'DEC Does What?!' Podcast Episode 14 Now Available: Pheasants and Deer and Bear, Oh My!

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today released the latest episode of "DEC Does What?!", the bi-weekly podcast that features conversations with DEC experts about the agency's wide-ranging efforts to protect New Yorkers and the environment. Episode 14-"Pheasants and Deer and Bear, Oh My!"-takes a closer look at the start of big game hunting season in New York State, and the economic and conservation benefits that hunting provides.

Hunting remains one of the most popular forms of outdoor wildlife recreation in New York State, with more than 565,000 licensed hunters generating approximately $1.5 billion in economic activity each year. In this episode, hosts Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar and Chief of Staff Erica Ringewald are joined by Timothy Pyszczynski and Brendan Quirion-Wildlife Biologists with DEC's Division of Fish and Wildlife-to discuss the importance of hunter education and safety programs to recruit the next generation of hunters and help prevent hunting-related accidents, preview the deer and bear harvest for 2024-2025, and explore the role of big game hunting in wildlife management and conservation, including maintaining healthy deer and bear populations.

Tim and Brendan also reflect on how their passion for science and the outdoors led to careers with DEC, share their favorite venison meals, and talk about how local harvests help reduce our environmental footprint and feed New Yorkers in need.

Episode 14 also spotlights the latest environmental news and DEC initiatives, including reminders for New Yorkers and visitors to "Be Seen, Be Safe, and Show Respect" during the fall and winter hunting season, the upcoming deadline (Nov. 1, 2024) for the Rock Salt Usage survey, and how New Yorkers can prioritize home heating safety this winter.

All episodes of "DEC Does What?!" are available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon Music, and all major podcast platforms.

For more information on "DEC Does What?!," visit the DEC podcast webpage.