The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today encouraged hunters to visit deer and bear check stations on Route 16 in the town of Holland, Erie County, during the opening weekend of the regular big game season, and the DEC Region 8 office in Avon throughout the hunting season. Hunter participation in check stations is voluntary and helps DEC gather valuable data to assess the status of the area's big game population. DEC also collects biological and harvest information from thousands of deer across the state each year by visiting facilities that process venison for hunters.

DEC Region 9 Wildlife Manager Anne Rothrock said, "In just a few minutes, hunters in Western New York who visit the check station can provide DEC with valuable biological data that will help big game harvest estimations and management of the region's big game populations. DEC staff also enjoy the opportunity to interact with hunters and hear about their opening weekend experiences."

DEC's Region 9 check station will operate Saturday, Nov. 18, from noon to 8 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 19, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The check station is located on Route 16, heading northbound about one mile south of the town of Holland, Erie County. Hunters are encouraged to bring harvested deer and bear to the check station where DEC staff will determine age and collect biological and harvest information.

As in previous years, hunters wishing to donate their harvest to "Hunters Helping the Hungry" sponsored by the Venison Donation Coalition may drop off a deer at the Holland check station before 6 p.m. on Nov. 18 and 19. Throughout the hunting season, hunters can donate a deer to help provide food for those in need. Through a cooperative relationship involving the New York State Department of Health, non-profit organizations like Feeding New York State's regional food banks and deer processors, hunters contribute nearly 40 tons of venison each year to needy families across the state. Hunters interested in learning how to support these programs or donate venison to help feed local families, are encouraged to visit the Venison Donation Coalition or Feeding New York State.

In addition, DEC Region 8's office will provide deer check and aging services for interested hunters. While there is no formal check station planned in Region 8 during opening weekend of regular season this year, hunters are welcome to bring harvested deer to DEC's Region 8 office during the entire deer hunting season (not just regular season) and staff will provide deer check and aging services. DEC's Region 8 office is located at 6274 East Avon-Lima Road, Avon, NY 14414, and has staff available to check harvested deer from 8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., Monday through Friday, except on state holidays.

Take it, Tag it, Report it!

DEC reminds New York hunters of the importance of reporting their harvest. Harvest reporting is critical to wildlife management, and hunters are required to report their harvest of deer, bear, and turkey within seven days of taking the animal. The easiest way to report is via DEC's HuntFishNY mobile app. Through this app, hunters, anglers, and trappers can access an electronic version of their licenses and privileges, and report the harvest of deer, bear, and turkey quickly while afield on their mobile device. Hunters may still use the phone report system, but online and mobile systems are faster, more convenient, and easier for hunters to accurately enter information.

Photos attached courtesy of NYSDEC: Photos from the 2022 Deer and Bear Check Stations in DEC Region 9