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New Laws and Regulations for 2012-2013 in New State Big Game Hunting Laws

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Zos41:
from my NY DEC Email is the following highlights of changes in regs effecting us

New Laws and Regulations for 2012-2013
Hunters should be aware of several new laws and regulations in effect for 2012-13:
The Southern Zone bowhunting season and the regular season in Westchester County (bowhunting only) begin on October 1.
A late bowhunting season will run concurrent with the late muzzleloader season in the Northern Zone. 
The Northern Zone regular season will now begin on the 2nd Saturday after Columbus Day each year (October 20, 2012 this season).
Deer Management Permits (DMPs, “doe tags”) may be used in all seasons in the Northern Zone.  DMPs may only be used in the Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) for which they are issued.
Mandatory antler restrictions (3 points on one side minimum) are now in effect in WMUs 3A, 4G, 4O, 4P, 4R, 4S, and 4W during all seasons for all hunters 17 years and older.
All of Suffolk County will be open for the special January firearms season, subject to local discharge ordinances.
A Deer Management Focus Area in central Tompkins County will intensify use of hunting to assist communities in the Ithaca area with the burden of overabundant deer populations. 
Bear hunting seasons will run concurrently with the newly adjusted deer seasons. 
New legislation now allows use of rifles for big game hunting in Cayuga County.
More detail for each of these changes is available in the 2012-2013 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/37136.html

Duane72:
I'm a little cross-eyed after reading through that. Or maybe brain-fried. I knew NY had a lot of regs on the books, but itsounds like you folks need to know a lot of what nots and wherefores to know you are in the right area with the right weapon on the right side of the river over the valley.

RI is beginning the process of going to zones (units) now though as well. Makes you know your area really well!

I thought it was cool though that the antler restriction was for ages 17 and up. Gives the younger hunters the opportunity to harvest better.

Zos41:
and at least a couple of NY counties add additional restrictions on what you can use and where

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