Public Input on Deer and Bear Management
Black Bear Management and Hunting Surveys
Understanding public experiences with black bears and bear-related impacts is essential for setting appropriate black bear management objectives, and information from hunters is important to develop regulations that meet management objectives and balance hunter satisfaction.
Understanding Black Bear Hunting in New York State (PDF) April 2020
Understanding Local Residents' Bear Population Preferences (PDF) June 2019
White-tailed Deer Management and Hunting Surveys
Public attitudes and experiences with white-tailed deer and hunter opinions about deer hunting provide key data for DEC deer managers to set management objectives and harvest regulations.
Survey of New York Hunters about Crossbows (PDF) April 2019
Hunter Satisfactions with Deer Harvest Opportunities in New York State (PDF) April 2015
Opinions of Youth Hunters and Mentors for the Timing of a Youth Firearms Deer Hunt in New York State (PDF) January 2012
2010 Statewide Deer Hunter Survey (PDF) June 2011
Deer Hunting and Deer Hunting Trends in New York State (PDF) January 2000
Deer Hunter Attitudes about Antler Restrictions
Antler point restrictions increase the average age of hunter-harvested adult bucks by prohibiting hunters from taking small-antlered bucks. DEC has conducted substantial research to understand hunter values related to buck hunting.
Deer Hunters' Assessment of Antler Restrictions in Wildlife Management Units (PDF) 2006-2010
Opinions of Deer Hunters in Wildlife Management Units 7F, 7H, and 7J About Possible Changes in Buck Harvest Management (PDF) February 2007