Outdoor Chenango Columnist Eric Davis

This Saturday is opening day for the regular firearms season for white-tailed deer here in the Southern Zone. It is a day that many hunters have looked forward to since the season ended last year.  While there is a lot of hype that goes into opening day (and all of deer season for that matter), hunters should remember the basics that they were taught in Hunter Education to keep the woods a safe place for hunters.

Practicing safe firearm handling is the best way to prevent hunting related shootings. Remember to identify your target and what is beyond your target before shooting. Wearing blaze orange can help hunters be identified from a distance as a hunter and not a deer. While it is suggested that deer hunters wear blaze orange, it is not required in New York. If you see another hunter, do not wave or make motion at them, speak in a loud, clear voice to let them know that you are there. Using a deer decoy is not recommended unless you are on private property and are confident that no one else will be hunting.

If you hunt on public land, such as state forests, be respectful of other hunters and members of the general public who may be using the area also. Hikers and horseback riders do not keep track of when hunting seasons start so there is a chance that you could people from either of these groups. Be polite and professional if you interact with them, consider suggesting that they should wear blaze orange until Christmas if they are going to be on public land. Remember that they have just as much right to be there as you do.

Hunting on private land can be more advantageous because there usually is less hunting pressure. Talk to the landowner and know who all has permission to hunt on their property. You could even ask for their contact information if the landowner has it, then you can coordinate with them who is going to be where on the property, so you do not crowd each other. That way if you do encounter another hunter, you can ask them what their name is and if they are not supposed to be there you can contact the landowner. Only tell people to leave the property if the landowner has told you that you can do so (or if you are the landowner!).

My Opening Weekend Prediction:

I took the week of November 9 through 13 off from work to hunt all week with my crossbow. Based on the deer activity I saw that week; I think bucks have already bred the first wave of does that came into heat and are onto the second or third doe of the season. They will be on lockdown with their doe until she is lets him breed her. So, you may not see a lot of movement from bucks on their own unless you happen to catch him looking for the next hot doe. If you know the pattern of your does, you might find a buck lurking a little way behind a doe. The slightly warm temperatures might keep harvest down compared to cold, snowy opening weekends.

Saturday: The low temperature Friday night into Saturday morning is forecasted for the upper 30s, so deer movement will be good until midmorning. A high temperature in the 40s will slow down deer movement some midday. The northwest wind will have some bite as cold air comes in for the night so Saturday afternoon should see good activity in feeding areas.

Sunday: The nighttime low temperature is in the low 30s, allowing the deer to stay on their feet without overheating for a good portion of the morning. South winds will bring mild air temperatures in the upper 40s so afternoon movement will likely low until right before sunset.