2021 Hunting Seasons Safest-Ever in New York: DEC Reports
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) released a report on 2021 hunting seasons stating that it has been the safest-ever recording year with the lowest number of hunting-related shooting incidents (HRSIs) since 1949. The report mentioned that there were only nine HRSIs in 2021, including a single fatality, as compared to the previous year’s 18 HRSIs, and extended legal shooting hours for big game at 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset to maximize safety.
DEC Report Highlights
- Lowest Number of HRSIs: The DEC report states that there were only nine HRSIs in 2021 as compared to 18 in 2020, marking the safest-ever year on record.
- Regulations for Big Game Hunting: The report highlights that there is a new regulation to extend legal shooting hours for big game hunting to 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Last year, none of the deer hunting incidents took place during the extended hours.
- New Regulation for Safety: The report mentions that a new regulation for safety took effect in 2021, requiring all the persons hunting deer or bears with a firearm to wear a solid or patterned fluorescent orange or fluorescent pink hat or vest.
- Supervision of Young Hunters: The report also highlighted that 52 upstate counties now allow 12- and 13-year-old licensed hunters to hunt deer with a firearm or crossbow supervised by an experienced, licensed, adult hunter without involving them in any HRSIs in 2021.
DEC Focus on Hunter Safety
The DEC emphasizes that the safety and security of New York’s hunters are at the top of the organization’s priorities. The department offers various hunting education safety courses, ensuring that new hunters, bow hunters, and trappers are trained safely and responsibly. Qualified instructors have been training hunters and trappers to be safe, responsible, and ethical since 1949. The primary rules of hunter safety are also targeted to all experienced hunters. The DEC encourages hunters to control the muzzle of their firearm, keep it pointed safely, and wear hunter orange or pink while hunting to avoid erroneous shootings and unpleasant incidents.
Hunter Education Program
The DEC’s Hunter Education Program is a reliable source of valuable knowledge for all hunters, whether experienced or new to hunting. The program provides a variety of safety techniques, protocols, and knowledge to reduce the risks of an unfortunate event and have a safe and enjoyable hunting experience. Through the program, new hunters, bow hunters, and trappers develop an understanding of the laws and regulations of hunting and how to handle firearms with care and attention.
Hunter Safety Rules
The DEC states that hunters in New York must follow standard safety protocols and fundamental safety laws while hunting. The department urges hunters to treat every firearm as if it were loaded, handle firearms with care and attention, be vigilant, and maintain control of the muzzle, even in the company of experienced hunters.
Tree Stand Safety
The report outlined that one fatal incident occurred due to a hunter not wearing a fluorescent orange or fluorescent pink hat, vest, or jacket visible from all angles. The report also mentions that hunter safety is integrated into DEC’s hunter education course. The DEC emphasizes the need for hunters to use tree stands safely, as falls from a raised platform are among the major causes of hunting-related injuries. The use of a full-body harness and lifeline while using a tree stand can prevent fatalities and injuries.
Conclusion
The DEC report states that the safety and security of hunters is of utmost importance. The department offers safety courses, and the organization continues to emphasize the importance of following safety protocols while hunting. By following the primary rules of hunter safety, adhering to regulations for hunting, wearing safety gear, exercising control over the muzzle, and using tree stands safely, hunters can ensure safe and enjoyable hunting experiences in New York.
FAQs
What is the Hunter Education Program offered by the DEC?
The Hunter Education Program offered by the DEC provides safety techniques and knowledge to reduce the risks of hunting-related unfortunate events.
What are the primary rules for hunter safety?
The primary rules for hunter safety are to treat every firearm as if it is loaded, control the muzzle, keep it pointed in a safe direction, identify your target and what lies beyond, keep fingers off the trigger until ready to fire, and wear hunter orange or pink.
What is the Tree Stand Safety integrated into DEC’s Hunter Education course?
Efforts to ensure tree stand safety are integrated into the Hunter Education Program of the DEC. As falls from a raised platform are among the major causes of hunting-related injuries and fatalities in New York, the use of full-body harnesses and lifelines is encouraged while using a tree stand, as it could prevent fatalities and injuries.
What are the new regulations for safety while hunting?
A new regulation for Safety took effect in 2021, requiring all persons hunting deer or bears with a firearm to wear a fluorescent orange or fluorescent pink hat, vest, or jacket visible from all angles.
What is the focus of the DEC?
The focus of the DEC is to ensure the safety and security of hunters by emphasizing the need to follow safety protocols, adhere to regulations for hunting, wear safety gear, be vigilant, and exercise control over the muzzle while hunting.
