Suffolk County, NY - Sept. 27, 2018 - County Executive Steve Bellone today announced that archery permits are now available in Suffolk County for the upcoming archery season, which runs from October 1, 2018 through January 31, 2019. As hunting is among the most popular forms of wildlife recreation in New York State, select Suffolk County Parks will be offering deer hunting access to residents at 41 locations during the 2017-18 NYSDEC Long Island Archery Hunting Season.
"Historically, Suffolk residents have enjoyed bow-hunting season as a great way to experience all our outdoors and outstanding County Parks have to offer," said County Executive Steve Bellone. "Although hunting of any kind is strictly regulated to protect both our communities and the environment, bow hunting is an exciting recreational way for residents to play a role in helping control the rapidly growing deer population."
Suffolk County Parks contain a diversity of wildlife that makes it an exciting recreational resource for local residents. Hunting as a recreational activity is safe and economically important as it helps to balance wildlife populations, while promoting a greater understanding and respect for the local environment.
Eastern Suffolk County is home to a growing and abundant population of white-tailed deer where public hunting is used as an important management tool to combat against depredation of local farmlands, nurseries, and gardens. High deer populations additionally result in an increase in car-deer collisions, which are hazardous for both the animal and human safety.
Last year, more than 3,250 deer were taken in Suffolk County to help manage the growing population. In addition to the current NYSDEC requirements, the Suffolk County Park’s Department requires applicants to obtain:
- Active Suffolk County Green Key
- Valid NYS Big Game License and Tag
- Suffolk County Parks Archery Permit
Archery Permits can be obtained at the following locations:
- West Sayville Administration Office: Mon through Friday between 9:00AM – 5:00PM
- Cathedral Pines and Smith Point: Available Daily between 9:00AM – 5:00PM
- Cedar Point, Indian Island and Sears Bellows: Wednesday through Sunday between 9:00AM – 5:00PM
As Suffolk County becomes increasingly more developed, the resulting loss of habitat will continue to take its toll on wildlife and hunting opportunities. According to the NYS DEC, it is critical that all hunters act conscientiously while hunting, and obey the rights of landowners and other recreationists around them. Hunters should be aware that their actions will not only affect their opportunity to hunt, but will reflect on all sportsmen and women. For more information on the purchase or use of Suffolk County Archery Permits, please visit the Suffolk County Parks Departments Website.