The arrival of hunting season in late fall

For most, late fall in the Adirondacks means cold autumn mornings followed by warmer, sunnier afternoons. However, for a select few, it means the beginning of their favorite time of year.

A time of 4 a.m. coffee on the woodstove at camp, driving 60 miles to their favorite spot early in the morning so they can see the sunrise as they wait patiently in their tree stand or alongside their favorite rock perch. Hunting season in the Adirondacks has arrived.

More than just the hunt

For some, hunting is an unmentionable topic, one that only means harvesting an animal for sport without consequence. But for those who partake, the activity means so much more.

Many days (and even seasons) at camp result in no game harvest at all, but the sheer act of going out in the woods and having the opportunity to provide for one’s family is a timeless tradition. For those without a camp, hunting season means early mornings driving in the autumn fog to a destination that is “secret” only to them.

Rituals on the season

Whether one was at camp the night before or just completed a long drive, the early morning is calm and quiet. Hunters often stop for coffee at a local diner, donut shop, or Stewart’s before heading out into the woods.

Once in the bush, hunters relive days gone by as they sit aside a bluff or down in a gully. This exact spot is where they will teach the next generation of sportsmen the responsibilities handed down to them by the latter, with a stern face and a hushed voice, of course. After all, this is still a hunt.

The harvest and celebration

If the stars align, the end of the day is followed by a celebration of harvest. The hard (HARD) work has finally paid off: pictures are taken, smiles are made, and most importantly, freezers are filled for the long New York winter.

Hunters can find Adirondack weighing stations for their harvested game at locations like the Hamilton Mercantile in Wells, Charlie Johns in Speculator, or The Adirondack Hotel in Long Lake. For restocking outdoor necessities, Pine’s Country Store in Indian Lake is a staple stop.

Passing down skills and stewardship

Throughout the hunt, the skill of self-reliance is assured and a robust confidence is instilled in the younger folks. These moments prove to them that they, too, possess the abilities needed to provide for their future families and become the next responsible generation of stewards continuing this tradition.

Hunters, by design, are some of the most conscious and responsible conservationists in the Adirondacks. They follow regulations, are selective of their harvest, and are heavily vested in the fragile ecosystem that makes up the Adirondack woods. They will do nothing to harm this balance, as they know how much weight the responsibility carries for themselves, fellow sportsmen, and the generations to come.

Resources for hunters

Hunting opportunities in the Adirondack Park are vast, with plenty of resources available to help plan your season. The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) provides details and regulations, while Hamilton County-specific sporting opportunities can be found through Experience Our Adirondacks. Licenses for fishing, hunting, and other sporting activities are also available online, and for those looking to pair their trip with fall camping, the DEC offers seasonal information on campgrounds and day-use areas.

With so many opportunities and resources at hand, now is the perfect time to start planning your next hunting adventure in the Adirondacks. Pack your gear, explore new traditions, and experience the season the way generations of hunters have before you.