The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has proposed rules affecting deer and bear hunting in New York to implement the state’s five-year Deer Management Plan.

DEC adopted the five-year deer management plan in October 2011 following extensive public input and can be viewed at: www.dec.ny.gov/docs/wildlife_pdf/deerplan2012.pdf. 

Comments previously submitted on the draft deer management plan were important in finalizing the deer plan and developing this rulemaking proposal.  The DEC will accept public comments on this proposal through May 21, 2012.  Comments on this rule should be specific to the proposals herein and should not be resubmissions of previous comments submitted on the full deer management plan or previous regulatory proposals.  

This rule also proposes some adjustment of bear hunting seasons, which are generally concurrent with deer seasons.  The DEC is proposing to: