Public Hunting Land in New York

New York offers diverse and abundant hunting opportunities across over 4 million acres of public land, including forests, WMAs, and cooperatively managed private lands. From Adirondack backcountry whitetail hunts to suburban turkey zones and Finger Lakes waterfowl spots, the Empire State delivers surprising variety for hunters of all levels.

Types of Public Land Available in New York:

• Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs): Managed by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), these areas are open to hunting under general regulations.

• State Forests and Multiple-Use Areas: Most allow public hunting during open seasons, with some limitations for safety and recreation.

• State Parks (Select Areas): Certain state parks allow regulated hunting with permits.

• Cooperative Hunting Areas: Private lands enrolled in public access programs, often found in agricultural zones.

Seasons & Access Info

New York hunting regulations are managed by region and wildlife management unit (WMU). Some areas require special permits, especially for deer management and waterfowl zones.

Key Resources:

• Season Dates & Zone Info

• Hunting Licenses & Tags

• WMU & Species-Specific Info

Pro Tip: Urban archery zones around Albany, Buffalo, and NYC suburbs offer extended seasons and high success rates with minimal pressure.

Explore New York’s Public Hunting Lands

Use these resources to scout and access public land in every corner of the state:

• DEC Outdoor Interactive Mapper

• WMA PDFs & Area Regulations

• Cooperative Hunting Area Maps

From rolling farmland to deep forest ridges, New York offers hunters public access and big opportunity across the state.