New York State Hunting

On October 3, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Joe Martens announced that hunters and trappers could begin hunting and trapping in upstate New York.

Hunting, trapping, and related activities provide significant benefits to New York's economy, especially in rural areas. A recent national survey estimated that hunter expenditures on equipment and trip-related expenses in New York totaled more than $1.5 billion in 2011.

Governor Cuomo recently announced a new initiative to make New York even more attractive to hunters and anglers. The "NY Open for Fishing and Hunting" plan streamlines sporting licenses and reduces fees to benefit sportsmen and sportswomen throughout the state.

Fees will also be lowered for non-residents to encourage out-of-state hunters to experience the great game opportunities in New York. These changes will first go into effect in 2014.

All new hunters or trappers planning to go afield this upcoming hunting and trapping season must first complete a mandatory hunter or trapper education course before they can obtain the appropriate sporting license. Training in safe handling of firearms and hunting is a legal requirement for anyone hunting in New York.

Courses are free to take and are taught by DEC-certified instructors. Although primarily offered for first-time hunters or trappers, anyone is welcome to attend a sportsman education course, whether it is for a refresher or an interest of the topic. For more on basic hunting safety rules visit DEC's website.

For general information about hunting or trapping in New York, or to get additional information about specific opportunities, visit DEC's hunting or trapping pages.

DEC advises hunters and trappers to confirm the exact dates, bag limits, legal implements, and other regulations pertaining to any area where hunting or trapping is planned before going afield.

source: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)

New York Bobcat Hunting - Trapping

Bobcat hunting and trapping opportunities have been expanded under new regulations adopted by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).

According to DEC, the agency is implementing strategies of the recently adopted Bobcat Management Plan that will provide sustainable harvest opportunities while maintaining a stable or increasing bobcat population.

After considering public comments, DEC adopted rules affecting bobcat hunting and trapping in New York to implement the state's Five-Year Bobcat Management Plan.

The harvest of bobcats will be closely monitored by DEC biologists via activity logs maintained by hunters and trappers, a mandatory pelt sealing program, and hunter and trapper surveys.

For information on furbearer hunting regulations and trapping regulations visit the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation website.

source: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

2011-2012 MD Wildlife Management Area Trapping Rights

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources Wildlife and Heritage Service is currently accepting bids for the 2011-2012 trapping seasons at LeCompte, Linkwood, Taylor’s Island, Fishing Bay, Idylwild, Ellis Bay, Wetipquin and Nanticoke River Wildlife Management Areas.

Bid packages must be picked up from and returned to LeCompte Wildlife Management Area at 4220 Steeles Neck Road, Vienna, Md. 21869 by 12 p.m. on October 21, 2011.

Sealed bids will be opened at 1 p.m. on October 21, 2011. For additional information please call 410-376-3236 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday.

source: MD DNR