perhaps the actual deer take will not change with the shortened season but a sure fact is that hunters will be deprived of several days in the field. i dont understand why nys does not increase the number of bow hunting days. while starting the season earlier will not result in a significant increase in deer take, it will provide hunters the opportunity to get out. for most of us, "getting out" is what its about, not killing a deer. my native state of wisconsin starts their bow season on the 15 sep. every year.

it is good and bad having a late opener.the good is you will do your homework better.the bad is alot of hunters may lower their expectations on the size deer they shoot.that can put a hurtin on deer management.being pressed for time can bring anxiety to a hunter which in turn will lead to smaller bucks than usual being harvested.change always takes time to get used too.in my opinion they should leave certain things alone.

i really dont see what the harm would have been in opening on the 11th this year as our season is short enough as it is.  i would, furthermore, be in favor of a shortened gun season in lieu of a longer bow season in general.