Did New York State Outlaw “Deer Drives” for Hunters?

It was amazing to wake up to temperatures in the 40-degree range this week in parts of New York State. Feeling that cool air settling in really has us excited about the beginning of autumn!

As fall officially arrives this week, the next stop is Whitetail deer hunting season in New York State.

Getting Ready for New York Deer Hunting Season

Do you have your deer hunting spot scouted out yet? Have you checked your stands and blinds to make sure they are ready for the season?

Read more: New York State's Unlimited Doe Permit Regulations

My youngest son and I took a trip into the woods this past weekend to make sure everything was ready. We checked our hunting lanes, made sure they were properly cleared and looked for any new signs of buck activity.

So far, there isn’t much additional sign other than what we are seeing on our trail cameras. That being said, there are a lot of deer walking around the woods this year.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation does a great job of managing the state’s deer herd and working to keep the population strong and healthy.

There has been plenty of discussion recently about changes to New York’s hunting regulations for this fall, and the goal is to properly manage the state’s deer population. Maintaining a healthy deer herd is important, while also helping limit the spread and impact of wildlife diseases.

What Is a Deer Drive?

When you hunt with a shotgun or rifle during New York’s regular firearms season, do you plan to drive deer?

It is a popular hunting tactic in many parts of the state. For those who don’t know much about deer hunting, a deer drive involves hunters walking through a section of woods with the goal of pushing deer toward other hunters who are waiting in predetermined locations.

A deer drive can be an effective hunting tactic, but it can also be dangerous if it isn’t done properly. New York State allows hunters to use deer drives as a hunting tactic, but hunters still need to follow all applicable hunting laws and safety regulations and have the proper licenses and tags.

"A licensed hunter may bring an unlicensed individual (including children) along, as long as the accompanying individuals are not participating in the big game hunt (including driving deer)".

Deer Hunting Safety Is Critical

If you are planning to drive deer this season, make sure you are wearing the required hunter orange or pink and that everyone involved understands the plan before entering the woods. Hunters should know where the other people in the drive are located, clearly identify their target before taking a shot and know what is beyond the target.

"Required to wear fluorescent orange or fluorescent pink clothing while hunting with a firearm. Any person who is accompanying someone hunting deer or bear with a firearm must also wear fluorescent orange or fluorescent pink clothing".

Safety should always come first when hunting, especially when multiple hunters are moving through the same area.

New York Deer Season Is Almost Here

The hunting season will begin in just over a week, and bowhunters are ready to get back into the woods.

These cool mornings, changing leaf colors and the arrival of autumn have a lot of us excited about what is ahead. For New York State deer hunters, the wait is almost over. It’s time to check the gear, scout those hunting spots and get ready for another season in the woods.