Early Antlerless Deer Season This Weekend in New York State

It is back-to-school time, and fall is finally starting to settle in across New York State. You know what that means for many of us: deer hunting season is almost here!

Before the season gets underway, there are plenty of New York hunting laws and regulations to review. But there is also one message the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is encouraging hunters to think about this season: choose a doe.

Have you been seeing more deer lately? With some cooler air moving into New York State, it is finally starting to feel like deer season, especially during those early morning hours. Sure, it can still get warm during the afternoon, but there is something about sitting in the woods before sunrise on a cool fall morning that gets you excited for the season ahead.

For many hunters across New York, deer season cannot get here soon enough!

Why New York Deer Hunters Are Being Asked to Choose a Doe

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has been sharing information and videos ahead of the upcoming deer hunting season, including an important reminder about harvesting antlerless deer.

"Additionally, DEC’s “Choose A Doe” campaign reminds hunters of the important reasons why they should be harvesting antlerless deer".

For years, I remember hunting with some of the old-timers who would tell you one thing: Don’t shoot the does. The thinking back then was simple. If you wanted to grow the deer population, you needed to let the does live. But things have changed in many parts of New York State.

Today, there are areas where the deer population is much larger than it was years ago. That is why harvesting antlerless deer has become such an important part of managing a healthy deer herd.

New York Deer Populations Continue to Grow

In some parts of New York State, deer populations have grown to the point where they can create problems for communities, homeowners, farmers, and drivers.

Too many deer can lead to more vehicle accidents, damage to crops and gardens, and increased pressure on local habitats. That is why deer hunting plays such an important role in wildlife conservation and population management.

In fact, some communities in New York have had to take additional steps to address growing deer populations. Deer overpopulation was even an issue in East Aurora, New York, late this summer. For hunters, harvesting a doe is one of the best ways to help keep the local deer herd balanced.

More Deer Hunting Opportunities in New York

Depending on where you hunt in New York State, you may have opportunities to obtain additional Deer Management Permits or take advantage of other antlerless deer hunting opportunities.

That can mean more time in the woods and, hopefully, more venison in the freezer!

And let’s be honest, harvesting a doe is not always as easy as some people make it sound. In my experience, when you spot a doe, there is usually another deer nearby. Sometimes there are several!

That means more eyes watching, more ears listening, and more noses trying to figure out exactly what is going on in the woods. Trying to get close enough for a clean shot on an antlerless deer can be a real challenge.

Choosing a Doe Can Help New York’s Deer Herd

If you are getting ready for the upcoming New York deer hunting season, consider putting a doe at the top of your list.

Not only can harvesting an antlerless deer put some great venison in your freezer, but it can also play an important role in maintaining a healthy deer population for years to come.

Of course, we all love seeing that big buck step out from behind a tree.

But before you pass up that doe this season, remember that harvesting antlerless deer can help improve the overall health and balance of the herd.

So, good luck out there this fall! Stay safe, enjoy your time in the woods, and maybe this will be the year you decide to choose a doe before waiting for that big New York buck to come walking by.