State DEC Announces Start of Regular Firearms Season For Deer & Bear Hunting

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced the regular firearms season for both deer and bear hunting in the Southern Zone of the state which includes Cortland County, has begun.

The season will go through December 8th and the DEC has estimated around 470,000 licensed hunters will participate in the season with around 60% of the total deer harvest and between 30 and 60% of the statewide bear harvest happening within this season.

Hunters are reminded by the DEC to continue taking steps to remain safe while out hunting. The DEC noted most hunting related injuries take place while hunters are climbing in and out of a tree stand. Hunters should strap up before you go up, the DEC says, in order to stay connected from the time leaving the ground to the time they get back down. Ensure to also follow all manufacturer’s instructions and warnings before use, check all stands before each season, and replace any worn or missing parts.

“Daily hunting hours for deer and bear include the full daylight period, beginning 30 minutes before sunrise and continuing until 30 minutes after sunset. These hunting hours ensure there is enough light for hunters to identify their target and what’s beyond, while maximizing opportunities to harvest deer and bear in the early morning and late afternoon when these species are most active.” The DEC said in a release.

All hunters must wear fluorescent orange or pink clothing such as a hat, vest, or jacket, that is visible from any direction when hunting for a deer or bear with a firearm.