. Late ,early in won't matter the season will be open .

The task force was a great experience, and it served a vital conduit between hunters and the state. We rarely pleased late season hunters due to the size of the zone but I doubt the matrix will factor .

Maybe we'll see down on the Hudson this fall.
 
Kevin

Where do you hunt on the Hudson? Late season in the Southern zone is always better in the late season. Unless of course the Hudson River gets iced up. Early season around here is good opening day and maybe the second day . I always wanted a September teal season. I wrote the State many times to ask for such a season. Most of the time the teal don't make it to opening day. They leave on their migration sometimes before the season even starts. Some years we get lucky and they are still around for opening day.
 
NY had a early Teal season, but it's gone just like most of the waterfowl hunters.

Check the HIP registration numbers for the state, and you will see how dismal it is for a state in the Atlantic Flyway that has many birds.

As already stated, it's best to go where the seasons are longer, and opportunity much better if you love the hunt and not the wait for seasons to improve.
 
Vince

I hope that the hunting gets better. Our state is just as good as any. We have what it takes to hold birds. One can only hope that one day the State will get it right. I hate to think that we will have to leave the State to enjoy a Duck Hunt. But you might be on to something. I pray your wrong!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Like most Flyway hunters I travel throughout NY to hunt our 4 zones ,5 if you include the Lake Champlain area Vt). I know many who enjoy traveling for the openers. For some Central NY hunters 3 zones are an hour away or less.

I have been thinking of getting my Ontario stamp for awhile . It's about 200.00 dollars but if I get up and hunt 10 times this fall it will be worth it.

The HIp #'s for waterfowlers is down and I guess will continue to as the average age increases.
 
I agree Anthony , plenty of good hunting. It would be nice to chase some early birds but I really want it for later in the season. Lots of good days in December and January not counting last winter.
 
Anthony -

NY and Maryland are the top two waterfowl states in the Atlantic Flyway, as far as the bird populations during migration. The waterfowl hunter numbers in NY do not reflect that these days unfortunately.

IMO the best way to recruit and keep new wingshooters, men, women, young and old, is to have a Dove season. Lots of action, time spent with a mentor, for safety (things that cannot be taught on a range with clay targets, etc.), as well as early dog work. It is a fine way for new wingshooters to see and experience how all things involved interact in a safe manner.

NY continues to resist a dove season, and is a sure way to deter and lower wingshooting hunters in the state. Youth hunts for waterfowl are not the answer, nor the solution to low numbers.

Time in the field to gather proper experience is the keystone, and Dove hunting does that. The foundation must be laid in a proper manner, and many other states realize that.

It appears that NY wants the $$$$$$$$$ from the hunting community, but not with a increase of wingshooters.


Waterfowl hunting is about the migration, and with only so much time on earth, it makes sense that hunters migrate to where the birds are.

Years ago I read that Cameron Parrish, LA, kills more ducks in a season, than the entire Atlantic Flyway. Think about that...

It's not the killin' that impresses me, or draws my attention, it's the Seeing that many ducks. That's what makes the long drives, $$$$ and hard work worth it

The opportunity, to see and shoot, other wise known as "The Season".


I wish you a safe and enjoyable NY waterfowl season.

Until then it's time to go fishin'.


Best regards
VP
 
Thanks for the reply Vince always nice hearing from you. I agree 100% New York State love the cash. But has some weird ideas about how to save hunting. I knew that we were one of the best States in the flyway. I kind of guessed Maryland would of been up there. Back when I was a kid, that all anyone ever talked about was going to Maryland to hunt. My Brother had a chance to hunt the Black Water In Maryland years ago . He said there was like a million ducks and geese there. Dove or any kind of wing shot is great for beginners. Like me guess the leaf peepers think the dove is a wonderful thing to look at. I have eaten dove. its yummy!
Don't give up Vince fight to we can't fight anymore. Hope you caught a monster. Send me a picture.
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