Hot Topics    

Safely and respectfully share the woods



Be sure to protect yourself and loved ones

protect yourself and others in the woods

With hunting and trapping season open now, DEC encourages outdoor enthusiasts to respectfully share the woods and follow commonsense safety precautions.?Most public lands in New York are open for multiple forms of recreation, meaning outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds will be sharing these lands. 

A hiker and their dog hiking partner resting on a log wearing blaze orange

Whether you are a hiker, hunter, nature photographer, mountain biker, or trapper, following a few simple measures can make your choice of recreation safe and enjoyable while sharing the outdoors.

  • Wear bright colors - especially during fall and winter. Pet owners are encouraged to have their dogs wear a blaze orange, pink, or another bright color vest or scarf.

  • Keep dogs on a leash on public lands.

  • Respect other outdoor recreators.


Other articles by HVP News Reporters


  • Rethink how you fire up the grill

    Cook up some hearty fruit for a change of pace

    Grilling is popular during the warm months simply for the vast amount of different foods that can be created and devoured, plus you’re outside enjoying the sunshine. read more »
  • How women can optimize health to combat cardiovascular disease

    What you need to know

    The threat of heart disease and stroke is growing substantially among women and girls as rates climb for health factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity, with 6 in 10 U.S. women projected to have at least one type of cardiovascular disease (CVD) by 2050. read more »
  • Heart risks go beyond the heart

    Don't forget to check blood sugar and kidney health

    Diabetes and kidney disease are major risk factors for heart disease, yet many cases are undiagnosed. In fact, most people don’t realize their heart, kidney and metabolic health – how the body creates, uses and stores energy – are connected. read more »
  • 9 steps for a lifetime of heart-healthy eating

    Simple ways to improve your family's diet

    More than half of adults and about 60% of children in the United States have unhealthy diets, which can contribute to higher rates of health factors such as high blood pressure and obesity. read more »
  • Spend a night out with your kids – in the backyard!

    Camping…long-lasting memories with these family fun activities

    Have a blast. Camp close to home. Enjoy the full benefits of a camping trip in your backyard (or neighborhood), complete with a stocked fridge and indoor plumbing. read more »
  • 5 warm weather skin care tips

    Summer heat requires more hydration

    Although it's often overlooked, skin is an essential organ that needs special attention and care. After all, not only does your skin tell the true story of your health and age, it provides a protective barrier to the rest of your body. read more »
  • Recipes from "The Catskills Farm to Table Cookbook" by Courtney Wade

    Enjoy these recipes shared by Courtney

    Courtney Wade scoured Hudson Valley, New York farms for the best produced produce and meats. From her collection she created fabulous recipes, many easy to make and delicious to taste read more »
  • Cooking helps kids develop cognitive and hand skills

    Toddlers, pre-schoolers, and kids with special needs can benefit from helping parents cook

    Cooking is not just a fun activity for parents and children to do together. Focus on specific actions to help your child develop fine motor control, while drawing out other learning opportunities. read more »
  • Should your child have a smartphone?

    It depends on maturity, specific needs, and parental groundwork

    Many adults consider smartphones indispensable, but there are reasons to keep them away from kids. At what point do the benefits outweigh the drawbacks for young people? read more »
  • Squiggles to Words: The Emergent Writer

    Children begin mastering writing skills earlier than you think

    Learning to read and write is a complex task, but the wonder is children are thrilled to learn this skill. The trick is to keep a balance of drill and practice kinds of lessons with a higher proportion of authentic writing tasks. Filling in a worksheet on the letter ‘b’ is far less productive than actually writing about a ball or balloon. read more »