Hunters are encouraged to come the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's deer and bear check station on Route 16 in Holland, during opening weekend of the regular big game season. The check station, located on Route 16, northbound about 1 mile south of the town of Holland, will operate Saturday from noon until 8 p.m., and Sunday from noon until 7 p.m.
Hunters are encouraged to bring their deer to the check station where DEC staff will determine deer age and collect other important biological and harvest information. With black bear season opening the same day as deer season again this year; staff will check harvested bears as well.
Participation is voluntary but appreciated and helps DEC gather valuable data necessary for assessing the status of the area's big game population. Technicians from NYS Department of Health will also be present at the check station to examine deer for ticks and collect samples to test for Lyme disease.
"Hunters will have the option of participating in DEC and DOH's data collection and research," said Tim Spierto, DEC Region 9 senior wildlife biologist. "Although it is a completely voluntary program, hunters are encouraged to take a few extra minutes to help increase our knowledge about diseases in the game population. We thank NYS Department of Transportation for their assistance in providing the check station location and signage to safely guide motorists to the site."
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 during days of operation before 6 p.m.
DEC reminds hunters to be familiar with Chronic Wasting Disease regulations this year. Pennsylvania has been added to the list of CWD states. Hunters may not bring back unprocessed deer or deer heads from any CWD state into New York. For more information about CWD, please visit DEC's website at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/8325.html.