DEC taking entries for Jan. deer hunt

The state Department of Environmental Conservation is accepting entries for a shotgun deer hunt on DEC-managed lands.

The entries for the state's special deer-hunting season on several state-managed properties must be received by Nov. 30.

The season starts Jan. 3. and runs until Jan. 31. Town permits are also required in Southampton, Islip and Smithtown. The regular bowhunting season for deer runs until Jan. 31.

Deer may be shot only with a shotgun, using a single ball or slug, or with a muzzleloading rifle or pistol that shoots a single projectile with a minimum bore of 0.44 inches.

"Hunting on Long Island has been a long-standing tradition, enabling hunters to harvest food for their families as well as control deer population numbers that, if left unchecked, can be damaging to people's health and property," said acting DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos in a news release. "DEC's recent updated deer hunting regulations in Suffolk County further allow hunters to control these populations by expanding access to properties and increasing the number of hunting days. We are excited for these new opportunities and wish all hunters a safe and successful season."

Shotgun barrels may be rifled and telescopic sights may be used. Crossbows are not allowed.

The following state-managed properties will be open for shotgun deer hunting from Jan. 3 to 31:

SEE PHOTOSParks and preserves across LI

• Rocky Point Natural Resources Management Area
• Westhampton Dwarf Pine Plains Preserve
• Henry's Hollow Pine Barrens State Forest
• Barcelona Neck Cooperative Hunting Area
• David A. Sarnoff Cooperative Hunting Area
• Otis Pike Preserve

In addition, the East Hampton Cooperative Area and Noyac (part of the Southampton Cooperative Areas) will be open for firearms deer hunting from Jan. 4 to 31 on weekdays only.

Participants interested in hunting on state-managed land must submit an entry to the state's deer drawing. Applications should be mailed to NYSDEC-Deer Drawing, PO Box 659, Ridge NY 11961-0659 postmarked by Monday.

Entries can also be dropped off at the Ridge Hunter Check Station by the deadline. Each entry must be mailed in a No. 10 envelope measuring 4 1/8 by 9 1/2 and also contain a self-addressed, stamped No. 9 or No. 10 envelope. The participant must write his/her deer tag number on the back of the return envelope.

Entrants will then receive a notice telling them when to appear at the Ridge Hunter Check Station to make a reservation to hunt. Reservations will be made between Dec. 14 and 17.

Hunters looking to archery hunt on state-managed lands during the extended season must have a DEC-Managed Lands Access Permit and can hunt at Brookhaven State Park Cooperative Hunting Area, Calverton Pine Barrens State Forest, Carmen's River Pine Barrens State Forest, East Bartlett Conservation Area, Ridge Conservation Area, Wildwood State Park Cooperative Hunting Area and DEC tidal wetlands that are currently open to archery hunting.