Notes on the Re-Run for Sunday, November 20th.

— Andy

This morning at the crack of dawn started the sound of big game season across the southern zone of New York. Bang! Bang! Big game season has been under way for about a week in the the Northern Zone, but is finally getting under way down here south of the Adirondacks.

Culturally it is one of the most important times of the year for Rural America. It’s a time of pride for our rural heritage, and a time when people get out in the woods, and observe the natural patterns that make up our world. Most of hunting doesn’t involve shooting, dragging back, or processing the deer, most involves staking it out and waiting for deer to walk out in clear sight, so one get aim and take down the deer. Hunting is more about observing and waiting for deer, then it is about shooting guns.

The gun season for big game (deer and bear) lasts for 3 weeks in late November, with bow season and junior archery running on both ends. Yet, gun season is so successful at reducing the buck population — especially in rural areas — that it’s largely over in just one day, with 55% of the gun season buck permits being filled within two days. Hunters who don’t get a successful take the first day will come back, with diminishing results.

New York State has a deer management problem. Hunting helps out, however many areas are becoming off limits for hunters. Farmers are less likely to allow people access to their land to hunt off it, because of problems with irresponsible individuals leaving gates open and littering. Suburban sprawl means there are increasing areas where hunters are too close to buildings or roads, to legally be able to hunt. Few areas of New York State are designated bow only, but for practical reasons, it’s impossible for people to hunt by gun, which means a much lower deer take.

Deer hunting is good for our state and collective conscience. It teaches us where food comes from, it reminds us of our deep bond to nature. Driving around seeing a freshly harvested deer on a person’s car roof or in the bed of a pickup truck, reminds us of our deep connection to world. Seeing a deer being hung from a tree, allowed to drained out or being processed, and ultimatley eaten, is probably the closest that most people will ever come to nature.

Hunting is an important part of our society. Most hunters are very responsible people, who do it out of their passion. Venison tastes awesome. If your heading out hunting or doing other things in the woods be safe. Observe where you are in the woods. Notice where hunters are parked, spot them in the woods, make your presence known. Avoid them, don’t disturb the natural world around them; stay on roads and trails. And wear blaze orange — it could save your life!