Muckrace Participants,
We’d like to make all Muckrace participants aware of an early gun
season for deer which will start on September 11th, during the
Saturday portion of the Muckrace. NYSDEC Wildlife Management Units in
the Northern Complex fall within the areas open for hunting as well as
parts of the Montezuma NWR. Hunt times will run from ½ hr before
sunrise to ½ hr after sunset.
WMU’s will include any that are normally open to hunting during the
regular deer season, including Howland Island. Howland Island will be
open to birders however and Muckrace participants will be able to open
the gate to drive onto the island. Please close and lock the gate
behind you after entering/exiting.
On refuge property, Knox/Marcellus Marsh and Puddlers Marsh will be
open to hunting as well as birders while the Esker Brook Trail, South
Spring Pool Trail, the Wildlife Drive and Seneca Trail will be closed
to hunting but are open for birding. Any areas other than
Knox/Marcellus & Puddlers Marsh which are normally off limits to the
public remain that way.
Please be conscious of the fact that you will be sharing the space
with hunters during your Muckrace birding and the use of blaze orange
vests/hats/jackets is encouraged/recommended (new regulations require
hunters to wear blaze orange or pink). Signage has been posted
alerting hunters that there will be birders and other members of the
public enjoying our public lands that day as well.
This year the Muckrace date had been set before this new hunting
season was approved and implemented. In future years we will work to
plan the date of the Muckrace so as not to have this overlap. However,
hunting seasons such as small game have coincided with the Muckrace in
past years so please don’t let this new season discourage you from
participating.
Thank you and we look forward to seeing you next Friday and Saturday
for the 24th annual Muckrace!
Kyle Gage
(Acting) President FOTMWC
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