Brian Stedman, right, from S&S Taxidermy in Springville, took a nice buck on opening day. Stedman is every outdoor person’s friend when repairs are needed for their archery or firearm gear, and for friendly advice. Submitted Photo

November, especially as we near Thanksgiving, is a time for reflection, gratitude and preparation. Across Western New York, it is also peak deer season, a seasonal time when hunters provide food for their families and reconnect with longstanding traditions.

Shared conversations hunting with friends from a roadside access point in a state forest or on public land, or at a more traditional, longstanding deer camp are conversations that hunting friends and family look forward to each year. Beyond the ritual of the hunt, this month has practical implications: wild venison provides affordable, clean protein during a time when grocery bills strain household budgets.

A single deer can yield 40 to 70 pounds of lean, nutrient-rich meat. Venison is naturally low in fat, high in iron, and free from the additives, antibiotics and hormones that often accompany store-bought beef or pork. For families struggling with rising costs — especially electricity, groceries and heating — harvesting a deer can make a meaningful difference in both health and household finances.

The woods can get busy at this time of year, so be aware of others, as safety remains a top priority.

Hunters in New York follow regulations and advice that ensure meat quality and environmental stewardship. Lead-free ammunition (copper bullets are popular), careful field dressing, and proper butchering practices protect both the hunter and those who consume the meat. Venison is a natural resource that remains sustainable and safe. Western New York is among very few places nationally with wild deer that are free from chronic wasting disease. Another reason why WNY is so attractive to out-of-state hunters. Non-resident license sales are up 2%.

But the value of the hunt extends beyond nutrition. Spending time in the woods promotes mental wellness. Tracking deer, moving through forests, and observing wildlife all engage the mind and body, offering a sense of purpose and focus that many people lose track of in modern life. For many Western New Yorkers, the woods are a sanctuary, a place to step away from the pressures of rising living costs, technology, and urban noise.

Hunting in November also strengthens family and community bonds. Many households pass down skills and traditions from generation to generation. Young hunters learn ethics, safety and conservation from parents and grandparents. Community hunters share stories, strategies and recipes, reinforcing a culture of respect for the land and wildlife.

Venison harvests provide more than just freezer stock; they offer independence. Families can rely on a self-sustaining food source, reducing dependence on the store-bought supply sources. This self-reliance has become increasingly appealing as grocery costs fluctuate and natural, organic foods have become more expensive. The harvest exemplifies the modern appeal of traditional practices: health, affordability, and connection to the natural world.

In addition to venison, November is a time to explore other wild foods and incorporate them into nutritious, hearty meals. The combination of wild game and locally sourced foods represents the ultimate return to natural eating, reinforcing a rounded approach to wellness that nurtures body, mind, and community.

November reminds us that preparation, patience, and connection to the land are as important now as they were generations ago. For those who venture into the woods, it is a season of abundance, resilience, and gratitude. In Western New York, venison month is more than tradition — it is practical, fun, nourishing, and restorative.

Gotta love the outdoors.

CALENDAR

Nov. 27: Happy Thanksgiving!

Nov. 30: Last day NYS inland musky season/last day of regular NYS black bass season.

Dec. 1: First day of NYS black bass catch and release season — through June 14, 2026.

Dec. 1: Lake trout season opens for Lower Niagara River/Lake Ontario.

Dec. 2: Niagara Musky Association, monthly meeting, Eldredge Club, 17 Broad St., Tonawanda, 7 p.m. start.

Dec. 8-16: NYS Southern Zone late archery/muzzleloader big-game hunting season.

Dec. 26-Jan. 1: NYS Southern Zone late archery/crossbow/muzzleloader special deer-only season. Regular firearms are not allowed.