According to DEC, deer numbers are climbing across much of the state, and that growth comes with consequences — more deer-vehicle collisions, over-browsed woodlands, and habitat strain. Their solution? Encourage hunters to take more antlerless deer, which are the key drivers of population growth. Right now, the numbers tell an interesting story: fewer than 15% of hunters harvest even one antlerless deer in a season, and only about 3% take two or more. In other words, the state is hoping to nudge hunters toward a “does first” mindset.

More permits, more opportunity is their view for hunters. So, one of the biggest proposed changes involves Deer Management Permits (DMPs). In some Wildlife Management Units (WMUs), there’s currently no quota — meaning unlimited permits — but the system isn’t as flexible as it could be. Under the proposal, hunters could apply for two DMPs in quota-based WMUs (via lottery) and two additional DMPs in non-quota WMUs. That’s up to four permits right out of the gate–not bad for folks serious about filling the freezer.

Even better (or more intense, depending on your perspective), if you successfully harvest and report an antlerless deer in a non-quota WMU, you’ll automatically receive bonus DMPs. It’s basically a “keep going, you’re doing great” system–except instead of gold stars, you get more tags. Currently, WMUs 1C, 3S, 4J, and 8C have no DMP quota. The proposal would expand that list significantly in 2026 by adding: 3M, 3P, 3R, 6P, 7F, 7H, 7J, 7R, 8A, 8F, 8G, 8H, 8J, 8N, 8R, 8S, 9A, 9F, and 9G. Translation: a lot more of the map just opened up for unlimited antlerless opportunities. Hmm; sharing is caring (now without limits).

Another notable tweak is the new cap on transferring DMPs between hunters, which would be removed. Currently, you can only receive two transferred permits. Under the new rules, that limit disappears. So yes–your buddy who’s “definitely going this year” but never leaves the couch? Their unused tags could now live a more meaningful life.

Currently, hunters can take two antlered deer per year: one with a bow/muzzleloader either-sex tag and another with a regular season tag. The proposed rules change flips that script. Joe Forma photo

There’s more. The September season doe hunting (with firearms) is expanding. The early-season, nine-day antlerless hunt in mid-September is also getting bigger. Existing WMUs with this season include: 1C, 3S, 3M, 3R, 4J, 8A, 8C, 8F, 8G, 8J, 8N, 9A, and 9F. The proposal would add: 3P, 6P, 7F, 7H, 7J, 7R, 8H, 8R, 8S, and 9G. More early-season options mean more chances to harvest does before the regular season chaos–and before deer really start moving during the rut.

Now let’s consider antlers. The new “Earn-a-2nd-Buck” system is where things might get spicy among hunters. Currently, hunters can take two antlered deer per year — one with a bow/muzzleloader either-sex tag and another with a regular season tag. The proposed change flips that script: You’ll still get one antlered deer tag automatically with your license. But to get a second antlered tag, you must first harvest and report an antlerless deer. In other words: no second rack until you take a doe. To support this: The current regular season deer tag becomes the antlered deer tag. The bow/muzzleloader either-sex tag becomes a bow/muzzleloader antlerless deer tag. Harvest a doe using a DMP, a bow/muzzleloader antlerless tag, or a deer management assistance program tag and you’ll unlock your second antlered opportunity. Think of it as a loyalty program–but instead of coffee points, it’s venison-based.

A small (but pointy) broadhead clarification is also part of the proposal. Mechanical broadheads with blades that swing forward freely (no force beyond gravity) will not be considered barbed. It’s a technical clarification, but one that bowhunters will appreciate.

What do you think? As expected, these proposals are likely to spark debate among hunters, landowners, and conservationists alike. Whether you’re all-in, skeptical, or somewhere in between, DEC wants to hear from you. Public comments are open through May 17. You can submit feedback via: Email by sending a note to wildliferegs@dec.ny.gov (Subject: “Antlerless Deer Hunting”), or by US Mail to NYSDEC, Attn: Jeremy Hurst, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4754.

At its core, this proposal is about balance between deer and habitat, hunters and opportunity, tradition and adaptation. Whether it feels like a smart evolution or a controversial shift probably depends on which side of the tree stand you’re sitting on. I think they should include moving the opening day of the firearm season back to a Monday. This would increase the number of hunters in deer camps…like the old days.

Gotta love the outdoors.

Outdoors Calendar

Mar. 21: Erie County Federation of Sportsman’s Clubs, Annual Banquet, Kloc’s Grove, 1245 Seneca Creek Rd., West Seneca. $45 includes dinner, social hour. Info: Diane Steel, (716) 998-5137.

Mar. 21: Hanover Fish & Game Club, Shots for Gold – sporting clays, 780 Overhiser Rd., Forestville. 716-525-5160.

Mar. 24: Children in the Stream, Youth Fly Fishing program, free, Costello Room, Rockefeller Art Center, SUNY Fredonia, 7-8:30 p.m., 12yrs old and older, info: 716-410-7003 (Alberto Rey).

Mar. 24: WNY Environmental Federation meeting, Knights of Columbus, Hamburg, 6 p.m. start. Open to the Public. Free.

Mar. 29: Deer Search Tracking Clinic, 2 p.m.-6 p.m., West Falls Conservation, 55 Bridge St., West Falls, pre-registration not required; class conducted by WNY Deer Search Instructors.

Apr. 1: NYS Inland Trout Season – Opening Day. Submit calendar items to forrestfisher35@yahoo.com at least 10 days in advance.