Delaware County Chamber of Commerce is calling all middle school students for the National Civics Bee Essay Contest. Go to https://delawarecounty.org/events/national-civics-bee/ for more information on how to enter the contest.
The family learning center is hosting another family movie night on December 29th, at 4 pm. They will be playing “Elf” and “The Polar Express”. All children are given free admission, as well as free drinks and popcorn! Reminder, there must be an adult with children or adolescents that are attending! Please contact Brittany Highhouse at (570)493-0122 if there is any questions!
Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays to all our wonderful friends and families in Hancock New York! This has been an exciting year full of music events, store openings, and community beautification. Please be safe on busy highways and enjoy this miraculous weather!
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.