New York State Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. (I, D, WF-Sag Harbor) today reported deer hunting opportunities in Suffolk County are expanded in 2015 as a result of legislation introduced by State Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. and State Senator Ken LaValle. The expanded seasons are necessary to help increase recreational deer harvest to better manage increasing deer populations in Suffolk County.

The changes take effect in Suffolk County includes:

- Extending the regular (bowhunting) season for deer in Suffolk County through January 31

- Expanding the special firearms season for deer in Suffolk County to run from the first Sunday in January (January 4) through January 31 including weekends. The 2015 firearms deer season in Suffolk County will begin Sunday, January 4 and continue until January 31

- Clarifying the Town permit requirements, landowner permission requirements and legal implements for the special firearms season. The adopted regulations also include a provision waiving the Town Permit requirement in any town which by local law has waived the town permit requirement. However, this aspect will not take effect before next season (January 2016)

- Increasing permit quotas for each Town to reflect current deer management needs and allow for additional access opportunities on State land.

Thiele stated, “The recent population explosion of white-tailed deer on Eastern Long Island threatens public health, public safety, personal property, and the environment. Local municipal deer management plans describe the uncontrolled increase in population as an emergency, requiring immediate action. Without controlling the deer population, human health and safety will continue to be put in jeopardy.”

For information on hunting in Suffolk County, please contact the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.