New York Focus on Youth New York State's Department of Environmental Conservation is currently conducting public comment sessions statewide to review proposed changes in the upcoming deer season, which includes switching the opening day of its Southern Zone firearms season from a Monday to a Saturday. The move would allow students, who ordinarily miss the opener, to be afield when up to 50 percent of the bucks taken all season are bagged.. In addition, four bills have been introduced to the state legislature to make it easier for young people to participate in shooting sports and hunting activities.