DEC's new licensing system off to a rough start

New York State’s new Department of Environmental Conservation Automated Licensing System (DECALS) recently introduced throughout the state got off to a rough start but it appears that things have gotten better in the past week or so. It is my understanding that Worldcom had the $15 million contract for DECALS. It was supposed to be tried out last Summer in a small region of NYS. The new DECALS system was going to be first introduced at the NYS Fair in August about a week before going on-line throughout the state on August 26th.

I didn’t even attempt to buy my new license until all of the confusion and lines had cleared. I was getting reports from different buddies who waited in long lines with other impatient hunters and fishermen. Then after waiting in line some folks were being turned away when DECALS went down for one reason or another. Out of paper, ink, systems crashing and down, non-issue of Deer Management Permits (DMP) and possible operator problems were common complaints that I received.

By now I’m sure that everyone knows that hunting and fishing license fees have increased considerably. Last year my Sportsman license cost me $55 and included, small and big game hunting, Archery and Muzzleloader stamps and turkey hunting, spring and fall. This year, the same license -- now called a Super Sportsman -- cost $68 representing a 23% increase. If this is realized as an average for all hunting and fishing license sales then it could bring in an additional (my estimate) $6.9 million in sales to benefit the NYSDEC’s miniscule operating budget. Then if Albany Politicos decide to increase the state’s contribution to the NYSDEC Budget -- at the same rate as the increased state budget -- it could mean increasing the DEC’s budget an additional $3.5 million. This is small peanuts compared to a $89 billion state budget. Special excise taxes make up the third major element for contributions to the DEC budget and this is dependent on the sales of hunting and fishing equipment.

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I spoke to Art of Art’s Gun and Tackle in Ellenville, NY and he reports that fishing on the Rondout Reservoir is slower than normal. Water levels are high and up to the tree line. Boats can be used if they are registered with the DEP. Browns and Lakers in the 8 pound average have been caught this season. Art also reports that the resident Rondout Reservoir Bald Eagles are doing good with reports of some Eagles picking up fish from the surface giving fisherfolks a good show and photo opportunities. The trout season runs until November 30th on the Rondout Reservoir. Other regulations are also different than the general state regulations -- check your 2002-2004 regulations.

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Ian from Ceely’s Bait Bucket in Cornwall reports Snapper Blues in the 6 to 10 inch range were still being caught in the Hudson River up until a few weeks ago. There were also a few larger fish in the snapper schools. Ian then gave up on fishing to hunt Canada Geese, on the Hudson, for the early September season. Call Ian at Ceely’s (534-3495) for reports on fishing and waterfowl hunting on the Hudson.

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Always read and know your hunting, fishing and trapping regulations guide before going afield -- it seems that it is getting more complex with more regulations and rules each year. If you’re hunting migratory birds -- that includes all waterfowl and woodcock -- you will need to apply for a HIP number. The HIP (Harvest Information Program) Number can be acquired by phone (1-866-GAME-RPT or 1-866-426-3778) or over the internet (http://www.wetland.net). Its easy to do over the internet. Your old HIP number, from last year, is good until September 30, 2002. Your new HIP number will have to be written in anywhere on your license.

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Recently a US Canadian Border Patrol Officer spoke out on the inadequate protection of the 4,000 mile Canadian/USA border. It seems that he was then given a two month leave without pay -- but he is still speaking up. It seems that there are only approximately 400 plus Patrol Officers to do the job of protecting our Northern border. Do the math and factor in 3 shifts, vacation, sick time etc. and at any given time are borders are an open back door for anyone to enter our country illegally at any time. I’m sure that most/all of the manpower is concentrated at the major highway checkpoints.

It has been more than a year since 9/11 and I wonder how many illegals/undesirables have entered our country by crossing our unprotected Northern border or even our East, West and South. Our pilots are still flying airliners with the reponsibility of hundreds of lives and still our government is dragging its feet with respect to arming the pilots. Yes the senate and representatives have voted but not all cockpits will be protected. Pilots are the captain of the ship and need to be able to protect their passengers. If they can’t protect the cockpit from a violent assault then US Fighters will be given the orders to shoot them down. It’s important that all pilots be armed as soon as possible -- it should have been ordered last September.

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Kudos to all of the Orange County Legislators who have taken the initiative and have scheduled informational meetings on the Indian Point Nuclear Power Facility and Orange County’s evacuation plans. Two meetings are remaining -- one on October 2, 7 p.m. in City Hall, Middletown, NY and the other will be held at the Little Britain Grange on Route 207 in New Windsor near Drury Lane on October 23 at 7 p.m. I hope to see you at this important meeting and i'm sure that there will be others. 

Last year I attended a similar informational meeting in White Plains but couldn’t get in because the meeting room wouldn’t hold any more attendees.

I’m very grateful to those Orange County Legislators who are responsible for holding this meetings. It just happens that they are all Democrats. Is it possible that not even one Republican Legislator could step forward and be a part of informing the citizens of Orange County? In the event of a failure or attack of the facility: Where do we go? How do we get there? How far do we go? What are the plans? To date I’ve seen nothing in writing detailing what needs to be done.

In my opinion this is not acceptable.

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Have a safe and productive hunting, fishing and trapping season and have good time with family and friends creating memories and good times. Remember to wear some fluorescent orange and be sure of your target and beyond. If you can find a way, please consider taking someone hunting, fishing, trapping or target shooting. Make a camera part of your day pack if you can and get some memorable shots of wildlife, scenery and hunting partners.

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Outdoor Liaisons appears every other week in the Times - Frank can be reached at the Times or email forthebirds39@earthlink.net or 845-562-0941. Please visit my website at www.outdoorliaisons.com