State sets schedule for small game hunting

Hunting for small game and waterfowl will be permitted in specific areas of four Long Island state parks for the upcoming season, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation said Tuesday.

The agency released schedules for Montauk Point, Hither Hills, Napeague and the Hither Woods preserve and said special restrictions are in effect, so hunters should check with state park regional offices and their local wildlife management offices for guidelines.

Hunters also must have a valid New York State hunting license and, where applicable, a federal waterfowl permit, the release said.

Waterfowl hunters are prohibited from using lead shot.

The agency also warned that although reports of rabies in deer have been rare, hunters should be alert to the chance of encountering a rabid raccoon, fox or skunk. To reduce the risk of exposure, hunters should not approach wildlife that acts abnormally and should not touch any dead animal unless they have killed it.

Here is the small game and waterfowl hunting schedule for hunting on Long Island:

Montauk Point

Small game: Dec. 1 to Feb. 28. No weekend or holiday hunting or during January deer season.

No turkey hunting or trapping. No small game hunting at spots 15 & 16.

Waterfowl: Dec. 1 to Feb. 28. No hunting on weekends or holidays or during January deer season.

Shotgun: Jan. 9 to 31, weekdays only.

Hither Hills

Hither Woods Preserve

Small game: Dec. 1 to Feb. 28. No hunting during January deer season. No turkey hunting or trapping.

Waterfowl: Dec. 1 to Feb. 28. No hunting on weekends or holidays at Hither Hills. No hunting during January deer season.

Shotgun: Jan. 9 to 31, weekdays only.

Napeague

Small game: Sept. 1 to March 31. No turkey hunting/trapping.

Waterfowl: Sept. 1 to March 31

Shotgun: No firearms deer hunting.

The parks listed permit hunting, with, in most cases, special restrictions. Questions can be directed to the parks managers at 631-668-3781.

Permit and deer hunting information is available by calling the regional office of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation at 631-444-0273 or by visitingnysparks.com.