Most notably, check out page 6, Highlights of Changes for 2010-2011. I’ve covered almost all of them in some detail in previous columns here in Hamilton County Express, but let’s take a moment to review the new regulations allowing the use of air guns to take small game.
First, an air gun is described as “a firearm that uses spring or compressed air (not gunpowder) to propel a single projectile that is .17 caliber or larger and produces a muzzle velocity of at least 600 feet per second. You can use either a rifled bore or a smooth bore.
However, air guns may be used only to hunt squirrels, rabbits, hare and ruffed grouse, as well as any furbearers that may be legally hunted, such as raccoons and coyotes. Air guns may not be used to hunt waterfowl, pheasants, turkey or big game.
TOO LIGHT FOR COYOTE
I still have my doubts about hunting coyotes with any air gun but so be it, that’s what the regulations allow. I think under ordinary circumstances getting hit with a .17 caliber pellet from an air gun would annoy a coyote much more than hurt it.
I’d be hesitant to use an air gun to hunt, or shoot at, a coyote even though some of those weapons are quite powerful. However, it might serve to effectively discourage any wandering coyote from coming back - at least for a while. Also, a wounded coyote is more a threat than a healthy one.
Incidentally, the statewide season for hunting coyote remains the same as it has been, Oct. 1 through March 27.
ENDLESS STUDIES
In the Regulations Guide you’ll also find an interesting article on coyote studies. That gives rise to just one question: how long and how often do you have to “study” coyotes before coming to some sort of conclusion?
I have copies of DEC publications dating back three and four decades citing “coyote studies” by the agency. Can we stop studying them and instead do something to whittle down their populations, or will that too require another “study?” My suggestion is to allow coyote hunting year-round.
PROPOSED CHANGE
The state Department of Environmental Conservation is proposing a change in the reporting requirements for successful deer, bear and turkey hunters. Currently, the regulations call for successful hunters to report their takes within 48 hours, but DEC proposes to change that to seven days.
Many hunters, especially those seeking deer or bruins, hunt in remote areas that lack cell phone coverage or Internet access, or both, and those hunters often stay in those locations for several days or more. This change would provide greater flexibility for reporting the harvest of the aforementioned species while still continuing to mandate those reports.
If you’d care to comment on the proposed change you can do so by emailing your thoughts to: wildregs@gw.dec.state.ny.us by Oct. 4. I doubt this change will take effect this season, but if approved and adopted it will be in force for next year.
It’s really a good idea, as long as you remember to report your take by the time the seven days are up.
WATERFOWL HUNTERS
If you’re a waterfowl hunter you’ll want to know that paper copies of the new waterfowl seasons are probably available at all license-issuing agents by now. You can also get them on DEC’s website at www.dec.ny.ny.gov/-outdoor. Just type ‘Waterfowl Seasons’ in the subject line and it should take you right to them.
SEASONS OPENING
Just a reminder that the crow, squirrel and early Canada goose seasons opened this morning, Wednesday, Sept. 1. Any hunting you do twixt now and Oct. 1 will still be on your 2009-2010 license, since the new licenses don’t become effective until Oct. 1, so be sure you have your current license with you.
If you’re going goose hunting you’ll also need your new Harvest Information Program (HIP) number and your current Federal Migratory Bird Stamp.
Incidentally, in the event I have not mentioned it before, the DEC says there will be another Snow Goose Special Season, from March 11, 2011 to April 15, 2011, after the regular season closes.
HAPPY LABOR DAY
My best wishes to all of you for a very happy, safe and thoroughly enjoyable Labor Day holiday weekend Sept. 4-6. Weather predictions for this final hurrah of summer look generally okay but that’s always iffy this far ahead, so enjoy it but please drive and boat safely and responsibly and keep an eye on the weather.
The Labor Day weekend is one of the “big three” boating and relaxation weekends, along with Memorial Day and Fourth of July, and it’s one of the prime times for boating mishaps. There’ll be plenty of other boaters out there who may not be as considerate or safe as you, so be alert, obey the rules of the road and operate your vessel defensively, just as you would behind the wheel of a car.
Many boaters will begin hauling their vessels out of the water right after the Labor Day weekend, even though autumn doesn’t officially arrive until Thursday, Sept. 23. If the lake level remains up there, and you’re able to trailer or keep your boat docked, don’t hesitate to continue boating.
September and even early October can bring some of the very finest boating and fishing days of the year with milder temperatures and less boat traffic. Enjoy these waning days of summer and the rapidly approaching days of autumn.