BUFFALO, N.Y. — New York's most popular big game season began Saturday.
The regular deer and bear hunting seasons in New York's Southern Zone began Saturday morning and run through Sunday, Dec. 10. According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, roughly 85 percent of the state's 550,000 licensed hunters will participate during this period.
This hunting period accounts for nearly 60 percent of the state's deer harvest and approximately 30 to 60 percent of the state's bear harvest.
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"This weekend, hundreds of thousands of big game hunters will head afield for the chance to harvest deer or bear in New York's Southern Zone while enjoying time with family and friends in the great outdoors," DEC commissioner Basil Seggos said in a statement.
"I wish all hunters a safe and successful hunting season and encourage these outdoor adventurers and those visitors sharing the woods to put safety first and wear blaze orange or pink to see and be seen."
Daily hunting hours for deer and bears start 30 minutes before sunrise and end 30 minutes after sunset.
The DEC urges hunters to be safe. Some of tips offered by the state include:
- Point your gun in a safe direction.
- Treat every gun as if it were loaded.
- Be sure of your target and beyond.
- Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
- Wearing fluorescent orange or fluorescent pink clothing — whether it be a hat, vest, or jacket — is required for all hunters across the state.