Outdoors with Larry DiDonato - DEC Releases Hunting Safety Statistics for 2024-25

Second Safest Season on Record in New York State
  The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced the 2024-25 hunting season as the second safest on record. DEC released its annual report documenting 11 hunting-related shooting incidents (HRSIs) for this past hunting season. Only 2021 and 2022 had less HRSIs with 9 for each of those years. The HRSI numbers for 2024-25 are consistent with low incident rates observed across the state in recent years. DEC noted, “Hunting-related incidents are preventable when hunters follow safe and legal hunting practices and proper tree-stand safety measures.” If you would like further details for each HRSI you can go to https://dec.ny.gov/sites/default/files/2025-02/dechrsisummary24.pdf  or use the link, Hunting Safety Statistics.
 This year’s safe season is great news, but not it’s not at all surprising to see hunting continues to enjoy a stellar safety record. It’s been a safe, enjoyable, outdoor activity for some time. New York attributes the success to its strong Hunter Education Program, which continues to be exceptional thanks to the years of dedicated service from the more than 1500 certified volunteer instructors who teach in-person classes. Online-only courses have also been made available. Hunters adhering to regulations, requirements, and firearm safety, allow hunting to be a safe and enjoyable activity for hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers and visitors each year.
 “All first-time hunters, bowhunters, and trappers are required to successfully complete a hunter or trapper safety course and pass the final exam before being eligible to purchase a hunting or trapping license. These additional efforts to increase public awareness about hunting safety have resulted in a sharp decrease in hunting-related incidents from decades ago.”
 The safest demographic in terms of age remain youth hunters aged 12-15. That stands as a testament to the quality of New York’s hunter safety instruction. It sets the stage for the future of hunting in New York to continue to safely connect both kids and adults to nature and the outdoors.
 The benefits of hunting are many. Chief among them is getting out in the fresh air while getting exercise and enjoying the beauty of the natural world.  Whether you’re working dogs pursuing rabbits, pheasants, or grouse, getting in a canoe to paddle out to a duck blind or to do some jump-shooting, or sitting on watch for deer or turkeys, there’s benefits whether or not you harvest any game. It gives you time away from screens and the constant demands of modern life. It allows you to reflect, and to focus on every element of the natural habitat and inhabitants of your chosen hunting environ. Time spent hunting is a success whether or not you bring meat home for the table.
 While nearly all hunting seasons have closed by the end of February, it’s a good time to get ready for the upcoming spring turkey season. If you’re thinking about getting your license for the first time, now is the perfect time to search for classes. Go to the website, https://www.register-ed.com/programs/new_york/165 to find an in-person, certified hunter safety class near you.
 The Spring Youth Turkey Season is just weeks away, scheduled for the weekend of April 26th and 27th. Eligible youth hunters, 12–15 years of age who hold a Junior Hunting License and a Turkey Permit can hunt one week before the regular season which opens on May 1st  closing on May 31st.
All youth hunters must be accompanied by an adult holding a current hunting license and Turkey Permit. Parents/Mentors may assist the youth hunter (including calling), but may not carry a firearm.
 In Greene County, at the impetus of ECO Lucas Palmateer in conjunction with the Norton Hill Wildlife Club, the New York Conservation Officer’s Association (NYCOA), and the Northern Catskills Longbeards Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, (NWTF) is once again holding the Second Annual Youth Turkey Hunt on Saturday, April 26th 2025. That program includes a prerequisite safety briefing and shotgun patterning session at Norton Hill’s Range. Parents/mentors must be present at the safety briefing and when youth are taken afield turkey hunting on the Saturday of the youth turkey opener. After the hunt, all are invited to get together at the Norton Hill Wildlife Club in Greenville for a barbeque and to share stories of the harvests of the hunt and “the ones that got away.” Many county sportsmen’s organizations across the state also hold mentored Youth Turkey Hunts during the spring youth hunting weekend.
Happy hunting, fishing and trapping until next time!
News and Notes
The Ducks Unlimited Greene County Chapter Banquet is on Saturday March 8th  
There are still some tickets available for the Greene County Chapter of Ducks Unlimited Annual Banquet, Dinner and Auction on Saturday, March 8th at Anthony’s Banquet Hall located at 746 County Route 23B in Leeds. Doors open at 3:30 pm with buffet dinner starting at 5:00 pm, followed by a live auction. Formed by concerned waterfowl hunters in Sullivan County, NY in 1937, “DU” has conserved more than 19 million acres of wetlands and grasslands that provide essential habitat for breeding, migrating, and wintering waterfowl. So, this event is not only a for a good cause, it’s a good time. There will be lots of opportunities to win great prizes including firearms, gear, and unique home décor items.
Tickets are available online at www.ducks.org/newyork/events. For more information, you can call Dana Hanusik at 518-821-1773 or Jeff Holiday at 518-965-6105.
Remember to report poaching violations by calling the 24-hour ECO Dispatch at:
1-844-DEC-ECOS.