The Peru Gazette

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced today that Canada goose hunting seasons open during the first week of September.

“New York is home to more than 200,000 resident Canada geese, and the September seasons are designed to allow recreational hunters the most opportunity allowed by Federal hunting season frameworks to help the state reach our population goal of approximately 85,000 nesting birds,” said Commissioner Seggos. “Each year, goose hunters from around the state harvest approximately 50,000 Canada geese during these special seasons.”

September Canada goose seasons occur in all goose hunting zones except the Western Long Island area. All upstate areas open September 1 and run through September 25. The Central Long Island and Eastern Long Island seasons begin on the Tuesday following the Labor Day holiday (Sept. 5) and run through September 30. These seasons include liberal bag limits, extended shooting hours, and other special regulations to maximize hunter success.

September hunting seasons are an important part of managing “resident” Canada goose populations (i.e., geese that breed in New York and adjacent states).

Additional details on 2017-18 Waterfowl & Migratory Game Bird Seasons can be found on DEC’s website.

License requirements
To participate in the September Canada goose hunting seasons, hunters must: 1) have a 2017-2018 hunting license, 2) be registered for the 2017-2018 New York Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program (HIP), and 3) all hunters 16 years of age or older must have a 2017-2018 federal duck stamp that is signed across the face of the stamp in ink.

For a list of ways to purchase a hunting license, please visit DEC’s website. To register with Harvest Information Program, please visit DEC’s website. To purchase a Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, please visit your local post office or the USPS Store (link leaves DEC website).

Hunting Safety and Etiquette
Commissioner Seggos reminds hunters to follow simple safety guidelines and use good judgment when choosing a time and place to hunt. Being considerate of other people enjoying the outdoors or who live nearby can help avoid potential conflicts and ensure a safe and enjoyable season. As coastal areas become more populated, new landowners unfamiliar with the safety, ethics and traditions of waterfowl hunting sometimes respond by seeking to limit hunter access to popular waterfowl hunting areas. Hunters should be considerate and try to minimize disturbances of local residents whenever possible.

A little courtesy and time spent before a hunt can go a long way to avoid or minimize conflicts with property owners and other recreationalists. Here are some suggestions:

Consider contacting landowners adjacent to where you will be hunting, well in advance of your hunt. Let them know when and where you will be hunting. They may be less concerned if you only plan to hunt a few days, or at certain times of the day.
Take the time to explain to the landowner your intent to abide by the laws and regulations pertaining to waterfowl hunting, your familiarity with the locations of houses, and your desire to be safe.
Plan out your shooting directions, and verify that the spot you choose to hunt is safe and in compliance with the law. Keep in mind that shot pellets, especially when discharged at a high angle, can sometimes travel farther than 500 feet.
Identify any concerns the landowner may have and discuss them before you go hunting.
Leave your hunting location as clean as you found it; be sure to pick up your empty shell casings and other litter you may find.