PUBLIC NOTICE: The Hancock Holiday Ice Rink is still not fully frozen...we will hope to open to the public next week, as soon as it is frozen and safe to skate on. We will update everyone on social media and in the App as soon as the ice is properly frozen.
Winter Holiday Market: Please join Unclebrother and All Sorts and more than a dozen vendors for a new holiday marketplace in the village of Hancock at the Unclebrother gallery located at 250 E Front Street - Sunday Dec 17th from 12-7pm.
Winter Holiday Market: Please join Unclebrother and All Sorts and more than a dozen vendors for a new holiday marketplace in the village of Hancock at the Unclebrother gallery located at 250 E Front Street - Sunday Dec 17th from 12-7pm.
Come out tonight and support the winter activities in the Hancock Town Square by enjoying a family movie night at the Hancock Cinemas at 7:15pm when they show the holiday classic comedy “National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.” Your ticket sale serves as a donation to the Holiday Ice Rink built last night and other family activities during the winter season offered by the Hancock Partners!
PARADE TONIGHT 6PM: The annual Hancock Christmas on the Square activities and visit with Santa will take place from 4-8pm Today Saturday December 2nd in the Hancock Town Square & the 15th Annual Parade of Lights will take place at 6pm. Santa visits start at 4pm as well as activities/games for children of all ages!
SHOP LOCAL FOR THE HOLIDAYS: Don't forget to visit the Treasure Chest on E Front Street for great holiday decor ideas and hand crafted gifts, as well as Marino's, Perfectly Priced, All Sorts, Kaybirds, Hancock Liquors, TroutBrook Studios, The Camptons, Napa Auto Store and many others! #shophancockny #visithancockny
COMMUNITY FUNDRAISER TONIGHT: Support the new Holiday Ice Rink and all Hancock Partners winter activities in the Hancock Town Square this holiday season by visiting the Hancock Cinemas tonight for a special showing of The Sting, starting at 7:15pm tonight!
Celebrate Small Business Saturday with all the local shops in Hancock NY including: Trout Brook Studios, All Sorts, The Camptons, and Kaybirds who open 8am - 4pm and they will also be hosting Nightshade on Elm coffee shop from 8am-1pm. Plus many more shops, just stop in to check out their special sales promotions across the whole village! #shopsmall #visithancockny
Preventing the Spread of CWD When Hunting
Deboning Informational Image
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is an always fatal disease of deer species that is spreading across North America and threatens New York’s deer and moose populations and hunting opportunities. Hunters could unintentionally introduce or spread CWD through their hunting activities or harvested deer. By taking some simple precautions hunters can help keep CWD out of New York.
If you deer hunt outside of the state, debone your venison before bringing it back into New York. DEC recently created the educational video “How to Debone Venison in the Field” to demonstrate how to quickly debone venison from a harvested deer. It is illegal to bring whole deer carcasses or high-risk carcass parts into New York from other states. Allowed parts include deboned venison, the cleaned skull cap, antlers with no flesh, the raw or processed cape or hide, cleaned teeth or lower jaw, and finished taxidermy products. All parts and/or packages containing parts must be labeled with the species of animal, where the animal was taken, and the hunter’s name and address before bringing them into New York.
If you harvest a deer from an area known to have CWD you should submit samples to that state’s Department of Natural Resources for CWD testing before eating the venison. If the deer comes back positive for CWD after bringing the venison into New York, call DEC to have the venison destroyed. Do not dispose of CWD positive venison on the landscape as this could infect deer in your area.
If you deer hunt in New York avoid using natural deer urine-based scent or lure products as they could contain CWD. Use synthetic alternatives instead. Don’t feed wild deer or moose which can concentrate animals and facilitate the spread of disease. Dispose of deer carcass parts where the deer was harvested or in a landfill to avoid spreading diseases. Lastly, report any deer or moose that appears sick or is acting abnormally to DEC.
Do your part to protect New York’s deer and deer hunting heritage by helping keep New York CWD-free. For more information about how you can help keep New York CWD-free visit DEC’s website, Facebook page, and YouTube channel.
Non-Lead Ammunition Rebate
Non-Lead Ammo Informational Photo
Do you deer hunt WMUs 3H, 4F, 4G, 4H, 4O, 4P, 4R, 4W, or 6G?
Hunters for Eagle Conservation and Conservation Science Global are providing rebates of up to $60 to eligible hunters in these WMUs for non-lead ammunition for deer hunting.
Visit Hunters for Eagle Conservation to learn more about the multi-year project to understand how the use of non-lead ammunition can assist with eagle conservation.
Have you considered applying for a rebate but can’t find non-lead ammunition? Or have you not been awarded a DMP in the project area? If so, we would like to hear from you as our project partners can help with finding non-lead ammunition and project eligibility. Please email: NewYork@HuntersForEagleConservation.org
Drones Not Allowed For Deer Recovery in New York
Drone Photo
Recently, DEC has received inquiries about the potential use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs or drones) to assist with the recovery of hunter-harvested deer or bear. However, tracking and recovery of a deer or bear are part of the hunt, and New York laws do not allow drones to be used in this way.
Drones are defined and regulated as aircraft by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and aircraft may not be used to aid deer or bear hunters. This applies to both hobby/recreational drone pilots and drone pilots flying under FAA commercial regulations.
Confusion comes because the same section of law that prohibits use of aircraft also prohibits use of dogs to aid in hunting deer or bear. However, a separate section of law authorizes DEC to regulate and license the use of leashed tracking dogs specifically to aid in the recovery of deer and bear. The law does not make a similar provision for aircraft, including drones, and DEC cannot regulate or license the use of drones without authorizing statute.
Hunters seeking assistance to locate dead or wounded deer or bear may contact volunteer, licensed, leashed-tracking dog handlers at:
Deer Search, Inc. serving hunters in central and eastern New York
Deer Search FLC, Inc. serving hunters in the Finger Lakes Region
Deer Search of WNY, Inc. serving hunters in Western New York
Town of Hancock will be having a tire collection day on 12/2 from 8:00am-noon at the Town Highway Garage in Fishs Eddy.
Tire Disposal Rules
1. Must be a Town of Hancock resident
2. Must posess a 2023 Transfer Station Permit
3. Tires no larger than 20"
4. No rims
5. Free of dirt and water
6. Need to be stacked in trailer
7.Up to 6 tires, no charge. Each additional tire is $2.00 each
8. Tire disposal passes available from Town Clerk
Monday - Friday 8:30-12:30 and 1:30-4:30
Celebrate our Hancock NY Veterans and indeed all veterans today, by joining them for a special service/ceremony in the Hancock Town Square at 11am today, or by thanking local veterans for their service across the nation today!
PLEASE JOIN THE HANCOCK PARTNERS FOR THEIR FINAL BINGO NIGHT OF THE SEASON AT THE HANCOCK HOUSE HOTEL - MAPLE ROOM - 5-7PM. COME OUT AND ENJOY A FAMILY-FRIENDLY COMMUNITY GAME, WHICH WILL FEATURE CASH PRIZES, & CHRISTMAS GIFT BASKETS BY KAYBIRDS. BINGO CARDS START AT $10 AND GOOD FOR ALL GAMES. 20% OF ALL THE PROCEEDS TO GO TOWARDS WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA.
COFFEE & COMMUNITY: Please join the new HCS Superintendent Lori Asquith for a collaborative conversation this Weds Nov 15th 12-1pm at the Hancock House Hotel, or over the next few weeks on the topic of community and of living the Wildcat Pledge. Please join in on one of these eight casual coffee sessions to share your thoughts and experiences with their team. #gowildcats
Hunting and Trapping Newsletter
Leftover DMPs Will be Available Soon!
Photo of Deer Courtesy of John Lehmann
Attention all deer hunters! Remember that leftover Deer Management Permits (DMPs), or antlerless deer tags, become available for certain Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) beginning November 1st. This year, leftover DMPs are available for the following WMUs:
1C, 3M, 3R, 3S, 4J, 4T, 6G, 6P, 7F, 7H, 7J, 7R, 8A, 8C, 8F, 8G, 8H, 8J, 8M, 8N, 8R, 8S, 9A, 9F, & 9G
You can apply for and receive up to two additional leftover DMPs through your local hunting license issuing outlet. DEC will not accept applications over the phone, by mail, or online.
Leftover DMPs are issued on a first-come / first-serve basis. If you apply for leftover DMPs it will not affect your preference points.
DEC adjusts the number of DMPs available to hunters in each wildlife management unit to ensure deer populations remain in balance with available habitat and do not exceed levels of public acceptance that can lead to increased crop damage, deer-vehicle collisions, and other deer-related impacts. Do your part to steward New York’s deer herd by filling at least one DMP this season.
Winter is Coming - What are Bears Up to?
Late in the fall months, bears are in the final stretch of hyperphagia or excessive eating, to ensure they have enough fat stored for the fast-approaching winter months. Some bears will search for food up to 20 hours a day! In years where food sources are less abundant bears have been known to den-up as early as late October. During especially mild winters, bears may not formally den and will remain active throughout the winter if food sources like acorns or beechnuts are available. Typically bears will begin denning starting in November and through December.
Bear dens can be as simple as a depression on the forest floor, but typically are small cavities in trees or under brush piles. In New York, bears have been known to den under residential porches or other outbuildings. Den sites are typically dry and afford protection from the elements during the long winter season.
Treestand Tale of Two Hunters
Photo of Hunter in Tree Stand with Fall-Arrest System and All Other Safety Tools Equipped
Two deer hunters climbed into their tree stands this fall.
One of the hunters was wearing a full-body harness and had a tether strap that attached their harness to the tree. While adjusting their position, this hunter slipped and fell out of the stand. The harness and strap held, and this hunter suffered only minor injuries. The proper use of a full-body harness and staying connected to the tree at all times likely prevented major injuries or death.
The second hunter was also wearing a full-body harness but was not attached to a lifeline while climbing into their stand. This hunter slipped on metal steps while ascending and fell 15 feet to the ground. This hunter is lucky to be alive but suffered major injuries including broken and fractured bones.
Moral of the story:
Wear and properly use a fall-arrest system (FAS). A FAS will keep you attached to the tree from the time you leave the ground until you get back down. A harness alone does not protect you if it isn’t attached the tree the entire time you are off the ground.
Let someone know where your stand is located and when you plan to be home.
Use a haul line to raise your unloaded gun, cocked crossbow, or bow with quiver up to the stand. Never tie the haul line to the trigger guard.
Carry emergency equipment, such as a knife, cell phone, flashlight, and whistle in your pockets at all times (not in your pack hanging in the tree).
Tonight's Costume Bingo which had been rescheduled will be moved to Saturday November 11th 5-7PM, due to scheduling conflicts and cold weather. We will work to secure an indoor venue by Saturday November 11th, and to honor our Veterans we will be hosting this one as a Red, White & Blue - American Bingo theme.
Marc Molinaro is celebrating his birthday at the Hancock House Hotel on Friday November 10th from 5:30pm to 8:30pm. All are welcome. $40 per plate for singles & $75 for couples.
Hunting and Trapping Newsletter
Remember to Wear Blaze Orange or Blaze Pink!
Screen Capture of Blaze Orange and Blaze Pink Video Published by DEC
Did you know that hunting is one of the safest forms of outdoor recreation? Let’s keep it that way by wearing blaze orange or blaze pink when hunting for bear or deer this firearms season!
Watch DEC's informational video about wearing blaze orange and blaze pink.
The Two Most Important Things New York Hunters Can Do to Improve Deer Management
DEC often receives and responds to recommendations from hunters on how to improve deer management and hunting opportunities in New York. However, data collected and tracked by DEC indicates that hunters often overlook or do not participate in the two simplest and most important ways that they can directly improve deer management:
harvesting antlerless deer; and
reporting all the deer they harvest.
Screen Capture of Harvest Estimation Video Published by DEC
In 2022, only 12% of deer hunters harvested one antlerless deer, and only 4% of hunters harvested 2 or more antlerless deer. Whether by choice or circumstance, 84% of hunters didn’t harvest any antlerless deer, despite antlerless deer being the most abundant and commonly observed portion of the deer population. Further, in 2022, only 46% of hunters reported the deer that they harvested, the second lowest reporting rate DEC has documented over the previous 5 years.
Ensuring sufficient harvest of antlerless deer and deer harvest reporting are the backbone of DEC’s deer management program. DEC adjusts the number of Deer Management Permits (i.e., antlerless deer tags) available to hunters in each wildlife management unit to ensure deer populations remain in balance with available habitat and do not exceed levels of public acceptance that can lead to increased crop damage, deer-vehicle collisions, and other deer-related impacts. Harvest reporting by hunters allows DEC to accurately estimate the number of deer harvested as well as track the age and sex distribution of the deer harvest each season. This information greatly informs DEC’s deer management planning and decisions the following year. It’s a virtuous cycle that relies heavily on hunters’ willingness to participate and meet their moral and legal obligations as stewards of New York’s shared white-tailed deer resource.
DEC recently published an educational video that provides an overview of how DEC uses hunter harvest reports to estimate the annual deer and bear harvests. Watch the video on DEC's YouTube Channel.
By harvesting antlerless deer and reporting every deer harvested you play a critical role in deer management and help inform DEC’s future deer management decisions. Take at least one antlerless deer this season if given the opportunity and report all of your deer harvests through DEC’s website, the HuntFish NY mobile app., or by calling 1-866-426-3778.
FALL FUNDRAISER TODAY: Fall for Wreaths by Kaybird's & Nightshade on Elm is today October 21 - 10:00 AM - 01:00 PM at 9 Park Pl, Hancock, NY 13783. A seasonal benefit for Wreaths Across America. Preregistration at Kaybirds is recommended but not required. The event cost is $20 and will be taking place at Nightshade on Elm at the Corner of "Park Place" aka "Elm Street" & West Front Street. Directly across the street from Kaybirds. Crafts Cost Include: Decorated woven raffia pumpkin and fall board. *Coffee & baked good combos are just $5, portions of the food and beverage proceeds will go towards this fundraising event.
Fuel Oil Safety
DEC also reminds home and property owners to inspect heating fuel oil storage tanks for leaks or spills before ordering and receiving fuel oil.
Annual inspections can prevent leaks and spills and protect property, public health, and the environment. Homeowners are advised to look for the following concerns and contact their fuel oil service provider if they see any of the items from the lists below.
For above-ground heating fuel oils storage tanks, look for:
Bent, rusty, or wobbly tank legs or tank located on an unstable foundation;
Signs of rust, weeps, wet spots, or many dents on the tank's surface;
Drips or any signs of leaks around the oil filter or valves;
Fuel oil lines not covered in a protective casing - even if under concrete;
Overhanging eaves where snow and ice could fall onto the tank;
Stains on the ground or strong oil odor around the tank;
Browning, dying, or loss of vegetation around the tank;
Silent overfill whistle while tank is being filled - ask fuel delivery person;
Fully or partially blocked tank vent from snow, ice, or insect nests;
Signs of spills around fill pipe or vent pipe;
Improperly sized vent pipes - ask fuel delivery person; and
Cracked, stuck, or frozen fuel level gauges or signs of fuel around them.
For underground heating fuel oils storage tanks, look for:
Water in the tank - ask fuel delivery person to check;
Oil or oil sheen in your basement sump or French drain;
Silent overfill whistle while tank is being filled - ask fuel delivery person;
Fully or partially blocked tank vent from snow, ice, or insect nests;
Signs of spills around fill pipe or vent pipe;
Well water has strange tastes or smells;
Complaints from neighbors of fuel oil smells; and
Using more than normal amount of fuel.
DEC offers tips on environmentally friendly home heating safety and a checklist covering many issues for home heating oil tanks in this month's Living the Green Life webpage, offering both prevention and response guidance about fuel spills. Fuel oil spills or leaks should be reported to the DEC Spills Hotline at 1-800-457-7362. For more information on home heating oil tank stewardship, visit the Underground Heating Oil Tanks: A Homeowner's Guide webpage on DEC's website.
Help for Homeowners
New Yorkers can take the following steps in their homes to help protect against higher energy costs, including:
apply for the Home Energy Assistance Program, with applications starting on Nov. 1;
be more energy efficient to lower energy usage;
receive a customized list of energy-related assistance in the State;
sign up for Community Solar;
get a free energy audit;
join a Clean Heating and Cooling Campaign;
know your rights and protections regarding utility services; and
consider bill payment options, among other steps.
Oil spill from home heating tank
Photo Courtesy of NYSDEC: Oil spill from home heating tank.
DEC Reminds Homeowners and Landlords to Prioritize Home Heating Safety This Fall and Winter
Property Owners Advised to Put Safety First and Utilize Assistance Program Opportunities
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today advised homeowners and landlords to put safety first when preparing for home heating needs this fall and winter. DEC reminded property owners to avoid connecting occupied buildings to wells producing natural gas because doing so can be dangerous and potentially deadly. DEC also encouraged property owners who use oil for heat to inspect fuel storage tanks for potential leaks or spills before receiving shipments of fuel oil for the upcoming heating season. In addition, with the expectation of rising supply and delivery costs, DEC urged residents to take steps now to utilize programs designed to save consumers energy and money.
"New Yorkers are encouraged to plan ahead and prepare to ensure a safe and warm home this winter season," DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said. "Property owners using oil for heat should inspect fuel storage tanks for leaks and spills before receiving shipments for the heating season and be extra cautious if connecting to a home-use well. Annual inspections and simple precautions can help prevent leaks and spills and protect people, property, and the environment."
Natural Gas Safety
Natural gas produced by a gas or oil well is odorless and difficult or impossible for a person to detect. While the primary component of natural gas is methane, gases like propane and butane may also be present in addition to water, because the gas is raw and untreated. This may result in improper and erratic combustion in appliances. The risk of an explosion due to natural gas build-up in a home is substantially greater if that gas is not provided by a utility.
If a home-use well is connected to a house or other structure:
Contact a plumber licensed to work on gas lines and have the fuel source switched to utility natural gas or consider another fuel or heating appliance;
Natural gas directly from a well is odorless and colorless, meaning it may build up to explosive levels without detection. Install methane detection alarms in any closed space where methane may accumulate;
Commercial gas suppliers always add the odorant mercaptan to natural gas before it is delivered for use. Consider adding mercaptan to natural gas from a home use well so that it can be more easily detected; and
Contact DEC if the well is not registered in DEC's database. Owning and operating an oil or gas well comes with regulatory responsibilities aimed at protecting the environment. New York is actively plugging oil and gas wells throughout the state for which there is no registered operator.
For questions and additional information about "home-use wells," contact DEC at (518) 402-8056 or oilgas@dec.ny.gov. Also, visit DEC's website for photos and additional details.