8 Dumb Hunting Mistakes That Landed Hunters in Heap of Trouble

The 2022 hunting season was the safest year yet in New York. But like they say, 'there's one in every crowd.' Unfortunately, there's more than one in the New York hunting crowd and they're giving all the ones that actually follow the rules, a bad name.

Here are 8 dumb mistakes hunters made that landed them in a whole heap of trouble - mistakes you might want to avoid next season.

Low Shooting Incidents in 2022

2022 saw the lowest number of hunting-related shooting incidents. There were only 9 recorded in 2022, with one being a fatality.

NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos said the 9 incidents involved hunters with 30 years of experience. Hunters are reminded to retake a safety course.

You can sign up for the Hunter Education Program on the DEC website.

I commend their efforts and for all hunters who safely and responsibly contributed to our conservation efforts this season.

Hunting Requirements

Hunters are required to wear a fluorescent orange or fluorescent pink hat or vest when hunting deer or bears with a firearm. They are also required to report their deer, bear, and turkey harvests online.

Daily hunting hours for deer and bears are 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset.

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You can see all the rules and regulations for hunting in New York at DEC.NY.Gov. And you can get ready for fishing season this Spring and Summer. There are even several free fishing weekends to give it a try before buying your fishing license this season.

Free Fishing Weekends

June 24-25
September 23
November 11