Ohio Regs in NY?
 

Do you guys think the Ohio big game system could improve NY hunting?
I would love to see the Ohio system used here 1 buck, a very longarchery season from oct 1st to feb 2nd. a very short gun season I think it is just 6 or 7 days. If the short gun season means give peoplethe use of a crossbowI am all for itI hope I never need to use one due to age or phyiscal disability but the option might be nice. I also belive if they get thereheads out of therebutts and drop the age restriction we could get very young bow hunters out hunting with a cross bow until they develop into regular archers. I also would love to see an early firearm deer season for our youth if they change the age restriction. Buy the wayIknow many people who have hunted ohio and I have done research on the hunting there and this system works for them. This state puts a lot of trophys on the ground and gets the young hunter started early and keeps the older guys in the field longer. Why try andinvent the wheel again look west boys they are getting it done in Ohio. I know alot of you will hate the crossbow Idea but it works thereit could work here to. I have shot a crossbow and let me tell you the compound is a bigger advantage over a recurve than a crossbow is over a compound.
Let me know what you think!
Gene

RE: Ohio Regs in NY?
 

whether good, bad, or indifferent that will never happen. there are way too many gun hunters that wouldn't stand for that short of a season (me included). you say "why reinvent the wheel" - I say you are right. The seasons in NY are fine (they could be tweeked a little here an there maybe), why mess with them (at least in the drastic ways you mentioned. also, I never have heard of Ohio being the poster for deer management???

[Deleted]
 

[Deleted by Admins]

RE: Ohio Regs in NY?
 

NJ is structured almost the same way. I love it, and do most of my hunting there. They are over-run with deer though. One season like that would decimate NY's herd and then we'd be done for a few years.

RE: Ohio Regs in NY?
 

More gun season? You can use any legal mz for 5 weeks.
What is a "primitive" mz. Please give me the definition all agree on.

Steve

RE: Ohio Regs in NY?
 

I prefer the NY regs to the Ohio regs.

RE: Ohio Regs in NY?
 

Why do you perfer the Ohio regs, and what type of management goals are you trying to reach? Bigger deer? More deer? I grew up in Ohio and my brothers still live there. Ohio has some advatages over NYS, part of which are its climate, and farming practices. Some disadvantages are LOTs and LOTS of posted land, and minimal public land. That being said, Ohio is one of the better trophy buck states. Why? It has a lot to do with the hunter mentality than overall state mandated management practices. Down there, more and more hunter refuse to shoot smaller bucks. They will shoot a doe if they want meat and let 1.5 to 3.5 yo deer walk. The state works to keep doe/buck ratios and overall population in check, other than that they leave it to the hunters to decide what to shoot. Most peoplehave their property posted, or leased, set up food plots, and can bait deer. They can afford to waiton a bigger buck because they have more control over the land they hunt,reach agreements with surrounding land owners on what to kill, have generous archery/crossbow seasons.Its a little like the QDM people preach about in NY, but they don't shoot a buck because it had "4 points" on a side, or "wider than the ears". They look to see if it is a B&C 140 class (Ohio big buck) deer. If not, it will probably walk. Overall, our deer population is good, it just depends on what you want.

RE: Ohio Regs in NY?
 

Well said, and speaks to the importance of hunter education and attitude, versus looking for increased government mandates.

NY hunting regulations are fine. Seasons could use some tweaking for certain (I'd like to see that Saturday Opener scapped and a return to the traditional Monday opener). But Deer Management strategies have changed, with these new plans requiring a couple years to start bearing fruit. As hunters, considering that successful deer management requires good information concerning harvest and population estimates, I would believe we should be working very hard to get the harvest reporting compliancy back to where it was pre-DECALS. We want to make all sorts of changes in the laws, but I hear nothing about efforts to get reporting compliance back to near 100% (high was 95% in 2001). Today, its @ 76% at best. Shame on us all....

[Deleted]
 

[Deleted by Admins]

RE: Ohio Regs in NY?
 

Well a little about myself,A few friends and myselfhave 3 propertys scattered around WNY they are 170, 135 and 300 acres we do try to manage these propertys to procuce better deer but with limited success. We do food plots shot does and pass the younger deer but we still rarely see any deer 3.5 yrs old or older and I must say the numbers of deer seen in general are less than they where 7 years ago. So to answer your question I would like to see a few more deer and some older bucks as well. Ihave found hunting in other states and canada much better than here so looking at a state like Ohio it seemed to me changes could help but from the responces I get here I dont think any major changes will ever happen in this state. I think I will sell my property and start hunting out of state a couple weeks a year and just give up on this state. I willfill my Ny tags with 1.5 yr old bucks and does to fill the freezer but there seems to be no effort to grow bigger deer here so i see no reason to try anymore. I still wish I did not have to take my son out of state to deer hunt but I guess that is another battle that will never be won. Also it is pretty sad that my father can not effectivly hunt with a bow anymore but does not qualify for a crossbow but I guess that is another thing that will never change either. What the hell I should just look for another job and move mywhole damn family out of this state. Sorry about the rant I just dont undersatnd people very well and it gets frustrating for me sometimes.
Gene

RE: Ohio Regs in NY?
 

I certainly understand your frustration. Many have the same feelings of helplessness. I am with you 100% on the crossbow issue, and I support getting the crossbow legalized in NYS - I have a "compromise proposal" out there, but, if you've had any involvement in this issue, you know that both sides are pretty adament in their all or nothing stance. But, sit tight. I have some reliable information that this issue will be addressed in the coming months? Sorry I cannot be more specific.

Just a thought, as you certainly have some tangible concerns, do you belong to a Federation Club in your area, and are you involved, like attend meetings, vote on issues, attend public hearings, submit comments during the public comment period?

RE: Ohio Regs in NY?
 

Sorry you are frustrated, but everyone has different goals when it comes to deer and hunting them.If you already hunt out of state, then do that for the big racks and hunt NY for "deer".

The part I don't understand is why you feel the need to take your son out of state or just move out of state all together. You have access to 600+ acres ofprivate lands in NY which is something many of us onlydream about. If you are passing bucks, you have some animals to work with and hunt over. I'd love to be in your position.Does your boy need to only shoot a trophy rack?? Whats wrong with him starting with a 1.5 YO fork?? All respect due, its sounds to me like you have it pretty good.

I know many people that hunt Ohio and many other states. Many have allot of the same complaints you post here. The biggest I hear is access to lands. Public lands are crowded, private lands locked up. When the deer are pushed out of your areadue to heavy pressure, all the QDMmgt in the world won't stop those bucks from going to private property.

Here in New England we have some big oldbucks, butANY antlered deer comes pretty hard.I hunt with another guy on public lands andwe average alegal buck every 4-5 years!You can head up to Northern NHorMaine to hunt 3.5-7.5 YO deer, butman its hard work, and gets frustrating when hunting these areas with 3-5 DPSM. Quality open lands are an issue too. I hunt MA and the gun laws add to the already frustrating deer situation. Our herd is purposly managed to be held BELOW carrying capacity!

I have also hunted nice states like Montana where qulaity bucks are more "common". Its still damn hard to get an older whitetail, and there is no QDM in the areas I hunted.

Grass is always greener. But in reality I think you got it good.

RE: Ohio Regs in NY?
 

jf5
You areright I have it pretty good but it did take 30 years of hard work to get and I think not only could it be better it should be better in my opinion. As far as my son he is only 6 he can not huntsmall game until he is 12 and deer with a bow until 14 and deer with a firearm until he is 16 I will loose him to the fast past instant satisfaction world we live in before then. He shots a youth 270 withlow recoil roundswell enough to kill a deer at 150 yards and he will kill his first deer next year in NC.He also shots a 15 lb compound with a realse, pep sight and sight pin very well and i do not want to loose his interest. Like Uncle Ted says take a kid hunting and you will never be hunting for your kid. As far as a trophy deer for him I will encourage him to harvest all legal game until it becomes not fun and then he can decide what he wants to pass I will not make that decision for him.
Gene

RE: Ohio Regs in NY?
 

cma - MY question was a trick one - everyones idea of "primitve" is different at best. You say pre 1800 but allow miniballs - not in common use until after that date. Others may feel percussion should be allowed. First inlines actually showed up in the early 1800's. There is no answer to what is primitive.

2 seasons - gun and bow. I use an inline in gun when not using my bow, but continue to hunt as I do with my bow. With few exceptions, my shots are seldom ones I would not take with my bow. And I always have venison.

Steve

RE: Ohio Regs in NY?
 

I wouldnt want to see it. I dont have a problem with crossbows, more the type of people who tend to use them. You dont need to put in the time or effort when using the x-bow that you do when you have to practice with traditional gear or a compound. From what I have seen gun hunters are less willing to put in the time and effort to bring home deer. I have a feeling if you make crossbows an opption you will attract people. Not that thats bad I just dont want to see the mentality of anchor and elevate in the bow season.

I suppose it might benefit NY at least for guys who chase big deer. I would also bet that the anchor and elevate guys wouldnt take the time to keep sent free and keep disturbance to a minimum.

[Deleted]
 

[Deleted by Admins]

RE: Ohio Regs in NY?
 

i think all they need to do is use antler restrictions, but that's another hotly debated topic. i think they need to do something cuz there really is not a lot of mature deer where i hunt. i do my part to pass up the small ones but i know my neighbors don't. however, on the bright side, more and more ppl are passing up smaller bucks so i think it is getting better gradually.

RE: Ohio Regs in NY?
 

Well it looks like I have a buyer for the biggest chunk I own I will put him in my best stand this weekend and sign over a doe tag to him. He said he has a buck tag left from archery season and he asked me what he can shoot I said I hope you will own it next year so shoot what ever you want because thats what all the nieghbors do. I dont think he carses what he shoots I think the barn and little cabin on the property is what he likes the most about the place. He isadoctor I go to andhe has the money to buy it so it looks like this will happen. I talked with my finance guy and with this invested right I dont think I will ever buy another ny license again I will start booking hunts for me and my son as soon as this deal is done. Good luck guys I think i am done with NY hunting.
Gene

RE: Ohio Regs in NY?
 

Sounds like your a great dad Gene. Best of luck with the land sale. Enjoy what you have ... and good luck finding your big deer. :-)

RE: Ohio Regs in NY?
 

jf5
Thanks i try my best he is a good kid a little spoiled but very respectful. The moreI thought about it and the money to keep the place up and the taxes I thought why not try this. I still will have some land avaliable to hunt here but I am just tired of shooting small deer so it is time for a change. Belive it or not this post was looking for responces from people that are in favor of major change and I found none so I figured I am the minority which is ok, it helped me make this decision.I plan to not hunt much once my son starts hunting on a regualar basis ( more self sufficient ) so that i can film his hunts I think that would be fun! He loves fishing alot to and up hear near lake ontario (trout and salmon) and lake erie (walleye, bass and musky) we have world class fishing. I have been wanting a new and bigger boat and this land sale will make that possible. The great thing about these lakes is no posted signs no taxes no leases and lots and lots of room to roam. So I guess all in all this will be a great thing. Buy the way for everbody reading this I was not shooting down what you like to shoot or how you hunt I was just really wondering how many people are looking for major change in NY so if i offended anybody I am truly sorry.
Happy Hunting
Gene

RE: Ohio Regs in NY?
 

Gene,

I am curious, do you belong to a conservation club or Rod & Gun that is a County Federation member? You're wondering how many hunters are looking for a "major" change in NY. You seem to show some interest and have tangible concerns, but are you a part of the process or have a desire to get involved in the process?

RE: Ohio Regs in NY?
 

Doc
I travel a great deal for work so my time is limited I am fortunate to get more than 40 days of a year off from work so I can enjoy this sport andI have a family to spend time with as well. I get Ny outdoor news I belong to the NRA I vote every november and I do go to DEC meetings when they are in my area and I am in town. I have written letters and sent emails to officals when I thought my opinion needs heard. I do not however have time to belong to a club, my problem is when I join something I get very invovled and my life just will not allow that right now. How ever if the majority is being represented which it sounds like it is then the system is working and I will keep faith in the system. I do believethat from research and reading thatI have done and just plan old talking to everybody I can, I am the minority in this state and it may change some day but I do not think I can wait for that. Iapplaud you for your effort andinvolvement in this sport and I hope you are succesful at acheving your goals but I think my energy will have to be put in other areas.
Good Luck
Gene

RE: Ohio Regs in NY?
 

I certainly understand that, Gene. If possible, I would recommend that sportsmen and women in NYS, if they do not belong to a Federated R&G or conservation club, that they at least consider a Guardian membership with the New York State Conservation Council. Gets you their newsletter (Grass Roots) which is published monthly and email legislative alerts when needed. Meaning, any time a billis proposed that can affect hunting, fishing, trapping, 2nd Amendment rights, shooting sports, etc, etc (even environmental access, wildlife management plans, the whole enchillada) you get an alert from their legislative VP Wally John. That level membership costs $25.00/ yr. and believe me we can use all the help we can, especially with Spitzer and Cuomo coming to Albany in their new offices come January.

Thanks for receiving NY Outdoor News! Great to hear... I write for them.

RE: Ohio Regs in NY?
 

Am I the only one that found this statement a bit odd?

What benefit would allowing crossbows in NY have?

RE: Ohio Regs in NY?
 

One buck a year would be fine with me. And antler restictions are fine too. I know too many people that shoot 4 points and 6 points just to get "their buck" and then throw the horns out a month later. Shoot a doe if you want meat is my theory. Let'em go and let'em grow if they are a yearling buck...which in my opinion is the easiest dear to kill.

A mature doe is one of the hardest to kill....

RE: Ohio Regs in NY?
 

MJR10, I agree, one buck. Your comment about big does......you bet. You know you've got a good setup when you can get a big old doe w/fawn past your stand.

Bowkill144,I disagree with the crossbow comment. I've hunted with crossbows in Ohio. You have a major advantage with a crossbow, most of which has to do with movement. Whether it's a longbow or compound, you have to draw, its a critical moment in the hunt. With a crossbow you can tuck yourself against the tree, shoot sitting down (without moving away from your stand or tree),do less trimming around you (thereby exposing yourself less), and raise the weapon slowly. I'm not totally against crossbows, but from experience, they havean advantage.

RE: Ohio Regs in NY?
 

Well guys I did not say they were not an advantage I just dont think they are any more accurate then a compound. And I know all you ny bowman guys would rather shoot your mother than let crossbows in the woods during the archery season. But I think if we could shorten up our gun season and make it later in the year after the rut there would be more 1.5 and 2.5 year old bucks making it to the next year. But I think the major bow clubs in this state do not realize you can not take away from the Gun crowd without offering them a chance to join us during the archery season and lettin them use a crossbow would be a good compromise in my book. Also if the age restrictions were dropped you could get some young people out hunting with them too I also believe it would help our senior archers as well. I have worked with some older people with draw locks and other gadgets on the range they work ok but in the field they are very frustrating to them so they quit. I think the attitude of most bowhunters I have talkedwith do not want anymore hunters in the woods during the archery season, which willend up hurting us in the long run because our numbers will shrink and without numbers we will just fade away. Votes are power you need people in your sport to vote to maintain your rights.
Of course as I have said which probably will make many of you happy I am pretty much done with hunting in NY because I do not belive there will be any major changes in this state due to both hunter attitude and state politics. Again this is just my opinion and as the saying goes opinions are like @#$ holes everybody has one!!
Gene

RE: Ohio Regs in NY?
 

bowkill144- Sorry I wasn't trying to criticize you, just give a perspective from an experienced point of view. If they legalize crossbows in NY, I will be one of the first to own one. I have a bad right shoulder, and it doesn't stand up to shooting a regular bow very well. But, I continue to bow hunt for the challenge. I hate...hate...hate...hate...hate...the gun season. Yes, I hunt the gun season, and kill a deer every year, but I don't enjoy it like bow or muzzleloader. NY could modify its seasons some, but it still boils down to hunters letting some deer walk. Lets be honest, probably 1/3(maybe more)of the people who hunt the gun season are only in the woods for that season. Its the only time they see a deer in the woods, so their not going to let the opportunity pass. I work with 2 people who only hunt during the gun season, no grouse, no squirrel, nothing. They don't hunt together. Their goal is to kill a deer, any deer. This year they killed a 5 point and a spike. A couple of years ago one guy shot 2 button bucks. The guy that shot the spike didn't realize it was a spike until he walked up to it. Yes, these people buy tags and contibute to the general good of the sport. Some will become more educated, but many won't. They have a right to kill what they want, and seem to obey the law. I'm just saying if the goal is to have more "trophy" bucks, this type of hunter is a big obstical. If the goal is to manage the herd, they are doing a great service. It is a tough choice for the DEC to make.

RE: Ohio Regs in NY?
 

CNYGUY
I was not offended I just like to rant it makes me feel better. I do think 1 buck, a shorter gun season later in the year would go along way towards more young bucks making itto next year. But to get something like that done I think we would have to allow crossbows, that would be the compromise. Also for people like your self the crossbow would be a benifit, injures are hard to over come with a bow. But if you go out and get hit by a car, end up a quadrapalegicand you can still blow through a straw I think they might then let you use oneLOL. These changes might push poor hunters into learning to become better hunters. I would hope this would happen due to the fact that hunting with a crossbow would be much harder than a Shotgun so there success would depend on them being better hunters.
Gene

RE: Ohio Regs in NY?
 

Well it would certainly give those who would like to use them for hunting the opportunity to do so. That's a benefit. Maybe you aren't interested,I'm not either,but certainly many are right now and who knows how much it would catch on.Maybe the opportunity to try something different might up the enthusiasm for some where hunting has become a bit stale. Factor in new license sales, tax revenue from sales of x-bows, sure there would be some benefit.

RE: Ohio Regs in NY?
 

Yes that comment does sound a bit odd. I think that crosbows benefit as much as muzzleloader seasons benefit those that like to muzzleload and bow benefits bowhunters - it would allow those that enjoy hunting with a crossbow an opportunity to do so. I started bow hunting and muzzleloading for extra opportunities to get in the woods and more possibilities to get a deer. don't think i'd go out and get a crossbow, but never now. It could alos benefit the NY Conservation Fund by having another source of income (separate license fee). I really think it could have a place and wouldn't adversely affect anything. However, I also think it needs its own season - say in conjunction with ML or a section concurrent with reg bow (maybe first 3-5 days). What could it hurt? Iknow this isn't a crossbow thread but just my $.02.

RE: Ohio Regs in NY?
 

Well, although it isn't a "crossbow" thread, it does say Ohio Regs in NY, and crossbows have been a part of Ohio hunting for over 20 years, so, it is pertinent.

Advantages crossbow bring - allows former bowhunters now physically unable to comfortably hunt archery season to do so, retunring them to the woods. THese same folks are now entering an age where their kids are old enough to hunt. Is it not easier to introduce a youth to bowhunting by taking him or her bowhunting? Women, elderly and youth find working with a crossbow less intimidating than vertical equipment. The biggest intimidating factor is being able to draw, IMHO. I, too, believe a compromise is in order, and I would like to see the following:

[ul][*]ADD another week on the front end of archery season[*]ADD crossbow use for anyone who wishes to choose using a crossbow, starting the last TWO WEEKS of early archery, all of regular season, and all of extended.[*]ADD a new license tag to purchase, crossbow stamp (tag, license, whatever), but it requires the Bowhunting stamp or education class to secure[/ul]

Are crossbows an advantage? Depends on the situation. It is irresponsible to blanket state any implement has an advantage over another (firearms over bows notwithstanding). A shotgun has advantages over the rifle when in close quarters, or hunting very limited shooting range. A recurve has an advantage over both compounds and crossbows when still hunting and fast shots are demanded. Etc. Right implement for right hunting conditions make for advantages, not the implement on it's own by itself.

However, this year in NYS we have seen more mature bucks harvested in a single season than we have in a very lon time. Many of these animals are coming from WNY and CNY, but every region in the State has sen some pretty impressive animals. When you see one harvested, you can bet you didn't see at least 100 just like it.

The one buck rule... Tell me, how many times have you harvested two bucks in a season? Everyone, how many seasons have you doubed up on bucks? I've been hunting for over 20 years, and I never have. 80% of the hunters I know are in that boat, too. The guys that have done it (2 buck harvest in one year) have done it once, maybe twice in their lifetimes. The DEC states through harvest trends that as many as 3200 hunters are fortunate enough to harvest more than one buck.

So, what exactly would a one buck per year limit do? Besides restrict the lucky 3,000 hunters or so (out of 520,000) from enjoying the luck they were dealt? Sure won;t do a thing for the deer numbers or your hunting quality. Too insignificant a number to be worth it.

RE: Ohio Regs in NY?
 

Doc
Good responce you seem to have the numbers. If I was willing to shoot 1.5 year old bucks I would have killed 2 every year in the last 5 years maybe longer.This is the same with the other 2 guys I hunt with as well. Thenieghborsnear ourone camp shoot on average 5 bucks a yearwith only 3 of them hunting. Most of the guys that I know that hunt private property that are willing to shoot young bucks shoot more than one buck a year on average. I think the DEC does not have good numbers mostly because these people hunting private land are proccessing there own deer and I do not think they are reporting many if any deer taken. I also belive that some guys fill other hunters buck tags so it may look like they both shot one buck each in reality one hunter may have shot two. I know this reporting thing is a problem and I dont blame the DEC for it but it gos back tothe hunter mentality of not working towards a better deer herd. Also if it would not effect but a few hunters to make it a one buck rule why not change it. On the propertys I am invovled in we have a one buck rule in place and it most be at least a 2.5 year old or better to shoot and if you shoot a button buck by accident you have to take a mature doe before you can shoot another buck. These rules are all well and good but with competeing with the nieghbors we are lucky to shoot one 2.5 year old every 3 or more years. We spend a lot of time and money on equipment, food plots, tree stands, timber harvest, trail camerasand fruit tree work for not much pay back. I am not saying we should hold everybody to this standard but some change is needed. If the hunter attitude does not change or there are some rules changed then anybody thinking of QDM, food plots and all the other stuff had better keep there expectations low or just save there money for something else.

RE: Ohio Regs in NY?
 

I think you hit the nail on the head, and came up with the answers in the process. The guys that harvest two bucks legally do so from 2 out of the three Big Game seasons (early archery, regular, extended). If you have guys harvesting two during regular season, or two during archery/ extended, then what are the chances of that law working, too? Answer - NONE.

Guys filling other hunters tags is illegal, and the only way to change hunter attitude in this scenario is to enforce the law. If we know people who do this, complain about needing a one buck rule, but do nothing about stopping the known illegal activities, is one not also guilty of some sort of complacency to the real issue?

In terms of legal harvest, those legally harvesting two bucks per season are so small in comparison to the overall hunter numbers, it isn't worth it.

The balance of what you speak of is truly poaching, and is illegal, and the only way to stopthat is through aggressive enforcement with some serious help from concerned and involved hunters...

Next issue....

RE: Ohio Regs in NY?
 

Well Doc
You are right but when you havent seen this poaching as you call it but you just hear people talking about it just try and call the dec and see what they do about it, nothing because I have and without hardproff there is notmuchthey can do.If they do even make it out the deer are long gone and in the freezer buy the time they get there. There is not enough of these guys to even put any fear in the bandits that are out there. You might not belive it but the hunting groups around me are legal hunters and they do shoot more than one buck a year on average probably because we pass up so many 1.5 year olds and if that rule was in place they would shoot less bucks and more would reach maturity. I just wish for 1 or 2 years the hunters of NY would let some young bucks live but we both know that will never happen here!! I think the only changes the DEC or NY politicians will let happen will be ones that raise more money which is what makes the world go around. This state and the countys that i hunt in do need the money so I do understand .I do realize I am the minority and most of my ideas are for things that most people do not want and that will not change here. Doc I think you are a great guy keep up the great work you are doing with the federation and writing for the outdoor news I do love that news paper and have a great holiday season

RE: Ohio Regs in NY?
 

Doc
Buy the way how do I get this membership you suggested.
Guardian membership with the New York State Conservation Council.
Thanks
Gene

RE: Ohio Regs in NY?
 

Thanks, my friend... You are exactly correct. Without hard proof, the DEC really cannot do anything. HEaring about it and seeing it are two different animals. I heard it from a couple guys in a bar one night last year during opening week. All I could really do was tell them that wasn't right, you cannot legally harvest 2 bucks during regular season, your limit is ONE. I stopped short of calling the guy a poacher, as I really didn't want to start a brawl, but that is exactly what it is - poaching. Just like someone who keeps more than their daily limit of walleye, or shoots more than their daily limit of ducks, a guy who shoots two bucks or more during regular season (or during early archery, or ML) is doing the exact same thing - poaching.

There were and still are, no doubt, those guys who get their wives or girlfriends to buy a license so they can use their tags. The DEC did catch a few folks in this a year after DECALS, by simply calling a few of the harvest reporters and asking some simple questions. Perhaps another factor in reporting declines?

This one certainly hunter attitude. Sadly, many are taking the approach that exactly sours hunter attitude to the point of poaching - more government "meddling". License fee increases, reduced tag opportunity, license system changes, reporting system changes, new rules and season opening dates, etc, all serve to generate short-term confusion, resentment and downright hostility in some hunters, typically the hunters that are the issue at hand.

The one buck rule is like gun control, IMHO. SOmething that will make concerned hunters feel good, like we "did something", when all we have truly done is symbolic, not addressing the real issue which you did touch on. Education of hunters, teaching the benefits of selective harvest, not just open harvest. But, in this case, the law already forbids multiple buck harvest during any one season, and saying it again isn't going to change a thing.

Thanks again, and have a safe and happy holiday season!! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!!

RE: Ohio Regs in NY?
 

You may call the NYSCC Membership Program at 315-894-3302 and request a form, or visit their website at www.nyscc.com (they are renovating their site, so it may not be complete as of yet).

The mailing address is as follows:

NYSCC Membership Program
8 East Main Street
Ilion, NY 13357-1899

They basically look for Name, Address, City, State, Zip, Phone # and email address. Three levels of membership as follows, along with cost:

Guardian - 1 yr $25.00
Defender - 1 yr $60.00
Life Member - Life - $250.00

The defender and life membership levels also include Legislative Reports at least monthly, sometimes it seems almost daily.

This year, new members and renewing memberships are entered in some sort of special drawing, to be pulled at their annual full membership meeting on 9/14/07.

Hope that helps....

Oh, BTW, if you do call, the gal I have always found most helpful is Linda Coffin. She's the best....

RE: Ohio Regs in NY?
 

I believe the procedure of a husband using a wife's tag to enable him to take 2 buck in a single season is common place and nearly impossible to stop. Calling a conservation officer to investigate such a violation is sadly a waste of time in most cases and the CO's know it. Not to mention that there are maybe 2 of them per region. What is to be done when the officer shows up only to find a deer with a properly filled out tag and the wife tells him of course she shot the deer and "what's the problem?". As a rule though, as bowkill mentioned, a lot of this takes place on private property and by the time anybody knows anything about it, the deer is processed, in the freezer, tags are filled out, and everybody envolved knows exactly what to say if a co were to show up which they probably won't even if they are informed. I hate to throw up my hands but I think I'm looking at it pretty realistically. It appears to me that, as a society, we just don't have the resources or the will to stop it. I'm afraid it just isn't that important to enough people.

RE: Ohio Regs in NY?
 

Doc
Not that it matters to me but I thought you could fill both buck tags during the late muzzel loader season if you still did not use them, is that right or wrong it sure seems to read that way in the regs?
Also thanks for the membership info.