It’s prime time for deer hunting in Western New York. Saturday 30 minutes after sunrise, the southern New York area regular big game (firearm) season for deer and black bear will open for 23 consecutive days and end on Sunday December 8 30 minutes after sunset.

Opening Day isn’t just another day for hunters across New York State and around the world. It’s a time when the air is filled with excitement and anticipation, a time when young and old share hunting tactics and strategies at deer camps throughout Western New York . Deer camps can take many forms. Whether it’s a family hunting cabin, a trailer, or a roadside vehicle, the same thoughts of good luck and well wishes are shared by hunters as they head toward their favorite forest. It’s a day we all look forward to, a day that marks the start of an exciting and rewarding season.

In my experience, hunting on opening day and opening weekend holds significant meaning for all hunters. It is a time when hunters come together to honor long-standing traditions and strengthen the bonds built over the years and passed down from generation to generation. It’s the culmination of months of preparation and anticipation. It’s a time to honor family history. Hunting is also a social activity, not just about the hunt itself, but also about sharing stories, memories and laughter.

It’s all about mentoring and teaching younger and newer hunters, especially their family members, the skills and safety protocols required to be successful and successful. Mentoring ensures that traditions continue and that future generations will have the knowledge and respect they need about hunting. It is also about a connection with nature, family and friends. This connection with nature, the silence and peace of the woods is spiritual for some. Let’s not forget the excitement of a successful hunt where the celebration symbolizes and honors wildlife and the environment, while being together with loved ones. In summary, opening day hunting with friends and family is so much more than just big game hunting. It’s about creating connections, honoring tradition, and sharing meaningful experiences.

While it’s not mandatory to wear a back tag this year – I don’t know why they dropped that rule – it’s wise to remember that about 85% of registered big game hunters in New State York will be in the woods on opening day to hunt a deer or bear. Keep safety in mind. A new requirement for big game hunters in New York State is the color of outer clothing. Big game hunters MUST wear neon orange or neon pink clothing visible in all directions. A hat, vest or jacket will meet this requirement. It is better to be seen by other hunters than to be mistaken for a deer or bear moving long distances through the woods. Hunters, PLEASE look beyond your target and be sure of your target before pulling the trigger. Safety is paramount in our hunting community, and we must all do our part to ensure a safe and successful season.

The DEC Region 9 checkpoint is only in one location (again) – in Erie County. It will operate Saturday from noon to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The checkpoint is located on northbound Route 16 about a mile south of the town of Holland in Erie County. The purpose of the monitoring station is to collect valuable biological data that will help estimate big game harvests and manage the region’s big game populations. The station allows DEC staff to interact with hunters and hear about their opening weekend experiences. Hunter participation at the checkpoint is voluntary, but note that it helps the DEC collect valuable data to assess the status of WNY’s big game population. It’s a long trip if you’re coming from Chautauqua County, but that’s voluntary.

The DEC also collects biological and harvest information from thousands of deer across the state each year by visiting facilities that process venison for hunters.

All New York hunters are required to report their harvests, it is important and essential to wildlife management and the sustainability of the hunting tradition. It takes little effort for hunters to report their harvest of deer, bear and turkey within seven days of capturing the animal. The easiest way to report is through DEC’s HuntFishNY mobile app. Through this app, hunters, fishermen and trappers can access an electronic version of their licenses and privileges and quickly report deer, bear and turkey harvests while in the field on their mobile devices. Hunters can still use the telephone reporting system, but online and mobile systems are faster, more convenient, and more accessible for hunters to accurately enter information.

If your hunting team was lucky enough to harvest more than you need, hunters can donate any portion of their harvest to “Hunters Helping the Hungry,” sponsored by the Venison Donation Coalition at the Venison Checkpoint. Holland. Throughout the hunting season, hunters can donate a deer to help feed those in need. Through a cooperative relationship involving the New York State Department of Health, nonprofit organizations such as Feeding New York State Regional Food Banks, and deer processors, hunters provide each nearly 40 tons of venison annually to families in need across the state. To learn more, visit Hunters can also donate any legally harvested deer by dropping it off at a participating processor. When dropping off your deer at a processor for donation, the hunter must complete the logbook indicating their desire to donate the deer. The donated deer will be processed and the venison distributed to food pantries and food banks to help feed hungry New Yorkers.

Good luck in the woods and on the water!

EXTERNAL CALENDAR

November 15: Last day of big game archery and crossbow season in the southern New York area.

November 16-Dec. 8: Regular Southern New York Big Game Season (Firearm)

November 21: Southtowns Walleye Assoc. monthly meeting, 7 p.m., 5895 Southwestern Blvd., Hamburg, Info: 716-208-4023

Dec. 9-Dec. December 17 and 26-January. 1: Bowhunting season ends in southern New York.