The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has proposed new hunting regulations aimed at increasing the harvest of antlerless deer statewide.
Officials said the changes are intended to better manage growing deer populations and reduce impacts such as vehicle collisions and forest damage.
The proposal would modify the Deer Management Permit system to expand access to permits. Hunters could apply for up to four permits in certain areas, including units without quotas where all applicants would receive permits.
Hunters who successfully harvest antlerless deer in areas without quotas would also receive bonus permits, allowing continued harvest.
The plan would also allow unlimited transfers of permits between hunters, removing the current two-permit cap.
DEC also proposes expanding a nine-day antlerless deer season in mid-September to additional wildlife management units.
Another change would create an “earn-a-2nd-buck” system. Hunters would need to harvest and report an antlerless deer before receiving a second antlered deer tag.
“Deer populations are growing throughout much of New York State,” DEC Commissioner Lefton said. “Increased harvest of antlerless deer by hunters is necessary to keep deer populations healthy, in balance with available habitat, and at levels that are acceptable to all members of the public.”
Data from recent seasons shows fewer than 15% of licensed hunters harvested one antlerless deer, and about 3% harvested two or more.
The proposal also includes a clarification on the use of mechanical broadheads, specifying that blades must move freely without external force to be considered non-barbed.
Public comments on the proposed regulations will be accepted through May 17.
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