Firearms season begins this weekend for bear and deer in New York's Southern Zone, which includes much of central, western New York and the Hudson Valley.

The season begins Saturday, Nov. 15 and runs through Sunday, Dec. 7, according to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

“This November, hundreds of thousands of big game hunters will head afield to enjoy the outdoors and a chance to harvest deer or bear in New York's Southern Zone," DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said in a news release . “As stewards of hunting traditions and New York’s deer population, all hunters should keep their conservation responsibilities as a top priority while enjoying time afield."

Among those, she said, are following safe hunting practices and protecting the health of New York State

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