The special Southern Tier holiday deer season was very special for 13-year-old Joseph Gallella from East Aurora, left, who harvested this nice buck. The special season ends on New Year’s Day. His twin brother, Anthony, Jr., right, also downed a nice 6-point buck on Nov. 29 with his bow. Photo courtesy of Anthony Gallella

In collaboration with partner organizations, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Region 9 is hosting several first-day hike events for New Year’s Day. The First Day Hikes program is offered to encourage New Yorkers to welcome in the New Year by heading outdoors and participating in one of the many guided NYSDEC hike opportunities provided across the state.

The DEC, the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, and the NYS Canal Corporation are partnering to host these hikes as part of the 14th annual First Day Hikes program. More than 120 hikes are listed in the first-day program at state parks, historic sites, canal trails, DEC natural areas and environmental education centers to celebrate the day. A list of New York State First Day Hikes, location details, format, pre-registration requirements and additional information can be found online at https://dec.ny.gov/. Interested participants are encouraged to check the details of their preferred hiking site and register where required.

Near home, DEC Region 9 staff and partners are hosting a New Year’s Day hike opportunity at the Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area at Ross Pond. This event is designed to be inclusive, welcoming hikers of all ages and abilities. Hikers will tread onward with the Finger Lakes Trail Conference group beginning at 11 a.m. The address is 3063 Vail Road, Gowanda, 14070. This two-mile route will follow the entrance on the red trail, head up to Ross Pond itself, and then follow the longer part of the yellow trail to the red trail. Hikers will then follow the red trail over the ridge, back to Ross Pond, and to the parking area. This hike is hosted in partnership with the Finger Lakes Trail Conference. The degree of difficulty for this hike is “not difficult.” The route is relatively level, with somewhat rolling terrain. Dress for the weather. All ages are welcome. No pets are allowed on this hike. Contact Corey Schimpf, corey.t.schimpf@gmail.com or (440) 983-0023 by today.

Hunter Note: The New York State Southern Zone holiday deer hunt will end on New Year’s Day at 30 minutes after sunset. Many hunters consider this last day of the seven-day “special” deer season an exclusive gift from Santa. Based on input received from hunters across the state, the DEC will decide if this hunt will be run for next year. Hikers are advised to wear bright colors and be cautious during this time.

Congrats to young Joseph Giallella who took a nice buck last Friday, on day two of the special holiday deer season. Pulling only 33 pounds, the 13-year-old youth hunter used his Matthew’s Mission Craze bow to make the 25-yard shot. His dad, Anthony Giallella, bought Joseph and his twin brother, Anthony, their archery gear at S&S Taxidermy and Archery Pro Shop LLC in Springville. There is an entire series of very affordable Mission bows made by Mathews designed for youth and elder use. The Mission Craze is only 28-inches axle-to-axle, 80 percent let-off, and offers an adjustable draw length range of 19 to 30-inches with an adjustable draw weight of 15 to 70 pounds. The mass weight of the bow is only 3.6 pounds. The “Craze” is a technological achievement that allows young and old to shoot arrows that fly at more than 300 feet per second. Light draw weight, high let-off, aim – the rest is easy. Not. Nice going, Joseph! It takes a man to take a deer like you did at that range. Congratulations.

Gotta love the outdoors. Happy New Year everyone!

CALENDAR

Nov. 23-Jan. 19: Late Canada Goose Season – South Area. See syllabus.

Dec. 26-Jan. 1: NYS Southern Zone Holiday Deer Hunt Season for archery, muzzleloader and crossbow.

Jan. 1: Happy New Year! Last day of Southern Zone Holiday Deer Hunt

Jan. 4: Clays-for-Cash sporting clay shoot, Hanover Fish and Game Club, 780 Overhiser Road, Forestville, 8 a.m. start, last clay: 11 a.m. Info: 716-480-2202.

Jan. 4: Free Fur-Handling Workshop, Collins Conservation Club, 2633 Conger Road, Collins; 9 a.m.-1 p.m., call Patti Wattengel, 716-337-2556 for info.

Jan. 4-5: Hamburg Gun Show, 5820 South Park Ave., Hamburg, 9 a.m. open, $10 entry, Info: nfgshows.com.

NOTE: Send Calendar info or related outdoor news to forrestfisher35@yahoo.com.