Southern Tier hunters are being encouraged to get their names in quickly for a lottery to allow the harvesting of antlerless deer around the reservoirs that supply water to New York City.

Rob Rigo/ Townsquare Binghamton
Rob Rigo/ Townsquare Binghamton
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Winners of the free permits can kill antlerless deer on Watershed land around the Cannonsville, Ashokan, Neversink, Rondout and Pepacton reservoirs.

The deadline to register for the lottery is October 10.

The New York City Department of Environmental Protection says managing deer population around the watershed help protect downstate water quality as well as promote the regeneration of upstate forests.

Hunters can apply for the special permits by calling (845) 340-7811 or by email: jstaby@dep.nyc.gov.

Kathy Whyte/ WNBF News
Kathy Whyte/ WNBF News
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To hunt on New York City lands in the watershed, hunters must have a valid DEP access permit.

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