COUNTY ANNOUNCES ARCHERY PERMITS WILL BE AVAILABLE THIS WEEK AT SELECT SUFFOLK COUNTY PARKS LOCATIONS

Hunting Season Kicks-off October 1, 2019 through January 31, 2020 

County Executive Steve Bellone today announced that starting on Monday, September 16, 2019 archery permits will be available in Suffolk County for the upcoming archery season, which runs from October 1, 2019 through January 31, 2020.  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 40 locations during the 2019-20 NYSDEC Long Island Archery Hunting Season.

“As we head into the fall season, bow hunting is an exciting recreational activity many of our residents look forward too,” said County Executive Steve Bellone.  “Bow hunting season is just one of the many ways to experience all our outdoors and outstanding County Parks have to offer.”

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.

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, which cost $38, 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.