The Second Opening Day For New York State Deer Hunters

We are a couple of days into the regular firearm hunting season for deer and bear here in Western New York State, and hunters are reporting mixed results. Some enjoyed a great opening morning, while others found success late Sunday afternoon or early Monday. But if you haven’t made it to the woods yet, or haven’t harvested a deer, there’s good news. What many consider a “second opening day” is just around the corner.

The forecast suggests things will settle down over the next few days with some rain moving in and even more wet snow by Thanksgiving. Opening weekend brought challenging conditions, with heavy rain soaking much of the region. Earlier this week, parts of the Great Lakes region picked up some snow, something many hunters welcome.

Hunting in snow can completely change the experience: visibility improves, the woods brighten, and tracking a deer becomes much easier with fresh tracks on the ground.

Fewer Hunters in the Woods?

As we get closer to Thanksgiving week, excitement is building again at deer camp. Driving home from our own camp this weekend, I noticed fewer trucks and cars parked along roads and access points where hunters once gathered. We hear conversations all the time about declining hunter numbers—maybe you’ve noticed the same thing?

Introducing the Next Generation to Hunting

In our family, I’m beginning to introduce hunting to our kids, and if they show interest, I’ll always support it. I love being in the outdoors, and I love sharing those hunting adventures with them.

Success for me now looks a little different. Now it’s answering their questions, keeping them engaged, and helping them sit still in a tree stand or deer blind for more than 30 minutes!

Thanksgiving Week: The “Second Opening Day”

When Thanksgiving week arrives and hunters head to camp, it feels like a second opening day here in New York State. Thanksgiving morning gives many people the chance to get into the woods, especially if they had to miss the November 15 opener due to work or family obligations.
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Most people are off on Thanksgiving morning and the days that follow, which means the woods will once again fill with hunters pursuing deer or bear. Hunting season continues well after Thanksgiving, but for many, this is the last real chance before life gets busy again.

A Family Tradition in the Woods

Hunting on Thanksgiving has become a cherished family tradition for many in Western New York. It’s a chance to spend time outdoors, make memories with friends and family, and then head home for a great meal, football, and relaxation.

Some of my favorite hunting memories are from Thanksgiving morning, and I can’t wait to make more with our kids this year. The real challenge? Managing all three of my sons in the woods at the same time, especially since they’re all under nine! We may never see a deer again, but honestly, that doesn’t matter. The real trophy is simply being out in nature with them.

Good luck, hunt safely, and happy Thanksgiving!