Return to the "POINTER VIEW"November 16, 2001
Return to the "POINTER VIEW"
November 16, 2001
By James A. Beemer
Fish and Wildlife Biologist
Monday is the opening day of the 2001 New York State regular deer season. Regular black bear season opens Nov. 25. USMA hunters will be hunting deer and bear for the next three weeks. Most of the hunting activity will occur in the training areas and ranges west of Route 9W.
This year, all of the designated hunting areas east of Route 9W will be used by bow hunters only. Hunting in Area J3 for deer has been open to USMA hunters for the past 30 years in order to reduce deer concentrations on the main post. The other areas have been opened for the past 20 years.
Several precautions are implemented each year to prevent conflicts between hunters and non-hunters in this area. They include:
1. Marking the boundary with signs and fluorescent orange flagging
2. Establishing a wooded buffer zone around the area
3. Thoroughly publicizing the program
4. Only permitting access to USMA hunters familiar with the area (either residents or civilian employees)
5. Limiting the number of hunters to seven
6. Prohibiting access to the area by non-hunters during the 23 days of the regular big-game season, Nov. 20 to Dec. 12.
In accordance with USMA Regulation 215-5, jogging, walking and cycling along the Goethals and Patrick Trails and across the ski slope is prohibited during this time period.
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Left: Lt. Col. Creighton
Larson took this 8-pointer with a bow Nov. 4.
Right: Cadet 1st Class David Nelson downed this 210-lb black bear Nov. 2. Both animals were taken on West Point property.
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Hunters using any designated main post hunting area (or any other authorized USMA hunting area) must sign out and in daily at the West Point Hunt Control Center on Route 293. Deer hunters are also required to wear at least 400 square inches of fluorescent orange clothing and distinctive identification issued by the hunt control center. Shooting hours are between legal sunrise and legal sunset. No weapon (bow or gun) may be discharged within 500 feet of an occupied building.
USMA deer hunters can look forward to a successful season. Many large, healthy bucks and does have been seen -- an excellent indicator that the herd has been brought into line with the land’s ability to support the populations here.
USMA hunters are encouraged to try and fill their antlerless tags in any of the bow-only hunting areas on the main post (Areas G2, J1, J2, J4, & J5). This will help reduce the problems caused by deer over-browsing gardens, hedges and shrubs as well as reducing potential deer-car collisions.
The big-game hunting program at West Point is one element of the USMA wildlife management plan and a DCFA morale support activity for USMA personnel. Questions regarding J3 shotgun hunting (and hunting in general) may be directed to 938-3857 or via e-mail at yj6936@exmail.usma.army.mil.