The Peru Gazette

State Adopts New Recreational and Commercial Slot Size Limits

With Striped Bass Seasons Approaching, New York Anglers Are Encouraged to Get Outside Safely, Practice Social Distancing during COVID-19 Public Health Crisis

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced the adoption of new regulations for recreational and commercial fishing for Atlantic striped bass. These regulations, which take effect immediately, are to reduce state commercial and recreational harvests by 18 percent as required by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC). Recreational striped bass seasons start on April 1 in the Hudson River and tributaries and on April 15 in marine waters. DEC reminds anglers to practice social distancing to prevent the potential spread of COVID-19.

The Atlantic coast-wide harvest of striped bass is managed by ASMFC. To address the finding that the striped bass resource is overfished and experiencing overfishing, ASMFC initiated and approved Addendum VI to Amendment 6 (PDF) of the Interstate Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for Atlantic Striped Bass to reduce harvest, end overfishing, and bring fishing mortality to the target level in 2020.

After presenting several options and seeking stakeholder input last year, New York State adopted state fishing regulation changes that reflect ASMFC’s Addendum measures and are in accordance with the FMP. The open seasons for striped bass in all New York waters have not changed. New York State worked cooperatively with other members of ASMFC to adopt consistent slot limit regulations and comparable season dates. The Addendum also requires all states to require the use of circle hooks when fishing with bait for the 2021 striped bass fishing season. Catch and release practices contribute significantly to overall fishing mortality and circle hooks work effectively to reduce release mortality in the recreational striped bass fisheries. Anglers are encouraged to use circle hooks in 2020 when using bait.

2020 Striped Bass Recreational Regulations:

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Getting out fishing is a great way to get fresh air, connect with nature, and have fun. During the public health crisis COVID-19, here are some helpful things to keep in mind when it comes to planning your next fishing trip.

Get your fishing license
With the closure of town clerks offices and many stores, you can purchase your fishing license online or over the phone, by calling 1-866-933-2257.

Know the Fishing Regulations
Yes, they still apply. Hardcopy requests will be delayed due to closures, but you can download a PDF version of the new 2020/2021 regulations guide from our website. To receive a hard copy, send an email to fwfish@dec.ny.gov and provide your mailing address.

Be Safe
Practice safe social distancing (at least six feet from another person), stay local and avoid crowded fishing spots.

Source: Child Protective Services

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Chamber introduces now hiring page to northcountrychamber.com!

 Plattsburgh, NY – 3/31/20 – There is no question that this time of challenge has negatively impacted employment in the North Country and resulted in many layoffs for the unforeseeable future. However, there are several sectors that have had a surge in business because of this situation and THEY. ARE. HIRING!

With this in mind, the North Country Chamber of Commerce has added a “Now Hiring” page to their website to help their member businesses showcase their job offerings to potential applicants.  Industries include pharmacies, grocery stores, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, manufacturing facilities and more!  Applicants can apply through the links provided on the Chamber’s website or call one of our local staffing agencies to get help with the entire hiring process.

**If you are a member of the Chamber and are currently hiring, email your business name and how to apply to chamber@westelcom.com. **

For more information on Coronavirus resources, small business information, health insurance and so much more, visit northcountrychamber.com!

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Hunters in New York Harvested More than 224,000 Deer in 2019-20

DEC Tested More than 2,600 Deer and Continues to Find No Evidence of CWD

The 2019 estimated deer take includes 103,787 antlerless deer and 120,403 antlered bucks. Statewide, this represents a nine percent decrease in antlerless harvest and a six percent increase in buck harvest from the last season. Regionally, hunters took 30,236 deer in the Northern Zone and 193,954 deer in the Southern Zone.

Across the state, hunters continued to voluntarily pass up young bucks. The portion of yearlings (1.5 years old) in the adult buck harvest dropped to 37 percent, the lowest level ever, and for the first time, harvest of 2.5-year-old bucks (41 percent) exceeded that of yearling bucks, demonstrating that New York hunters are adhering to the DEC campaign, Let Young Bucks Go and Watch Them Grow.

In addition, the 2019 season proved favorable for bowhunters, as take during the bowhunting season increased 18 percent from 2018. Deer take during the regular and muzzleloader seasons both dropped about six percent.

DEC’s 2019 Deer Harvest Summary report (PDF, 7 MB) provides tables, charts, and maps detailing the deer harvest around the state can be found on DEC’s website. Past harvest summaries are also available on DEC’s website.

2019 Deer Harvest Summary & Comparison Read more »