(a) Hunting Activities. Hunting is allowed consistent with applicable NYSDEC regulations.
(b) Designation. Areas that allow Hunting will be designated by NYCDEP on sign postings, the NYCDEP website, and on NYCDEP maps. NYCDEP may designate specific Hunting activities or restrictions (e.g. no rifle use, bow Hunting-only), or implement special Hunting programs (deer culls) on Recreational Areas that allow Hunting.
(c) Season. Access for Hunting is allowed during applicable New York State Hunting seasons, except as otherwise restricted by these Rules or by NYCDEP postings or notices.
(d) Allowable Species. Hunters may hunt for any species allowed under New York State law, during and in accordance with all available NYSDEC Hunting seasons and City Property designations unless otherwise posted by NYCDEP on its website. Waterfowl Hunting is not allowed in, over, or within 500 feet of Reservoirs or Controlled Lakes.
(e) Game Pursuit. Hunters should respect the rights of owners of neighboring properties and not trespass on private lands. If an animal wounded by a hunter travels onto neighboring property, the hunter should obtain the property owner's permission in accordance with applicable law to enter the property for retrieval. If an animal wounded by a hunter travels onto City Property that is not open for Hunting, the hunter must obtain permission to enter the area from NYCDEP Police before entering by calling (888) 426-7433.
(f) Hunter Behavior. Hunters must abide by the principles of the NYSDEC hunter education training program and conduct themselves in a safe and courteous manner in relation to other hunters and recreational users, NYCDEP employees and representatives, neighboring land owners and community members. Failure to do so may result in the loss of individual Hunting opportunities, Recreational Area closures, and loss of Access Permit.
(g) Game Cleaning Practices. Hunters are encouraged to remove all game entrails from City Property and to use gloves while cleaning harvested game in order to hinder the spread of disease and possible water contamination. Entrails must not be deposited in or within one hundred (100) feet of any Reservoir, lake, pond, Watercourse, public access point, public road, or private property.
(h) Tree Stands, Hunting Blinds and Trail Cameras. Temporary tree stands, Hunting blinds and trail cameras may be used during Big Game Hunting seasons in Public Access Areas and Access Permit Areas provided that they do not cause damage to trees. The following conditions apply:
(1) The use of screws, nails or foot pegs in trees on City Property is prohibited.
(2) Tree stands, Hunting blinds and trail cameras may be placed on City Property up to two weeks prior to the opening of the archery deer Hunting season.
(3) Hunters may leave tree stands, Hunting blinds and trail cameras on City Property at their own risk on a first-come, first-served basis during Big Game Hunting seasons.
(4) Any tree stand, Hunting blind or trail camera on City Property must be clearly and legibly labeled with the user's name, Access Permit number (if applicable) and telephone number.
(5) Tree stands, Hunting blinds and trail cameras must be removed from City Property by midnight of the last day of the Big Game Hunting season.
(6) Tree stands, Hunting blinds and trail cameras unlabeled or left on City Property after Big Game Hunting season are subject to confiscation and disposal by NYCDEP pursuant to 15 RCNY § 16-12(e).
(i) Shooting Lanes. Hunters may cut limbs not greater than two inches in diameter and not further than twenty-five yards from a tree stand with a hand tool for purposes of clearing shooting lanes. The use of chainsaws is prohibited. Any vegetation removed for shooting lanes must be cut flush with the vegetation's main stem. All vegetation cut must be scattered and not stacked to a height greater than 2 feet off of the ground.
(j) Use of Dogs. Dogs may be used for Hunting Small Game species in compliance with NYSDEC regulations. Dogs must be under the control of their handler at all times. Dog training activities are allowed on Public Access Areas consistent with NYSDEC regulations. Dogs must not be used for tracking injured deer or bear without express permission from NYCDEP Police as provided for in 15 RCNY § 16-12(j). Any tracking of injured deer or bear permitted by NYCDEP must comply with NYSDEC conditions for tracking injured deer or bear with dogs.
(k) Discharge of Firearms. Firearms may not be discharged over or into the waters of any Reservoir or Controlled Lake.
(l) Back Tags. Back Tags must be displayed while Hunting on City Property as required by NYSDEC.
(Added City Record 5/31/2019, eff. 6/30/2019)