The DEC reported that roughly 222,800 deer were harvested in the 2009 hunting season. The 2009 numbers were very similar to the take reported in 2008. The antlerless take increased by 3%, totaling over 120,700, while the buck take dropped 3.5% bringing the buck harvest numbers down slightly to 105,747.
Deer Harvest by Zone
Northern Zone: While the overall numbers stayed relatively unchanged, the Northern Zone showed a decrease in antlerless take by a margin of 8% with a larger drop in buck take dipping to 21% from the previous year. The DEC reported that these numbers reflected a return to levels seen in 2005 and 2006. The DEC summarized that the warm weather in November contributed to the fall in numbers by slowing the activity of both deer and deer hunters. Early season take usually accounts for the larger portion of the Northern Zone deer harvest. Warm weather and lack of snow cover during this period can easily account for the decrease.
Southern Zone: In the Southern Zone, numbers where right on target with last year. With the take virtually unchanged, DEC biologists noted that an increase in take would have been likely if colder temperatures and sufficient snow cover had been present in the Southern Zone during the regular deer season last fall.
Western Zone: In keeping with years past, the Western Zone remains the state leader in total harvest densities. The DEC pointed out that the number of Deer Management Permits (DMPs) had a large influence on the numbers skewing the outlook. The DEC suggests looking at buck harvest numbers for the Northern Zone as they create a more accurate depiction of relative deer population densities. This in mind, the top five counties were Wyoming, Orange, Genesee, and Ontario.
Notable Points of Interest
- Chronic Wasting Disease surveillance by the DEC has continued with no additional cases found in the state.
- Nearly 16,000 14- and 15-year-olds signed up for the “Junior Big-Game License”.
Download/Open the FULL New York State 2009 Deer Harvest Report (PDF)
2009 Deer Harvest Comparison
| 2009 Total | 2008 Total | Percent Change | |
| Total Take | 222,798 | 222,979 | -0.1% |
| Adult Male | 102,057 | 105,747 | -3.5% |
| Antlerless | 120,741 | 117,232 | +3.0% |
| Adult Female | 84,330 | 79,953 | +5.5% |
| DMPs Issued | 527,371 | 558,172 | -5.5% |
| DMP Take | 89,458 | 86,417 | +3.5% |
| DMAP Take | 9,789 | 10,010 | -2.2% |
| Muzzleloader | 18,773 | 17,838 | +5.2% |
| Bowhunting | 34,546 | 32,366 | +6.7% |
Notable Points of Interest
· Chronic Wasting Disease surveillance by the DEC has continued with no additional cases found in the state.
· Nearly 16,000 14- and 15-year-olds signed up for the “Junior Big-Game License”.
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