On March 31, two local officers of the DEC attended to explain their responsibilities and answer questions from attendees. It was interesting to learn about their “typical workday”, it turns out there is no such thing since they are responsible to respond to calls at any hour. They are the first responders in the field and explained they call upon the expertise and guidance of the respective DEC divisions such as wetlands, licensing and forest rangers. There were a number of questions on fishing and hunting quotas, sizes and other related topics. In many cases, these guidelines are set by either the state or Federal Government and the role of the DEC is to enforce them. Some good questions were asked about the local problems with phragmites which are prevalent in our local waters. The renewed presence of foxes even came up, they are being seen more in numerous places. We plan to make this an annual event and invite community participation.
Bring your questions and suggestions as we discuss all topics with these fellow sportsmen.
Discussion will be driven by what Members care/ask about, but count on learning about at least these topics:
– Fishermen/boat captains always have comments on slots and limits and timing of the announcements.
– How the state run spring turkey sites gone (e.g. Barcelona Neck). Is that oversight still needed?
– There are areas of state land in Montauk such as Hither Hills that seem like more hunting should be allowed.
– There are areas of EH/MTK that seem in need of prescribed burns to avoid wildfires. Are downed pine beetle trees a risk?
– Recreational lobstering topics.
– Any examples of avian flu on waterfowl populations observed?
– Any chance of an increased bag limit on Canada geese? Tons of them around.
– Any special insights on lack of ducks?
– Any examples anywhere of successful anti litter campaigns or enforcement?
– Non resident, comercial-looking, fishing/shellfishing in our waters. What’s up with that?
– Upstate, the duck and goose seasons are short and too early. Tons of geese everywhere. Does complaining/suggesting to DEC help in maybe making changes?
Please arrive early or on time, as we expect a big turnout and have a lot to cover.
DEC’s Hunter Education Program is offering a free two-day hands-on youth hunting safety course on April 12 and 13. It is held from 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. on both days at the Peconic River Sportsman’s Club in Manorville.
Participants will be taught and supervised by a plethora of certified Hunter Education Instructors, including professional trainers, state game wardens, and senior Peconic River Sportsmen’s Club members. This heavily resourced NY state program is leaps and bounds more valuable and meaningful than any online or local option. Get sense for it here.
Open to ages 12 to 16 who have not yet already completed Hunters Ed. The class is limited to 30 participants.
Participants who successfully complete the program will receive their Hunter Education Training Certificate. This certificate is required to purchase a hunting license, and is valid for life and in all states.
Part of the “Get Offline, Get Outside” initiative.
As I reflect on the successes and challenges of the waterfowl season on the east end, one word comes to mind: Ice.
The pictures below capture the essence of our second half of the season quite well. The good news is highly localized birds, the bad news is lots of frozen real estate. If you have blinds pretty much anywhere, you can relate. The winners this month are the boat blind hunters. Sneakboxes remain my favorite for adaptability and invisibility. This year, boat hunting is a critical success factor since finding unfrozen launch ramps can usually be achieved.
There is always open water somewhere, the question is, where? Three Mile Harbor and the main part of East Harbor/Accabonac by Louse Point remain accessible for launching via the Hands Creek ramp and Louse Point put-in (I call it that because it’s really more a hard packed beach).
The ducks reported and actually seen by locals in-the-know and blind mounted trail cameras are the usual suspects: Black Ducks, Mallards, Widgeon, Screwdrivers (mergansers- called that due to their profile), Bufflehead and Broadbill. Sea ducks are around, but not what I’d call abundant: Long-tailed ducks, Scoter and Eider all on the big water. In general, everyone with an opinion (which is 100% of waterfowlers) says that ducks are down and geese are strong, but localized. Avian influenza seems to be one theory, but it’s always multi-factorial.
I spend an inordinate amount of time scouting, but the job got a bit easier via camera. I check Hamptons live cameras constantly, as well as the feed from my Moultrie trail cameras. I’d like to see more public wildlife/waterfowl live cameras installed in East Hampton, but like everything, it’s a matter of money.
The high point of my season, besides building blinds, was our ESHA December goose hunt in Watermill with Duane Arnister, master guide. If you haven’t hunted over “stuffers” (actual taxidermy geese), try it with him. It’s an experience that few will ever have. Over the last several decades, at roughly the rate of a dozen a season, he has built and preserved a colossal flock of stuffed birds which are lovingly managed and cared for like the waterfowl heirlooms that they are. I felt like I was a character from Eugene Connett’s epic waterfowling book, “Gunning the Atlantic Flyway.” Pick up a copy if you haven’t read it, it’s my waterfowling bible.
Feel free to share your stories, success and perspectives. This is just one obsessed man’s opinion. The truth lies somewhere in the consensus, and I always want to learn and be held accountable.
Until next time, Happy Waterfowling.
Brace Krag
Waterfowl Chairman East Hampton Sportsmen’s Alliance
Stocked fresh water flyfishing is not immediately available in town, so this is an opportunity to do something different on a spring Saturday morning, with all the details sorted out by EHSA. The trout fishing season began on April 1, and trout stocking began in March and runs through early June. The Connetquot receives 3,000-4,000 stocked brown and rainbow trout annually at this time, as well as hosting a wild brook trout population. Meet to carpool, or drive direct (1.5 hours drive). Cost: $25 per person for NYS permit; reserved spot. Gear: Conventional fly-fishing equipment required. Don’t have it? For thirty-four bucks you can be kitted out like a pro.
Spring Turkey Season!
Wednesday, May 1 opens the spring turkey season and continues on Town lands through Wednesday May 22nd – just before Memorial Day weekend – then resumes for May 28-31. Last spring a total of 2,000 people registered to hunt on state lands alone in Suffolk County, and zero hunting safety incidents were reported. As a reminder, hunting is only until noon each day and one bearded bird per season is the limit.
Local town lands are open to turkey hunting, where already designated for small game hunting. No reservation or registration is required.
Private land is huntable where not otherwise prohibited. In East Hampton itself, the only state land offering turkey hunting is Barcelona Neck, where DEC requires spring turkey hunters to register and make a reservation. Starting April 22nd, hunters can call the DEC at 631-380-3312 to secure a spot at Barcelona or other sites managed by the DEC.
Suffolk County has added spring turkey on selected parcels (Buckskill, Six Pole in EH), versus nothing last year. There is a sign up and lottery and green key requirement, all detailed here.
Mentored Turkey Hunt for Youth
April 17 training, then April 20 or 21 in the field.
Registration closes April 10. Licensed youth hunters 12-15 are eligible for free expert guided individual Turkey hunts, offered by the DEC. They recruit multiple veteran hunters to take kids out and share their knowledge. Register or get more information here.
Dues – New System
To streamline the process for all, and to tidy up finances, EHSA membership dues will now be payable/renewable once per year – on September 30th. This way we only need to conduct one membership renewal drive each year.
There is no change, and there are no payments due, for Lifetime members.
If your membership expires in 2025 or 2026, your next payment will be due Sept 30th, 2025 or Sept 30th, 2026, respectively.
New Members paying initial dues prior to Sept 30th are exempted in the year that they join.
Same for members who choose to renew early, which they are always free to do here.
Not sure if you owe? Ask your status with a quick note to Rob Stanich.
Don’t come to meetings or actually do much with the Alliance? Consider paying your modest dues anyway, as a token of support for the sporting life here and sportsmen’s rights. If EHSA did not exist, the spring turkey season discussed above would not exist in East Hampton.
East Hampton Sportsmen’s AllianceBoard of Directors
Terry O’RiordanLouis Forte Bill O’Leary Rob Stanich Patrick Furlong
On Tuesday 4/11 the East Hampton Town Board voted unanimously to permit Turkey hunting to residents with a town hunting permit on the town lands that already permit small game hunting. Thank you to the Maidstone Gun Club, the Montauk Boatmen and Captains Association, and every other local institution that came out in our support. The town lands will however be closed to hunting beginning the Thursday before Memorial Day.
Our 4/24 meeting will be a SIX (6) PM at Ashawagh Hall featuring guest speaker and Turkey Hunting expert Brian Leslie. We will also have Turkey meat snacks thanks to a Wild Fall Turkey generously donated to EHSA by Rich Hamilton.
Winter is coming…and so is Canada Goose season. We have three dates reserved again this year in the goose pits of Water Mill.
If you are an EHSA member and would like one of the goose hunting spots, email bol3000.yahoo.com@hubspotstarter.net and send us your preferred date(s).
Goose Dates: Early morning until about noon
Sunday, December 11
Sunday, December 18
Sunday, January 15
Exact costs and other details to come. You must register your interest now, or we will have to give up unclaimed spots.
It’s difficult to ignore the sound of shotguns on the East End in January. “What’s going on?” you may ask. Has the revolution begun? Is this legal? Indeed, it is. Until Monday, it’s shotgun hunting season in Suffolk County.
