Extended Deer Hunting Seasons On Long Island, DEC Says

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — Deer hunting may have ended in most parts of the state, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation reminded recently that opportunities still exist on Long Island.

According DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos, “Areas where we have extended seasons to address problems with deer overabundance provide a great opportunity for hunters to fill their freezers, donate venison to the less fortunate, and help bring ecosystems back into balance."

The regular bowhunting deer season in Suffolk County continues through Jan. 31, the DEC said. The 2018 firearms deer season in Suffolk County will begin Jan. 7, and run through Jan. 31, including weekends. Town permits are required in the towns of Southampton, Islip, and Smithtown, the DEC said.

For those that missed the lottery to hunt for deer on DEC-managed lands during the firearms season, DEC will take reservations for unclaimed spots between 10 a.m. through Dec. 31, and between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on weekdays Jan. 1 through Jan. 31, the DEC said. Hunters may only make one reservation.

For more information on reservation procedures and to see which DEC-managed lands are available for firearms deer hunting, please visit the DEC website.

For regulations, places to hunt, and more information, please visit DEC's Hunting on Long Island webpage or contact the DEC Region 1 Wildlife Office at (631) 444-0310. To learn more about the Venison Donation program, click here.

Patch file photo.