Grrrrrrrrrr I just noticed that we (bowhunters) get less time this yr only 4 weekends what kinda crap is that..... take form both ends I don't get it

Tom - where have you been the last year? That's our state's revenge for NYB's striking down the X-bow and early MZ season. They think if they hurt us bad enough next time around we will be less likely to oppose their new license fee cash cows. I think what they aregoing to find however is way less people willing to drop the coin for a bow stamp this year which means even less revenue.

wow thats rough. I didnt realize how good I have it on the island. 3 solid months

Wait till they start the early muzzleloader in season in the southern zone it will be before bow season and does only .

That'd be a real bunch of crap,early ML that is.Guess I hadn't really been paying attention,the dirty rat bas*(*%&^ took our best weekend and gave it to the orange army and now we loose at the front end too....only 4 weekends what a bunch of *(&^)(^&(*(#%^)*^$($&($%^)#*($&*($)&%*)$&#          

I love my muzzleloader but in september it will be to hot and all the people who like to drive thru town to show there deer off will have rotton meat instead of nice meat.

I got nothin against smoke poles I just feel like I'm being ripped off outta my/our bow season.
Putting the smokepoles out front would really spook things up even more than us BH's already do it'd be almost like bowhunting the late season

We don't get to many folks driving them around here these days heck if I can I don't even gut them anymore just bone them out on the spot and carry it on my back

Swampbuck,
One more reason to join New York Bowhunters, Inc. if you haven't already!  NYB fought against this new change when it first came out but D.E.C. ignored us.  Strength in numbers!
Mike

I don't think that the state is seeking revenge on us, it just happened to work out that way because of the formula they use to determine season dates. next year it will be 35 days.

Here we go again.....

It has nothing to do at all with ML's (and x-bows).... Everything to do with $$$$$.  Won't be an early ML season (or a late one of any reasonable length either).  State needs revenue from ATV registrations (and snowmobiles) that "share" the lands.  Face it, they are balancing the recreation demands from all groups, but measuring it on the money that can be raised.  Archery doesn't have enough "voice" in the matter.  We just have the least financial muscle, and carry the lowest importance in the governing agency's mind (meaning pocket book).

You can see from LI, where those mechanized recreation opportunities are somewhat limited, the season is longer....go figure....

That being said, why not travel to LI? .....it is still in the state and your tags are valid.

I'm more concerned as to loss of habitat to hunt, than how long I can hunt it.

Thanks for that fact too Stone Knife.  There were some posts a bit of time back that showed a minimal cycle of days that led to "minor" increases and subsequent "decreases" over the years.  We are just in that part of the cycle.

Bob - that would make sense if ATV and snowmobiles were allowed on private property without landowner permission or had a "season" like we do. I'd like to see if the DEC gets any revenue from either of those groups. My guess is they don't. I also don't think ATVs are allowed on state land, but I could be wrong on that. Regardless, I'm sure glad I don't have to pony up for a license this year!  :D

Bob and SK hit the closest.
Bowhunters need to step up their take to show we are part of the management process. Wack more does, do it early, and be sure it is known in the hunting community.

A lot of gun only hunters have (justified in more then a few cases) the perception that bowhunters are mainly looking for a nice rack and recent our "head start" on them.

JMO
Steve

Bob w who told you there wont be a early ml season ? I am real deep in the ml world but im not pushinmg thats season but i can tell you it going to happen .

You need to learn more of the clubs and the trail systems (inclusive of private land and public land).  Yes, there are major financial implications that the State (as a whole) recieves in funds that influences DEC game   [mis]management.  Additionally the economics for the general public as a benefit to comunities when the mighty dollar is brought in via "tourism".

Art,

It is more my perspective having been heavily exposed to the activities of the snowmobile clubs as well as the various, and well organized outdoor organizations (trail societies).

I hunt in all the seasons, and utilize numerous legal methods for harvest.  Fact is, we have to share the woods, it is a privelage, not a right - that is why you have to buy a tag.  I sure as heck hope to be wrong, and would gladly take more season, but all things being equal, I don't see it.

I'm not in this thread for a fight, but feel that this information needs to be better understood (not essentially embraced).  To better understand what all of us, collectively, are up against, is the only way we can strengthen our stance.

I always thought hunting was a right and you had to buy a tag well, because you have to pay taxes on everything in this corrupt state. Just my opinion.

Stop your belly acking..bowhunters can hunt closer to house's then the gun people.Use this to your advantage.Life is good..BOWHUNT.

ok i was informed that the proposed season will be for primitive muzzle loader sidelock wih a patch round ball only. Believe me i really dont want it before archery but if it gets me in the woods i will hunt!!!!Also people say the shooting will scare the deer make them spooky , but here my question How do you feel about all the orchard farmers and vegetable farmer hunting them on nuisense permits all summer long . i feel they should stop them too .

You mean we have to buy a license?      :eek: