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Regulations for Use of NYSDEC Managed Lands in Suffolk County

Access permits: All access to lands managed by NYSDEC in Suffolk County requires an access permit. All nonhunting activities, as well as hunting on some properties require a seasonal NYSDEC-Managed Lands Access Permit. Hunting on some areas, at specific times, requires a daily access permit. Consult the Public Hunting Opportunities on Long Island for information on obtaining hunting permits. (Download application from the right column of this page.)

The following regulations apply and will be strictly enforced:

  • All vehicles must be parked in appropriate designated parking areas with vehicle pass visible through the windshield. Individually numbered parking sites are to be used only by hunters from November 1 through January 31. Bicyclists and horseback riders may not use the individually numbered parking sites at any time. Bicyclists and horseback riders must use specifically designated parking areas.
  • Operation and use of motor vehicles on the properties are prohibited, unless specifically authorized by special permit.
  • The access permit card must be carried at all times. Permits are required for anyone 12 years old or older.
  • Permit hours: ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset, except bicycling which is sunrise to sunset, and night raccoon and fox hunting which is sunset to sunrise.
  • Check hunting guides for season dates, bag limits, and legal weapons. See area map and information brochures for area use regulations.
  • No hunting or trapping is permitted on tidal wetland properties, unless specifically authorized by permit.
  • Groups must have a special permit to use the areas for field trials, organized events, etc. Others may not interfere with the permitted activities of organized groups.
  • Horseback riding is allowed only on marked horse trails, except on the Peconic Headwaters Natural Resource Area (formerly Navy Cooperative/Otis Pike Preserve) where only established roads may be used.
  • Bicycling is allowed only on marked bicycling trails, except on the Peconic Headwaters Natural Resource Area (formerly Navy Cooperative/Otis Pike Preserve) where only established roads may be used. Cyclists must wear hard-shell helmets and eye protection, and shall yield to horseback riders and hikers.
  • Bicyclists and horseback riders must yield to official vehicles and equipment on roads and trails.
  • Dog trainers: No dog trainer, or any person in his company, may possess afield a firearm loaded with live ammunition, during the training of a dog.
  • No firearms may be used in any areas posted as "Restricted - No Hunting." No firearms may be used on any Department of Environmental Conservation properties in Suffolk County from April 17 through August 31, except on the Peconic Headwaters Natural Resource Area (formerly Navy Cooperative/Otis Pike Preserve). No firearms may be used on the Edgewood State Lands, Kings Park Property or Ridge Environmental Conservation Area at any time. All prohibitions related to firearms apply to starter pistols.
  • Unleashed, uncontrolled dogs are prohibited.
  • Hunters may be present on all but the Ridge, Edgewood, and King's Park areas from September 15 through April 16. The number of hunters will be greatest from November through January. Blaze orange is recommended for all users during this time.
  • Seasonal Access Permits are not valid during the January firearms deer season (weekdays of the first three full weeks of January), except at Ridge, Edgewood and King's Park.
  • Horseback riding and bicycling are not permitted at Rocky Point, Peconic Headwaters Natural Resource Area (formerly Navy Cooperative/Otis Pike Preserve) or Sarnoff, November 1 through January 31, or as posted.
  • Overnight camping is prohibited.
  • Fires of any type are prohibited.
  • Removal of, or damage to, trees or other vegetation is prohibited.
  • Construction of permanent blinds, tree stands or other structures is prohibited.
  • Trap, skeet and other target shooting are prohibited.
  • Littering and other disposal of waste materials, including spent shells and cigarette butts, are prohibited.
  • Permit holders must obey all posted notices, signs, printed material and lawful instructions from NYSDEC staff.
  • East Hampton Cooperative Area hunting dates are as follows:
    • Archery: November 1 through December 31
    • Small game, Napeague State Park: September 16 through April 15, except January deer season.
    • Small game, Hither Hills and Montauk State Parks: December 1 through February 28, except January deer season.
  • No firearms or archery hunting is permitted at Montauk Point State Park on Saturdays and Sundays.
  • Trappers shall not park at numbered parking areas while trapping.
  • No conibear or other body gripping traps may be set on land.
  • No upland trap sets shall be operational on weekends or holidays between November 1 and January 2. Traps must be sprung or removed by sunset on days preceding weekends or holidays.
  • For questions about permits or renewals, call the Fish and Wildlife Sporting License Clerk at (631) 444-0273.