DEC Announces Bowhunting Seasons for Deer and Bear

 

Youth Big Game Hunt Slated for October 11-13

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton announced that bowhunting seasons for deer in the Northern Zone begin on Sept. 27. In the Southern Zone, bowhunting seasons for deer and bear begin on Oct. 1. The bowhunting season for bear in the Northern Zone began Sept. 13.

"Bowhunters enjoy tremendous opportunities here in New York, and those opportunities are even better now that crossbows can be used during the entire bow season and in bowhunting-only areas,” Commissioner Lefton said. “Late summer weather, fall foliage, and plentiful big game populations combine to create outstanding conditions. It’s an exciting time of year.”

New for fall 2025, hunters in New York State may use a crossbow in the same seasons, places, and manner as a vertical bow for hunting deer and bear. Crossbows have been used throughout most of New York, in both rural and developed areas, for more than a decade, but until now New York State law limited the locations, times, and types of crossbows that could be used.

Changes to the hunting rules signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul this year remove most of those barriers and will make hunting with a crossbow more accessible and a more effective tool for deer management. Expanding use of crossbows in the urban and suburban areas previously restricted to vertical bows will create more opportunities for hunters of diverse backgrounds to hunt near where they live. Additionally, removing the minimum width and maximum draw weight requirements for crossbows will allow New York hunters to now legally access the majority of crossbows on the market. To hunt deer and bear with a crossbow during the bowhunting seasons, a hunter must have a hunting license and bowhunting privilege. Read more about Crossbow Hunting on DEC’s website.

Deer Management Permit (DMP) Deadline

Hunters are reminded that the application deadline for Deer Management Permits (DMPs) is Oct. 1.

Prior to applying for a DMP, hunters should be prepared with the Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) they intend to hunt. The DMP Availability and Probability of Selection webpage has more information regarding DMP availability and chances of being selected in each WMU.

Youth Big Game Hunt

New York's annual Youth Big Game Hunt occurs Oct. 11-13 for junior hunters (hunters aged 12-15) accompanied by an experienced, licensed adult hunter. Only the junior hunter may carry a firearm during the youth hunt.

The Youth Big Game Hunt takes place throughout the State, except in Suffolk and Westchester counties and bowhunting-only areas. Licensed 12- to 13-year-old hunters may only take deer with a firearm in counties that participate in the youth pilot program. Though junior hunters may have multiple deer tags, they may only take one deer with a firearm during the Youth Big Game Hunt. Antlerless deer taken with a firearm may be tagged with a regular season tag, DMP, or a Deer Management Assistance Program tag, while antlered deer may only be tagged with the regular season tag.

Additional rules that apply to junior hunters and their adult mentors can be found on pages 44 and 45 of the Hunting and Trapping Guide or on DEC’s Youth Firearms Hunting webpage.

Help Needed with Chronic Wasting Disease Sampling

In fall 2024, DEC and the Department of Agriculture and Markets (AGM) confirmed Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in a captive deer facility in the town of Columbia in southern Herkimer County. CWD is always fatal in deer, moose, and elk. AGM took immediate action to depopulate and test the infected captive herd and investigate risks associated with other captive deer facilities. Simultaneously, DEC responded aggressively to test for CWD presence among wild deer in the area.

DEC has not found CWD in wild deer in the area. More testing is needed, and DEC is requesting that hunters in the towns of Columbia, German Flatts, Litchfield, Warren, or Winfield in Herkimer County, and the town of Richfield in Otsego County submit the head of all deer they harvest. See CWD Sampling for drop box locations in each town.

Venison Donation Program

Big game hunters are reminded that they can help feed the hungry donating all or part of their harvested deer through cooperating processors or by making a monetary contribution to the Venison Donation Program at any license-issuing outlet.

To reduce the potential for lead fragments in venison, hunters are encouraged to follow “best practices” when processing their deer. To eliminate the risk, donate deer taken with bow or crossbow or use lead-free ammunition. For more information on best practices for venison processing or lead-free ammunition, visit DEC’s website.

For more information about DEC's big game hunting seasons, recent rule changes, and hunter safety information including new requirements to wear hunter orange or pink, go to DEC's website.

State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli's Weekly News - Revenue Trends, Fiscal Challenges, and Local Government Support

 

Audit: Thruway Authority Has Improved Toll Collection Accuracy

New York's Thruway Authority generally bills drivers accurately for tolls, according to an audit by Comptroller DiNapoli. The audit identified some exceptions and recommended better monitoring and corrective actions.

“The Thruway Authority has come a long way since it first introduced cashless tolls, but some problems remain,” DiNapoli said. “Even a smaller percentage of unreadable or inaccurate tolls can mean loss of revenue to the state or aggravation for New Yorkers facing incorrect bills. I appreciate the efforts the Authority has undertaken to fix the issues we identified.”

In 2024, the authority reported $1 billion in toll and related revenues, up from $804 million in 2021. E-Z Pass accounts for 95% of all tolls collected in 2024. Comptroller DiNapoli’s previous audit from May 2023 found it needed to improve its collections process.

Read More

Report Highlights Slow Growth of NYC’s Non-Tax Revenues

New York City’s revenues from water and sewer charges, fines and forfeitures, licenses and permits, interest income, rental income and other “miscellaneous revenues” reached an estimated $6.7 billion in fiscal year 2025, 11% higher than in FY 2019, and weaker than the 29% growth over the prior six fiscal years, according to a report released by Comptroller DiNapoli.

“The pandemic significantly disrupted how New York City generates revenue for items such as construction permits, community college fees and taxi licenses, some of which have yet to return to pre-pandemic levels,” DiNapoli said. “A number of miscellaneous revenues that have recently boosted revenue, including interest income, may soften in the coming years. These shifts warrant further study of the city’s many fines, fees, and charges to understand their impact on revenue stability and resident affordability.”

Read More

Latest Fiscal Stress Scores Released

A total of 23 local governments in New York State were designated in fiscal stress for local fiscal years ending in 2024, up from 14 a year ago, with increases in each category of stress, according to a report released by Comptroller DiNapoli. These designations were based on the State Comptroller’s Fiscal Stress Monitoring System (FSMS) scores.

“The number of local governments designated in fiscal stress, while still low, rose over the prior year, as federal pandemic relief funding was winding down,” DiNapoli said. “Local governments now facing volatility in revenue sources and uncertainty from significant shifts in federal spending should remain vigilant and pragmatic when spending and planning for the future.”

Comptroller DiNapoli launched FSMS in 2013 to evaluate fiscal stress for local governments, using indicators based on year-end fund balance, operating deficits, cash-on-hand, short-term borrowing and fixed costs. The system’s fiscal stress scores provide an early warning to local officials about fiscal issues and give the public insight into their communities’ financial condition.

Read More

Comptroller DiNapoli Joins Local Officials at Training School; Staff Honored for Dedicated Service

Comptroller DiNapoli recently joined the New York Council of Mayors in Lake Placid for their Fall Training School. The event provided city and village officials with valuable resources and expertise to help them manage local finances and essential services. During the event, members of the Division of Local Government and School Accountability team received recognition for their dedication and expertise in training local officials throughout the years. Daniel Acquilano, the Manager of the Local Official Training unit, received the NYS Association of City and Village Clerks Distinguished Service Award and Ingrid Otto, an Auditor 2 in the unit, received the New York State Society of Municipal Finance Officer’s Director’s Award.

Florida Man Sentenced to Pay Full Restitution for Theft of Nearly $80,000

Comptroller DiNapoli and Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly announced the son of a state pensioner from Long Island was sentenced to five years’ probation and ordered to pay full restitution after being convicted of identity theft in connection with his theft of $79,943 in pension payments sent to his deceased father.

Read More

Former Durhamville Fire Department Treasurer Pleads Guilty to Stealing Over $92,000

Comptroller DiNapoli, Oneida County District Attorney Todd Carville, and New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James announced that the former treasurer of the Durhamville Fire Department pleaded guilty to stealing over $92,000 from the fire department over a seven-year period.

Read More

M U N I C I P A L   A N D   S C H O O L   A U D I T S

• Town of Lee – Financial Management

• Chenango County – Court and Trust Funds

• Holtsville Fire District – Financial Management

• Spencerport Central School District – Employee Benefits

• Manhasset Union Free School District – Non-Payroll Disbursements

• Village of Cato – Audit Follow-Up

A L S O   I N   T H E   N E W S

• The Capitol Connection - New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli
• Report: Trump tax cuts creates financial strain, inequities for New York
• Thruway billing issues found in state comptroller audit
• DiNapoli: More local governments facing fiscal stress
• State comptroller visits Castle Hill small business owners, distributes unclaimed funds
• Former Durhamville Fire Dept. treasurer admits to stealing over $92K
• Florida man sentenced for stealing dead father's pension payments

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P O S T   O F   T H E   W E E K

ALL NEW YORK STATE RECOVERY CENTERS TO SHARE IN $13M RECOVERY MONTH INVESTMENT FROM NYS OASAS Inbox Promotions

 

Governor Hochul Issues Proclamation Recognizing September as Recovery Month in New York State 

New York State to Observe Recovery Month by Illuminating State Landmarks Purple on September 30th

The New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (NYS OASAS) announced the award of more than $13 million to recovery centers across the state. Recovery centers are non-clinical settings that offer recovery supports such as skill-building, recreation, education, employment readiness and training, and the opportunity to connect to peers who are facing similar challenges. They also provide services to families of those in recovery. This funding, through the New York State Opioid Settlement Fund, enhances an ongoing initiative first started in 2023.  All recovery centers in the state are receiving funding through this new investment.

In addition, Governor Hochul has issued a proclamation designating September as Recovery Month in New York State, recognizing the many New Yorkers living in recovery, and the efforts that the state has made to support those affected by addiction.

“We are continuing to lead the way in getting opioid settlement money out to the organizations and communities that need it most, and this funding further supports an ongoing initiative that we have been working on for several years,” OASAS Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham said. “By expanding recovery supports around the state, we are giving people more opportunities to access this vital help and support. And as we mark recovery month, it is an additional reminder of the importance of recovery, the services available, and an opportunity to recognize those who live successful lives in recovery every day.” 

This funding allows all recovery centers to raise their annual budgets to $535,000 through September of 2028. Since this initiative was first established, more than $31 million in settlement funding has now been awarded through this program. A list of these recovery centers in New York State can be found here.

To mark the observance of National Recovery Month, New York State will be illuminating the state landmarks below with purple lighting on September 30^th, which is International Day of Recovery.

1. 1WTC
2. Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge
3. Kosciuszko Bridge
4. The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building
5. State Education Building
6. Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
7. Empire State Plaza
8. State Fairgrounds – Main Gate & Expo Center
9. Niagara Falls
10. The “Franklin D. Roosevelt” Mid-Hudson Bridge
11. Grand Central Terminal - Pershing Square Viaduct
12. Albany International Airport Gateway
13. MTA LIRR - East End Gateway at Penn Station
14. Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal  
15. Moynihan Train Hall
16. Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park

To date, New York has made more than $449 million available through the Opioid Settlement Fund, which is the most of any state in the country. A detailed list of initiatives funded with this money is available on the New York State Opioid Settlement Fund tracker.

New York State is receiving more than $2 billion through various settlement agreements with opioid manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies that were secured by Attorney General Letitia James. A portion of the funding from these settlements will go directly to municipalities, with the remainder deposited into a dedicated fund to support prevention, treatment, harm reduction and recovery efforts to address the ongoing opioid epidemic.

The New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports oversees one of the nation’s largest systems of addiction services with approximately 1,700 prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery programs serving over 731,000 individuals per year. This includes the direct operation of 12 Addiction Treatment Centers where our doctors, nurses, and clinical staff provide inpatient and residential services to approximately 8,000 individuals per year.

New Yorkers struggling with an addiction, or whose loved ones are struggling, can find help and hope by calling the state’s toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day-a-week HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or by texting HOPENY (Short Code 467369).

Available addiction treatment including crisis/detox, inpatient, residential, or outpatient care can be found on the NYS OASAS website.

Governor Signs Senator Fernandez’s Legislation to Protect Billions in Opioid Settlement Funds

 

Governor Kathy Hochul has signed into law Senator Nathalia Fernandez’s bill (S.6757), now Chapter 425 of 2025, ensuring that every dollar from New York’s opioid settlements is directed into the state’s Opioid Settlement Fund as intended.

The law closes a technical loophole in the Mental Hygiene Law that left portions of recent and future settlements at risk of being diverted to the state’s general fund, rather than invested in treatment, prevention, and recovery programs. Without this clarification, up to $250 million from the Purdue Pharma/Sackler family settlement would have been excluded from the Opioid Settlement Fund and defaulted to the general fund. This legislation prevents that diversion and ensures this settlement as well as future settlements are equally protected.

“This legislation ensures that every cent recovered from those who profited off the suffering of New Yorkers goes directly toward healing our communities,” said Senator Nathalia Fernandez, Chair of the Alcoholism and Substance Use Disorders Committee. “By closing this loophole, we are guaranteeing accountability and making sure these hard-fought dollars are used to prevent overdose, expand treatment, and support recovery efforts across the state.”

Assemblymember Michaelle Solages said, “For too long, the opioid crisis has torn apart families and left communities struggling to recover. With this bill now signed into law, we can ensure that settlement dollars are directed where they belong: treatment, prevention, and recovery. This law delivers the clarity and accountability needed to get resources into the hands of providers and communities on the front lines of this epidemic. I am deeply grateful to Senator Fernandez, Governor Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James and my legislative colleagues for their leadership and commitment to making this possible.”

New York State Attorney General Letitia James has already secured more than $3 billion in settlements from manufacturers, distributors, and others responsible for fueling the opioid crisis.

Under S.6757/A.8459, the law amends Mental Hygiene Law §25.18 to:

• Explicitly include all parties in the prescription drug marketing, supply, and payment chain in the definition of “statewide opioid settlement agreements.”
• Extinguish, by operation of law, any claims by government entities against a released party after the effective date of the settlement agreement.

Weekly News from State Senator Gustavo Rivera!

 

This week, Senator Rivera joined NYC Comptroller Brad Lander to observe immigration court proceedings at 26 Federal Plaza. While they were in the same building, an ICE agent violently threw a woman to the ground in front of her children, in a excessive use of force, even though she posed no threat to the agent or to the security of the facility. She was protesting because her husband had been taken away minutes earlier by masked ICE agents who neither identified themselves, nor presented a warrant, nor provided any lawful grounds for his detention.

"Every day, masked ICE agents are acting violently against our neighbors, illegally abducting them, holding them in cruel and inhumane conditions. Treating them as less-than-human, and not deserving due process. We will not stop bearing witness, stop condemning them, or stop doing all we can to stand up to this lawless behavior," said Comptroller Lander.

"We cannot allow the fascist actions of the federal government to continue to terrorize our families not only in New York but throughout the entire country. New Yorkers’ rights are under attack and so many families are terrified to appear at their hearings fearing that they will be abducted and disappeared. This is just the beginning, we must remain united, stand up and speak out against these undemocratic actions," said Senator Rivera.

SENATOR RIVERA HOSTS HIS SECOND ANNUAL HEALTH AND PUBLIC SAFETY FAIR AT POE PARK

This week, Senator Rivera hosted his second Annual Health and Public Safety Fair at Poe Park, where community members had the opportunity to meet with him and connect with harm reduction organizations to learn about vital resources for community health, safety, substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery.

A big thank you to all the organizations that participated and helped make this event a success. If you need assistance or information on available resources, please call Senator Rivera's office at 718-933-2034 or visit us at 2432 Grand Concourse, Suite 506, Bronx, Monday through Thursday, from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.

SENATOR RIVERA AWARDS $100,000 IN FUNDING TO BRONX'S COMMUNITY SOLUTIONS FOR A NEW MOBILE OUTREACH VAN

This week, Senator Rivera continued presenting awards to organizations in his district. 

 

Today, Senator Rivera joined Magaly Melendez, Senior Program Manager of Community Programs at Bronx Community Solutions (BCS), and Anthony Liberatoscioli, BCS Project Director, to award $100,000 for their brand new, first-of-its-kind Bronx HOPE on-the-go mobile outreach van. 

 

For the past 10 years, Bronx Community Solutions has helped Bronx residents trying to overcome substance use to reclaim their lives by facilitating access to important rehabilitation initiatives. 

 

“The Bronx HOPE Outreach Van will bring services and support directly to the neighborhood. Our goal is to meet people where they are—right in the community—so we can connect, build trust, and provide real-time help when it’s needed most,” said Magaly Melendez, Senior Program Manager for Community Programs at Bronx Community Solutions.  

 

"You offer education, prevention tools, and most importantly, hope to those who want to reclaim their lives through rehabilitation initiatives. This van unit will be used in neighborhood hot spot locations, outside of Bronx police precincts, and all around our borough to address underlying systemic issues that fuel substance abuse," said Senator Rivera. 

Last week, Senator Rivera's team joined the annual Rosh HaShanah Luncheon hosted by New Beginnings at Riverdale Y's Older Adult Center. The program featured a traditional holiday meal and the sounding of the shofar to welcome the Jewish New Year. Thank you to Rabbi Scott for the kind invitation! 

 

In addition, Senator Rivera's team also helped distribute food for the holiday season with The Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty at the Kingsbridge Center for Israel. Thank you as well for the warm invitation! 

 

I hope that my Jewish neighbors had a joyful Rosh Hashanah celebration. L’Shanah Tovah! 

This week, Senator Rivera attended the full board meetings of Bronx Community Board 5 and 11, where the Senator shared updates on his work in the community, highlighted recent and upcoming events, and addressed the immigration issues currently affecting our neighborhoods. Senator Rivera also responded to questions from board members and residents.

At CB11, Senator Rivera recognized three board members who were honored over the summer: Staceyann Deleon, Chair of the Community Development & Budget Priorities Committee; Jeremy H. Warneke, District Manager; and Cynthia Rodriguez, Chair of the Community Board. Thank you all for your leadership and commitment to our community!

SENATOR RIVERA ATTENDS THE FORDHAM UNIVERSITY DEMOCRATIC DELEGATION BREAKFAST

This week, Senator Rivera attended the Fordham University Delegation Breakfast: From the Bronx, For the Bronx. The breakfast provided an opportunity to learn first-hand how Fordham is working to be a stronger partner in making the Bronx a place where young people and families can thrive.

The event brought together students, faculty, community partners, and elected officials for a conversation on what an authentic university–community partnership looks like, and a dialogue on how initiatives such as the Green Jobs Center, small business development, immigrant support, and mental health services, among others, align with the priorities being advanced for our districts.