The holidays are here, and across New York State the snow has been flying for days! The great news for outdoor enthusiasts is that the ski hills have officially opened in Western New York. Holiday Valley, Kissing Bridge, and the Buffalo Ski Club are all projecting a strong start to the season. Being able to ski during the holidays is a win for those who love the outdoors, and for the resorts that rely on winter traffic. But there’s another group of people getting outside this holiday season: deer hunters who are taking part in New York State’s extended season.

The Holiday Hunt: Why It Exists

The regular deer season has been underway since October 1, with some areas of New York opening as early as September. Archery, crossbow, and firearm seasons have all been active for months. A few years ago, New York State introduced the Holiday Hunt,an extended season designed to give hunters who didn’t fill a tag during the regular season one final opportunity.

How Conservation Plays a Role

There are hundreds of thousands of deer hunters in New York State, and each year the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) tracks the number of harvested deer to maintain a healthy herd. Conditions like chronic wasting disease are monitored closely. In many ways, deer hunting is conservation at work, and the DEC plays a major role in balancing wildlife populations.

“Hunting is among the most popular forms of wildlife recreation in New York State. Nearly 700,000 New Yorkers and over 50,000 nonresidents hunt in the Empire State”.

Fewer Hunters, Changing Traditions

Despite strong participation, the number of hunters in New York State has declined over the years. While many still enjoy the tradition of deer camp and weekend hunts, the culture isn’t quite what it used to be. It wasn’t long ago that you could drive around during deer season and see trucks lined along the woods and families heading to camp every Friday afternoon. Those sights have become less common in recent years.

Read More: Shocking Coyote Hunting Laws in New York State

How the Holiday Hunt Affects Snowmobilers

The Holiday Hunt has its critics, especially snowmobilers. Snowmobile season can’t officially begin until after the last day of deer season, which includes the extended holiday period. Riders should remember that trails won’t open until conditions are safe and local clubs give the green light. These clubs work hard to maintain trails and build positive relationships with landowners, many of whom are hunters themselves. Disturbing them during hunting season could strain those relationships and threaten access to certain trail networks.

Patience Is Key for Hunters, Riders, and Landowners

At the end of the day, patience is the name of the game for hunters, snowmobilers, and landowners alike. New York State determines how many deer must be taken annually to maintain herd health, and the Holiday Hunt will continue through this year and into 2026. For anyone looking to hike or explore the woods around Christmas and New Year’s, keep in mind that hunters may still be out trying to fill their tags.

New York State Whitetail Deer Trail Cam Photos

Gallery Credit: Clay Moden