New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Erin M. Crotty said warm weather during the early part of the Southern Zone big game hunting season appears to be having an impact on the deer harvest in certain regions of the state, and she reminded hunters that opportunities still exist to bag a deer before the end of the season.

"We know from experience that deer hunter success often decreases as a result of warmer than normal hunting conditions, especially during the early portions of the season," Crotty said. "Deer activity generally slows down in warm weather, meaning harvest numbers may be lower than expected. However, excellent opportunities still exist and we encourage hunters to be active during the remaining days of the season."

Since white-tailed deer add extra layers of fat and a heavier coat of hair in preparation for winter, they tend to be less active in warmer weather.

The Southern Zone regular season closes at sunset on Tuesday, December 11. The late archery season begins on Wednesday, December 12 and concludes at sunset on Sunday, December 16. A muzzleloader season for black power enthusiasts also begins on December 12 and runs through Tuesday, December 18. Hunters who have added either of these special hunting implement privileges to their hunting license may use their regular season tag to take a deer of either sex during the late seasons.

Archery and muzzleloader stamps are still available at most license issuing agents, and may be purchased by hunters having the necessary qualifications. As a further bonus, unfilled Deer Management Permits, valid only for antlerless deer, also may be used by the special implement hunters during the special late seasons.

Although DEC records show that many deer are traditionally taken the first week of the regular season, a substantial number are also taken during the latter portions, according to the DEC. Hunters are a critical component of the state's deer management strategy, helping to control the overall deer population, which is estimated to be approximately one million, representatives say.

Suggestions for a successful late season hunt include:

• Dress appropriately for the weather conditions. Dress in lighter layers so that you can add or remove layers as needed;
• Think about hunting escape covers; deer avoid running through open areas by day;
• Carry extra water, especially if participating in drives or still-hunting;
• Field dress deer promptly during warm weather; and
• Avoid hanging field-dressed deer in direct sunlight.

DEC also reminds hunters to help maintain New York's impressive safety record by remembering the following rules: point your gun in a safe direction; treat every gun as if it were loaded; be sure of the target and beyond; keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot; and always wear hunter orange.