Sandy doesn’t halt turkey-hunting season on LI

The state Department of Environmental Conservation Ridge Hunter Check Station reopened Wednesday and pheasants have been released into the woods, according to DEC regional director Peter A. Scully.

The station, off Randall Road, north of Middle Country Road, had been closed after Sandy, which also delayed the release of the pheasants, DEC officials said.

Long Island’s fourth annual fall turkey-hunting season will open Saturday at sunrise and close at sunset on Nov. 21.

Daily access permits will be required for the Otis Pike and Rocky Point preserves north of the Long Island Expressway.

Regulations require hunters carry a valid turkey permit and tag, limit them to one bird of either sex, require the use of either archery equipment or a shotgun and limit shooting hours from sunrise to sunset.

For further details, visit www.dec.ny.gov or call the public affairs office at 631-444-0350.

Weekend hunting spots for Saturday and Sunday will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis.

Bowhunters can call into the check station at 631-924-3156 from noon to 2 p.m. the day before they plan to hunt in order to make a reservation for the Otis Pike and Rocky Point preserves.

Hunters can pick up permits and parking placards any time after 6 p.m. the night before they hunt.