Holiday Hunting Season Happening This Year (2021)

[GooseCommander]

Received an email from the NYS DEC today stating the Holiday Hunting Season is happening this year. The proposed regulation to allow counties to opt out of it was never adopted so counties have no authority to prevent it from occurring (this year).

https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/28605.html#deer

The topic is sure to stir controversy and not just amongst hunters but snowmobilers, cross country skiers and snowshoers (etc). It also will not be widely accepted even with hunters for some fearing big bucks having dropped their antlers being shot or additional pressure on areas ravaged by EHD. Like most things in life, use your best judgement for your situation and the deer herd's situation.

For me, I'll be taking out my son who has been looking forward to this season as he has had very little time to hunt due to chasing his dream up and down the east coast of playing hockey at the next level. If we get some snow, I might try to track a buck down as I've been sitting on the sidelines having tagged a bear and buck the first week of gun.

[DXT]

NYS response to EHD…how dare those county’s…decimate the herd! Lol! But on a serious note, most sportsman know what their hunting area is producing and will make smart choices, as Goose said.

Ps, Goose, share those pics of your buck n bear, we all enjoy, thanks!

[jdbbowhunter]

Have 4 doe tags for 3m. Had no intention of using any of them during season. Wont use during holiday season either. Hopefully hunters in other areas affected by EHD will do the right thing.

[LouieM]

Sullivan County was going to opt out and that is where I hunt.  I am looking forward to the additional days of hunting, even if it is just one additional hike with the smoke pole.  I already have next week off to get it done. I just bought a muzzleloader this past summer and have been practicing with it.  Happy I got it when I did because supplies are limited and took time to dial in the set up.   


As for the holiday hunt... it is sure to stir up more controversary than the actual amount of people who are going to hunt it.  Participation already is dwindling

[foresthawk]

  For those who want to hunt, go hunt.
If you don't want to hunt, then don't, and don't try to stop those who do want to.

[Ziffystriperchum]

For ALL the years I have lived in my home (now going on 32) I have seen deer in my backyard on a regular basis (some of which I posted here on NYS . . . but, I regret to say that I Haven't seen ANY in the past two months! . . . ZERO!

[MUSKRAT]

Going to take a long long time for deer to recoup..
But -- DEC says " go get em boys , here's some extra tags and an extra season extension..."

They must know , their the professionals right ?
Sorry for the rant ...just don't get it ...

If your in an area that not been effected, than by all means hunt ...
All areas by me , have very few deer left ...

[jdbbowhunter]

 

[gdk45]

One of the reasons I buy a muzzleloader tag is to have the opportunity to hunt with snow on the ground.  Not happening this year.  Not really trying to fill a tag just to get out in the woods.

[LouieM]

One of the reasons I buy a muzzleloader tag is to have the opportunity to hunt with snow on the ground.  Not happening this year.  Not really trying to fill a tag just to get out in the woods.

this was my first season with a muzzeloader, was really hoping for snow myself.  Still got out and hiked a bit.  Already dreaming of a colder, snowier dec next year

[retired]

You have to agree it's nice not having to shovel or plow snow

[walkabout]

You have to agree it's nice not having to shovel or plow snow

You got that right.