All hunters are reminded to help make this year the safest hunting season ever. The majority will be released on State wildlife management and cooperative hunting areas. Sportsmen are encouraged to participate in cooperative programs and take full advantage of the hunting opportunities provided by these sportsmen-funded programs. Contact the nearest DEC regional wildlife office for more specifics about those programs and local hunting opportunities. In Columbia County, a change in pheasant regulations allows for cock and hen pheasant hunting from October 1 - December 31.
Populations vary considerably from location to location and year to year.
There are reports of high populations in localized areas. Chances for success can be increased by working brushy fields and thick cover and by hunting with trained beagles. Waterfowl breeding populations are about the same or a little higher than last year, but duck banding success was lower, suggesting that production may be down. Hunting success will depend on how weather and local habitat conditions affect the distribution of birds in places people hunt. Recent dry weather in many areas will affect availability of birds, so you may choose to target the larger water bodies.