NY-Outdoors.com News
DEC Announces Tentative 2008-09 Waterfowl Hunting Seasons
Early Announcement Will Allow Hunters to Plan Trips
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis today announced the tentative schedule for many of New York's 2008-2009 waterfowl hunting seasons, allowing sportsmen and sportswomen to plan outdoor activities well in advance.
"We are announcing this schedule to give all hunters who enjoy this sport a better opportunity to plan vacations and activities around the hunting seasons," said Commissioner Grannis. "Although the dates won't be final until late summer when federal regulations are official, we expect the tentative season dates will conform with federal requirements for the coming year."
As soon as the final federal waterfowl hunting regulations are known, the final season dates and other regulations for 2008-2009 waterfowl seasons in New York will be posted on DEC's website and announced by a statewide news release. Hunters should confirm the final season dates before going afield.
DEC to Unveil New Fishing Pier in Lake Champlain's South Bay
Design is Universally Accessible And Provides Great Angling Opportunities
A new universally accessible fishing pier for South Bay will be dedicated in a ceremony at 11 a.m., Saturday, June 21, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced today.
Named the John A. Brooks Memorial Fishing Pier, the new facility recognizes the lifelong efforts of the late Environmental Conservation Officer (ECO). The pier is located along NYS Route 22, just minutes north of the Village of Whitehall. The facility is located on land owned by Washington County, but will be operated and maintained by DEC. Partners in the community have rallied to support the project, which will provide universal access to the popular lake and economic benefits to local business.
The project fulfills one of the goals of DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis: connecting New Yorkers to nature. In addition, it is one of the many projects that help celebrate the New York State Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial, marking the 400th anniversary of the historic voyages of Henry Hudson and Samuel de Champlain.
DEC Revises Recreational American Shad Fishing Regulations In Response to Public Comments
In order to achieve a balance in supporting an important Hudson River fishery, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation today released revised emergency and revised proposed permanent regulations for the taking of American shad.
Based on extensive public comments received on emergency and proposed regulations issued earlier this year, DEC has revised the emergency regulations adopted in March 2008 and has now implemented a recreational catch limit of one American shad per day, a limit that should sustain the fishery in the Hudson River and New York's Marine District. This change comes as the traditional end of the shad recreational season approaches and is effective immediately.
DEC had originally proposed a catch-and-release-only recreational fishery for American shad. The slightly less-restrictive catch limit announced today is in response to comments from anglers seeking to allow some fish to be kept. Surveys indicate that more than 90 percent of shad caught recreationally are released by anglers. In previous seasons, anglers were allowed to keep up to five fish per day.
DEC Commissioner Announces State Purchase of 330 Acres in the Catskill Park
Acquisitions Protect Resources, Enhance Recreation on Overlook Mountain
A prominent and popular Catskill mountain summit has been permanently protected in an acquisition completed recently by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Commissioner Pete Grannis announced today. DEC has purchased 330 acres at Overlook Mountain in Woodstock, Ulster County.
"As one of the most recognizable landmarks on the eastern escarpment of the Catskill range that provides stunning backdrops to the Town of Woodstock, Overlook Mountain has long enjoyed a prominent place in America's natural and cultural history," Commissioner Grannis said. "DEC will continue to partner with local governments and land trusts to protect precious properties like Overlook Mountain throughout the Catskill Forest Preserve."
Fishing Hotline Numbers
| Location | Phone Number |
|---|---|
| DEC Region 7 | (607) 753-1551 |
| Orleans County | (585) 589-3220 |
| Lake Erie - Dunkirk | (716) 679-ERIE |
| Lake Erie - Buffalo | (716) 855-FISH |
| Erie County | (716) 844-1111, Ext. 4142 |
| Niagara County | (877) FALLS US |
| Wayne County | (315) 946-5466 |
