(published 12/05/01)
Written by Frank Carbone Jr.

"The Positive Aspects of Deer Hunting"

We’ve read a few reports recently of negative publicity, in our region, regarding hunters. Accidents and illegal activities are always unacceptable especially when injuries are involved. The accident/death rate for hunting is at its lowest ever and even lower than many popular sports or other activities. We should consider that in every sport, occupation, activity or discipline there are a few bad apples and yahoos -- they can and must be weeded out. Driving a motor vehicle on Orange County roads and highways is probably one of the most dangerous activities and road rage is definitely a problem. I still can say that I feel safer in the deer woods during the peak of the firearm season than I do visiting some of our major city neighborhoods and driving on certain roads.

Within the NYS hunting community hundreds of thousands of New York State hunters come from different states, walks of life, colors, creeds, religions and ethnicities in both genders and all ages from the teens though octogenarians -- doctors, attorneys, clergy, fire fighters, police officers, teachers, professors, engineers, judges, business-folks, students, families and many others all come together at this time of the year to hunt the woods, fields and waters of NYS.

American hunters probably spend most of their time and money hunting White-tailed Deer and other members of the deer family in the United States and Canada. The Big Game season in parts of NYS starts in September and continues well into December in most regions and even well into January for special deer hunts. During this time, NYS hunters can utilize archery, shotgun, rifle and muzzle-loading hunting implements. I would venture a guess that many NYS Big Game Hunters spend thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours preparing for and pursuing their quarry in NYS.

Hunting, fishing and trapping contributes much to the NYS economy throughout the year. Purchases of vehicles 4WD‘s, ATV’s, boats, fuel, car/truck accessories, campers, tents, sleeping bags, clothing, food/groceries, lodging, boots, guns, ammunition, meat processing and storage, Taxidermist, fishing and trapping equipment etc. and the revenue generated by state sales and federal excise taxes.

Hunters still do a great job of keeping the deer populations down throughout NYS. Many regions are over-populated by deer and cause damage to crops, orchards, ornamental plants and trees and are involved in collisions with motor vehicles throughout the state. Some figures say that there are more than 40,000 reported deer/car collisions in NYS -- some accidents can get very serious when the vehicle leaves the road to avoid a collision with a deer -- and many of the incidents go unreported. The DOT in some regions is paying big bucks to have road killed deer removed from the roadways by private contractors. And I’m sure that automobile insurance companies are appreciative of the job that hunters do in keeping the deer herd in check since a deer strike can cost thousands of dollars in repairs at the body shop. So by annually reducing the burgeoning deer herd, hunters are in effect preventing many automobile accidents, injuries and possible human fatalities.

In addition, to all of the previously mentioned benefits, the hunter gets the opportunity to stock his/her freezer with fresh venison cutlets, steaks, roasts and hamburger -- a low-fat red meat that may sell for about $20 a pound in special markets. Hunters can also donate their venison to “hunters feeding the hungry programs” in their counties.

And perhaps the best benefit of all is the camaraderie, the memories and pictures of the hunt that will last a lifetime. I’ll never forget my first memories of hunting and fishing with family as a rookie hunter. A shot shouldn’t even have to be fired in order for the hunt to be considered successful. Much can be learned and derived from the environment, nature and wildlife while hunting, fishing and trapping that can’t be learned in the classroom -- the teacher benefits well as the student.

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If you still haven’t filled any of your deer tags don’t give up yet. We should be getting some cold weather soon and hopefully some snow before the end of the season. Some say the warm weather may have had an impact on this year’s deer take and I believe in that theory. Water is non-existent in areas that normally hold water. On opening day, I saw a nice buck up to his knees in mud drinking, near a Great Blue Heron, in a dried-up pond -- what a picture this would have made -- if I was prepared for it.

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The Southern Zone Regular Firearm Season ends on December 11th. The Muzzle-loader Season opens on the December 12th and closes on December 18th. The extended Archery Season opens on December 12 and Closes on the 16th. As always, check the regulations in your region.

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Bob Ewald of Pine Bush reports that the “Hunters Feeding the Hungry” program is doing well in our region this year with thousands of pounds of venison donated to date. The meat is being processed and packaged and will be available to “soup kitchens” throughout the region. A few of the others participating in the program are Deserto’s Deer Cutting of Fair Oaks (733-1676), the Orange County Federation of Sportsmen Clubs, the Wallkill and Shawangunk Prisons, the NYSDEC and others. For more information call Bob Ewald (845-361-5069).

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“A well-regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.” Article 2 of the Original Ten Amendments to the Constitution. In force December 15, 1791.

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Take someone hunting, fishing or trapping -- it’ll be good for both of you.
 

Outdoor Liaisons appears every other week in the Times - Frank can be reached at the Times -- email forthebirds39@earthlink.net or 845-562-0941.