OLIVE, N.Y. (AP) - The operators of New York City’s reservoirs are encouraging hunters to help manage deer populations on the surrounding land.
The city Department of Environmental Protection is urging interested hunters to apply for special tags by Oct. 10 that will allow additional hunting on land around the Ashokan, Cannonsville, Neversink, Pepacton and Rondout reservoirs.
The free permits allow hunters to kill antlerless deer. The agency says controlling deer populations around the reservoirs help it protect water quality and promote forest regeneration.
The special permits are available via lottery through New York state’s Deer Management Assistance Program. Hunters can apply by calling (845) 340-7811 or by sending an email to jstaby@dep.nyc.gov.
Hunters on city lands in the upstate watershed must have a valid DEP access permit.
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