RE: New Years Resolutions for NY Hunting & Hunters
Here's the start of my perfect hunting season:
Now to get into the sometimes controversial and often debated topics related to deer hunting regulations and seasons (since I hunt primarily in the Southern Zone, that’s where my focus will be). I will preface this by saying that I am a “hunter” and enjoy using the variety of weapons (bow, shotgun/rifle, & muzzleloader) that we are currently allowed. Here’s what my ideal season would look like:
Early Muzzleloader (ML) - Yes, I am a bowhunter and in favor of an early ML season. I would love to have the opportunity to get in the woods with my ML early and think it would have little to no effect on the deer for bow season. I strongly think there should be more opportunities to ML hunt outside of regular gun season (I have a shotgun & rifle to hunt with during that season). So let’s have a 7 day early ML season (similar to the Northern Zone regs) starting Oct. 1st.
Early Crossbow (XB) - that is coming next. Shouldn't be much controversy on this issue!