DEC urges St. Lawrence County hunters to harvest more does

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is urging St. Lawrence County deer hunters to harvest more antlerless deer this season through its Choose A Doe campaign. The agency says managing doe harvests can help keep deer populations in balance with available habitat and reduce risks associated with high deer numbers.

DEC says deer populations in many parts of New York have grown to levels that can affect deer health, wildlife habitat, hunting and public safety. Does are the primary driver of deer population growth, and the campaign encourages hunters to apply for Deer Management Permits and harvest antlerless deer.

DEC said that in recent seasons, about 17% of active New York deer hunters harvested an antlerless deer, even though about 60% had an opportunity to do so. The agency estimates deer are involved in at least 65,000 vehicle collisions statewide each year, along with hundreds of millions of dollars in damage to farms, orchards and communities.

New hunting rules also give hunters additional incentives. A hunter who harvests and reports an antlerless deer may receive a second Antlered Deer Tag at no cost. The tag is added automatically to the hunter’s DECALS account. Hunters may apply for up to four Deer Management Permits: two in limited-quota Wildlife Management Units and two in units without a quota.

What the campaign means for North Country hunters

The campaign applies to hunters in St. Lawrence County, while the state’s 2026 Northern Zone seasons provide the main opportunities to hunt. The regular firearms deer season runs from Oct. 24 through Dec. 6. Early muzzleloading runs from Oct. 17 through Oct. 23, and the Youth Firearms Big Game Hunt is scheduled for Oct. 10 through Oct. 12 for licensed hunters ages 12 to 15.

DEC says lower deer densities can reduce competition for food and other resources and may support healthier animals, greater body weights, larger antlers and more fawns. The agency also connects high deer numbers with damage to vegetation used by other wildlife, agricultural and property damage, vehicle collisions and the spread of tick-borne diseases.

Harvested does can also support food assistance efforts. DEC says one donated deer can provide up to 200 meals for people in need.

Applications for unlimited or bonus Deer Management Permits in eligible units are accepted during the hunting season. Leftover permits for limited-quota units are expected around Nov. 1 at license-issuing agents. Hunters can report a harvest online, through the HuntFishNY app or by calling 1-866-426-3778. Questions about Deer Management Permits can be directed to 1-866-472-4332.

More information is available on the DEC’s antlerless deer hunting page, including the campaign and current permit information.