Enjoy a Relaxing Day of Fishing for Free in New York

New York has announced a free fishing day for residents. On Saturday, September 25, 2021, National Hunting and Fishing Day, residents can fish for free. Governor Kathy Hochul announced the fifth free fishing day this year via the Governors office website, saying,

I encourage new and experienced anglers alike to take advantage of the upcoming Free Fishing Day, which gives everyone the chance to try the sport at no cost and introduce family and friends to a new hobby. Getting outside to cast a line is a perfect way to experience the outdoors and recharge at one of New York's many world-class fishing destinations. Fishing in New York State provides both recreational enjoyment and serves as a vital economic generator, supporting local economies statewide.

Free fishing days allow people to fish without a license. New York State is home to more than 7,500 lakes and ponds and 70,000 miles of rivers and streams, so there are plenty of fishing spots to explore. You can check out the state's list of places to fish to find your perfect place. The last free fishing day of the year will be on Veterans Day, November 11.

Deer Hunters in New York, This Rule Change Could Save Your Life

New York state has made some changes to hunting rules, here's what you need to know. On Wednesday, September 1, 2021, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos announced the modifications. There have been some changes made to the attire requirement for hunters and their parties, as well as to the hours hunting is permitted.

The change made to what hunters or anyone accompanying a hunter is designed to help keep people from being accidentally shot,

Require anyone hunting big game with a firearm, or accompanying someone hunting big game with a firearm, to wear a solid or patterned fluorescent orange or fluorescent pink hat, vest, or jacket. Most two-party hunting-related shooting incidents in New York involve a hunter victim who was not wearing fluorescent orange or pink clothing. Similar fluorescent orange requirements exist in most states.

This change will help stop some of the accidental shootings and deaths that have happened while residents were hunting. There were more than 20 people injured or killed while hunting just last year,

DEC documented 22 hunting-related shooting incidents (HRSIs) during the 2020-2021 hunting season, three of which were fatalities.

According to the state Department of Environmental Conservation statistics, nine of the shootings mentioned above were two-party, meaning a hunter shot someone in his or her party. In seven of those shootings, the victim was not wearing hunter orange. So it's clear that this rule will help save lives or at minimum stop shooting injuries.

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