The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) reports that an estimated 223,304 deer were harvested during the 2024-2025 deer hunting season, marking a 9% increase in antlered bucks compared to the previous year. Despite this uptick, the total harvest remains below the five-year average, highlighting fluctuations in deer populations and hunting success rates.
Commissioner Amanda Lefton emphasizes the importance of safe and ethical hunting practices, which contribute to sustainable food sources and deer herd management across the state. Notably, even with the confirmed presence of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in a captive red deer herd in Herkimer County, testing has shown no presence of the disease in the wild population, reassuring hunters and conservationists alike.
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