As we get into the peak days of Autumn, there are a few topics we wanted to broach with readers in regard to deer and the start of hunting season.

While driving through the beautiful scenic areas in this county, there’s much time provided to get lost in one’s thoughts, whether you start daydreaming or look for changing leaves. However, the fall is an important time to stay alert on roadways, as our four-legged deer friends have started to become more active as we inch closer to their rut. 

The highest risk for hitting a deer are from sunset to midnight and in the hours shortly before and after sunrise.

Some tips for motorists are as follows …

• Remember that deer rarely run alone. If you see one cross the road it’s a good chance there’s another one or two following close behind.

• Use high beam headlights if driving at night, when there is no oncoming traffic. The higher light will better illuminate the eyes of deer on or near the roadway.

• Slow down and blow your horn with one long blast to frighten the deer away.

• Brake firmly but stay in your lane when you notice a deer in or near your path. Many serious crashes occur when drivers swerve to avoid a deer and hit another vehicle or lose control of their own. 

Following these tips will help protect you and the deer, as well as save you some money in car repairs. 

In addition to their rut, another reason deer might be on the move is because October is the beginning of bowhunting season, with rifle season soon to follow in November.

As NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos aptly stated in a recent press release: “This is an exciting time of year for hunters who now have an opportunity to head afield and experience the tremendous hunting opportunities here in New York for both big and small game.”

While the DEC reports that statistics show hunting in New York is “safer than ever,” mistakes are made every year. The DEC believes every hunting-related shooting incident is preventable, and Commissioner Seggos encourages hunters to use common sense this season and to remember what they learned in their DEC Hunter Education Course.

Sullivan County has a storied hunting tradition. We hope all hunters put the safety skills they’ve learned into action, not just to protect themselves, but others as well.  We also want to wish sportsmen, both local and visiting,  a safe and successful harvest.