The NYSDEC is proposing several changes to the regulations for deer hunting and is asking for public input on them. Please reach out with your comments at wildliferegs@dec.ny.gov (use “e-tags and DMAP” for your subject) or write to them at NYSDEC, Attn: Deer Hunting Regulations, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4754.

The first proposed change is to allow electronic tagging of deer, bear and turkeys using the HuntFishNY smartphone app. When I first heard of that proposal, I just shook my head. The folks proposing the changes must hunt somewhere other than where I do, in the Catskills of Sullivan County. Locals, like myself, call it “the place where old cell phones go to die” as we often have to drive for miles to get service.

I didn’t think it would work but I was wrong. Apparently, the app is able to store the tag (to be shown to others on request, like Environmental Conservation Officers) and will transmit the data with the proper timestamp once the hunter returns to a location with proper cell service. 

If part of the animal is left with a butcher or taxidermist, it will have to be tagged (homemade tags with the hunter’s name and confirmation number can be used). Hunters would still be able to use paper licenses and tags if they choose to. An important thing to note is that part of this proposal will change the harvest reporting time to only 48 hours for hunters using paper.

Another proposal being looked at is providing a second tag to successful hunters during the special Columbus Day Youth Hunt. A second tag will allow the young folks to keep hunting during the regular season. That sounds great to me. The second tag will be issued for a deer of the opposite sex of the one that was taken during the special hunt.

The last proposal involves changes to the DMAP permit system. It’s a two-part proposal. The first idea is to extend the time for renewing the permit from three years to five years. The goal of this extended time frame is to allow landowners to do better long-term herd management on their properties.

The second part of the DMAP changes would remove the limit on the number of tags that can be used by a hunter. The rationale behind this idea is to allow landowners to maximize the use of the tags that they are issued. The current limit is either two or four per hunter depending on the specific area.

To reiterate, the DEC is looking for our input. Please take a moment to contact them with your thoughts. As I’ve said often, if we stop giving them input, they will start making decisions without us.

Let’s all enjoy the outdoors!

John S. Van Etten is the current president of the Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs of Sullivan County, Inc.