2009 Deer Hunting Season Forecasts

Statewide Deer Forecast

New York is looking forward to another safe and successful deer hunting season in 2009. Deer populations are projected to have increased slightly in many Wildlife Management Units (WMUs), and the overall forecast for the upcoming deer season is very good.

Hunters took approximately 223,000 deer last fall, a 2% increase over the previous season. Of those, about 105,750 were adult bucks. Predictions going into last season were for a slightly higher take across the state, but difficult weather the first few days of the 2008 Southern Zone Regular Season hampered hunters' efforts, resulting in lower than usual success. If the weather cooperates this fall, hunters should expect the overall deer take to be slightly higher than in 2008.

These maps show the new WMU boundaries.
Be sure to check the new boundaries before applying for a DMP.

Deer are not evenly distributed across the landscape of New York, and different management strategies are needed depending upon the individual area and the status of its deer population. In some areas, such as the Lake Plains, portions of Central New York and extreme southeastern New York, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is intentionally managing to reduce populations. In other areas, such as parts of southwestern New York, the southern and western Catskills, and Taconic Highlands, DEC is managing to increase deer populations moderately. The goal of our deer management program is to maintain deer numbers at levels that meet local interests and habitat conditions while also providing quality hunting opportunities for New York's 570,000 deer hunters.

DEC issues Deer Management Permits (DMPs), often called "doe tags," to move the population closer toward objective levels in each WMU. The target DMP allocation for 2009 varies by unit depending on the management objective, but outside of the Adirondacks and Tug Hill, only WMUs 3A, 4K, 4L, and 4U will be closed for DMPs in 2009. The chances of selection for DMPs are listed in the 2009-2010 NYS Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide and on our DMP Probability page.

Key issues to be aware of as you prepare for 2009 hunting seasons.

Some WMU boundaries have changed. It is very important that you review the new WMU boundaries so that you are able to apply for a DMP in the correct unit. The boundary changes also affect some season dates, bag limits, and open areas for big and small game, turkey, waterfowl, and furbearers. See our WMU boundary descriptions and WMU Revisions for details.
The pilot antler restriction program in WMUs 3C, 3H, 3J and 3K will continue in 2009. The antler restriction stipulates that bucks taken in the pilot WMUs have at least one antler with three points at least one inch in length to be legal.
Consider being a mentor for a young hunter. Shared experience with family and friends is one of the most cherished aspects of hunting. We encourage you to share that heritage with a young person in your life. Remember that 14-15 year olds can now hunt big game with a firearm while accompanied and supervised by an experienced adult hunter. Also, unlicensed persons of any age can accompany you while you hunt, as long as they don't participate in the hunt. More details are available in the 2009-2010 NYS Hunting and Trapping Guide and at the Junior Hunter Mentoring Program page.
Remember, Hunger Has A Cure ... The Venison Donation Program is a great way to help those less fortunate while also assisting with deer management in New York. With 120 cooperating venison processors in 50 counties, there are many outlets for you to donate a harvested deer. You can also donate a dollar or more anywhere licenses are sold - just tell the clerk you want to support Venison Donation. To locate cooperating processors or for more information on the Venison Donation Program, pick up a brochure when you purchase your license or check out www.venisondonation.com/.
Hunters are also reminded that DEC will be holding a series of meetings around the state this fall to: (1) review the status of New York's deer herd and deer management program, (2) highlight current challenges and issues in deer population management, (3) identify current issues and concerns of deer hunters and the public, and (4) solicit input from deer hunters and the public to prioritize key issues for potential change. We will be posting more information about the meetings, including dates and locations, later this summer.
You are invited to join New York Big Game, DEC's email outlet for information on white-tailed deer and black bear in New York State. Subscribers to this email list will periodically receive information from DEC about deer and bear biology, management, research, regulations and hunting. To subscribe, follow this link for New York Big Game.

Unit-by-Unit Forecasts

To help you choose your hunting locations, each Regional Deer Biologist has prepared a summary for their respective WMUs. Use the links on the left margin to select the appropriate Region, and you will be able to view a unit-by-unit forecast for the upcoming season. A wealth of additional information is available for deer hunters on our deer page.

Good luck hunting this fall and enjoy your time afield in the Empire State.

Jeremy Hurst
Big Game Biologist