As your constituent, I am writing to respectfully urge you to support Senate Bill S9462, which would restore the authority of the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (NYDEC) to issue Deer Management Permits (DMPs) throughout the Northern Zone.

Effective wildlife management requires flexibility and the ability to respond to changing conditions on the ground. In parts of northern New York, deer populations are increasing, leading to greater impacts on forest regeneration, agriculture, and heightened potential for human-wildlife conflicts. However, current restrictions prevent NYDEC from using one of its most important management tools in key regions of the Adirondacks.

S9462 would provide NYDEC deer managers with the ability to make science-based decisions by issuing antlerless deer permits where appropriate. Importantly, this bill does not mandate increased harvest in low-density areas—it simply restores the flexibility needed to manage deer populations responsibly and effectively.

I strongly support maintaining the authority of our state’s wildlife professionals to steward New York’s natural resources using sound science and proven management practices. Restoring DMP authority is a commonsense step that will help ensure healthy deer populations and balanced ecosystems for the future.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I respectfully ask that you vote YES on S9462.