Hunting Season One of Safest on Record in New York

The Department of Environmental Conservation has officially announced that 2024 was among the safest years ever for hunters in New York State.

Every year hunters from all across New York State head into the woods with hopes of harvesting a specific type of game. Some hunt for deer, or bear, others hunt for turkey or duck but no matter which game a hunter is trying to harvest there is always a threat of being injured while hunting.

Canva

Hunters Biggest Fear in New York

Over the years there have been tragic stories of hunters accidentally shooting another hunter or in some cases themselves. Yes, that's the biggest fear for many hunters as they enter the woods with loaded firearms, and unfortunately every year it happens.

Shooting Accidents Involving Hunters in New York

In 2024, the DEC reported that there were 22 separate cases of shooting and falls from tree stands incidents in New York. 11 of those cases involved were hunting-related shooting incidents (HRSIs).

Ulster County Hunter Shoots Self

The other seven were incidents that involved self-inflicted gunshot wounds including one incident which happened in Ulster County, NY in November 2024, when a 26-year-old hunter was climbing up to their tree stand when they lost control of their firearm. The firearm fell to the ground and discharged, striking them in the hand.

Canva

Hunting Accidents in New York

Shooting accidents are the most feared but there are other ways in which a hunter can get hurt while hunting. A seasoned hunter is well aware that if they choose to hunt from an elevated stand, they could be hurt attempting to climb into or leaving the stand.

The DEC calls these incidents elevated hunting incidents (EHIs). In 2024 the DEC reported that there were 11 (EHIs) across the state which included two deaths. Nine of the falls happened because hunters didn’t wear or properly attach their safety harnesses according to News 10.

Canva

Hunting Getting Safer in New York

Despite the incidents mentioned above hunting in New York is safe and getting safer according to the DEC. They did point out that many if not all of the incidents in 2024 could have been prevented if the people involved had followed the primary rules of hunter safety:

• Treat every firearm as if it were loaded.
• Control the muzzle, keep it pointed in a safe
direction.
• Identify your target and what lies beyond.
• Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to
fire.
• Wear hunter orange.

To access the full 2024 DEC report, check out the DEC online here.

Hudson Valley Wildlife Gallery

The Hudson Valley is full of wildlife. Here are just a few of our furry, slithery, and feather friends that might frequent your backyard. Please reach out and let us know which creature we may have left off the list.

Gallery Credit: Paty Quyn

Mapping Out Moose Sightings Across The Hudson Valley

For the last year or so, we've been getting more and more moose sightings in and around the Hudson Valley. We've mapped out a few of the most recent sightings in our neighborhoods.