COVID-19 INFORMATION

RECREATION ON FORT DRUM

• There are no restrictions related to COVID-19. 

GENERAL RECREATION

While enjoying outdoor spaces, please continue to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for preventing the spread of colds, flu, and COVID-19:

• Stay home if you are sick, or showing or feeling any COVID-19 symptoms such as fever, coughing, and/or troubled breathing.
• Avoid close contact, such as shaking hands, hugging, or high-fives.
• Wash hands often or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol when sopan and water are not available.
•  Avoid unncessary contact with surfaces that are often touched such as door knobs and handrails.

HUNTER EDUCATION

Traditional hunter education courses were cancelled in the spring and summer 2020 due to COVID-19, but have resumed starting September 1. There is no fee to attend the traditional course. However, there is also an online option available. Anyone 11 years of age and older can obtain a hunter education certificate by completing the online course and virtual field day, passing the final exam, and paying a fee. 

HUNTING

• Purchase your New York State licenses online via the Department of Environmental Conservation Licensing System (DECALS) to avoid visiting busy stores or because stores may be closed or have limited hours. Licenses and tags purchased online take 10-14 days to arrive--please plan accordinly. 
• Hunt close to home. Opt for day trips over staying at a hunting camp to avoid close contact with other hunters.
• Avoid crowds at parking areas and other locations where people congregate. Keep a distance of six feet or more from others.
• Avoid high-traffic destinations. If a hunting location is crowded, choose a different spot or time to visit. Check the NYSDEC web site for ideas for other alternative hunting locations in New York State. 
• Hunt alone. If you do happen to hunt with a buddy (someone you don't already live with), take separate vehicles to your hunting location and make sure to maintain at least six feet between you both. Only share a hunting blind with someone you've been in continuous close contact with for the past two weeks.
• Carry hand sanitizer and avoid touching your face. Remember to wash any wildlife calls after handling.
• If you're not feeling well, stay home. Anyone 70 and older or with a compromised immune system should postpone their trip.  

FISHING

• Fish close to home. Keep your fishing trip short. Avoid high-traffic destinations.
• Avoid crowds and groups. Recreate only with members of your immediate household. Keep a distance of 6 feet or more from others. When fishing from a boat, make sure it's large enough so persons on board are at least 6 feet from one another; wear a mask when you cannot maintain social distancing.
• Move quickly through parking lots and trails. If crowded, choose a different fishing location or time to visit.
• If youre not feeling well, stay home. Anyone 70 and older or with a compromised immune system should postpone their trip.