WMU 2A, New York
Unit info
- Game species
- Deer, Bear, Turkey
- Group
- Zone 2
- Area
- 302 mi²
- Public land
- N/A
Season & harvest data is published for no species so far. Deer, Bear, Turkey also occur here — that data can be added as the community contributes.
About this unit
AI-compiled · sourcedWMU 2A sits atop the Tug Hill Plateau in Oswego, Lewis, and Jefferson counties — one of New York's snowiest and most remote hunting landscapes, with dense mixed hardwood-conifer forest holding good populations of white-tailed deer, black bear, and wild turkey. Antlerless tag availability is managed via the DMP quota system (WMU 2A is not a no-quota unit), making this a unit where hunting pressure stays moderate despite exceptional trophy potential driven by low road density and thick cover. Hunters willing to push into public land — including Little John WMA (7,918 acres), Tug Hill WMA (5,100 acres), and Winona State Forest (9,233 acres) — consistently find quality bucks in one of the Northeast's premier wilderness deer zones.
High plateau terrain ranging 1,800–2,000 ft elevation, dominated by dense second-growth mixed hardwood and conifer forest. The plateau receives some of the heaviest lake-effect snowfall in the eastern US, which concentrates deer movement and can impact herd survival during severe winters. Numerous small streams and wetlands break up the landscape. Low road density creates large unbroken blocks of cover ideal for mature bucks.
Low to Moderate
WMU 2A operates under DEC's standard DMP quota system (not a no-quota unlimited unit). Hunters may apply for up to 2 DMPs in quota WMUs under 2026 rules. Under the new 2026 Earn-a-2nd-Buck system, all license holders receive one Antlered Deer Tag; harvesting and reporting an antlerless deer with a valid tag unlocks a second Antlered Deer Tag. Bow/Muzzleloader privilege holders receive an additional Bow/Muzzleloader Antlerless Tag. DMP transfers between hunters are now unlimited.
DEER: Southern Zone seasons apply — Archery Oct 1–Nov 14 and late archery Dec 8–16 and Dec 26–Jan 1; Regular Firearms Nov 15–Dec 7; Muzzleloader Dec 8–16 and Dec 26–Jan 1. Antlered season statewide. Antlerless requires DMP or valid antlerless tag. Crossbow legal during all bowhunting seasons. BEAR: Black bear present in the Tug Hill region; Northern Zone bear season runs approximately Oct 24–Dec 6 concurrent with regular deer season — no special permit required, one bear per year limit, any legal hunting weapon during appropriate season. TURKEY: Spring season May 1–May 31 statewide (shooting hours half-hour before sunrise to noon; 2 bearded birds, 1/day limit). Fall turkey season available in this zone — consult current NYSDEC season chart for exact fall dates by WMU. No firearm restrictions apply (WMU 2A is not a Long Island unit); rifles and shotguns legal for deer.
Remote Tug Hill Plateau location with one of the lowest road densities in New York produces consistently mature bucks. Over 20,000 acres of accessible public land across Little John WMA, Tug Hill WMA, and Winona State Forest. Black bear are present on the plateau. Heavy lake-effect snow concentrates deer in November and creates excellent tracking conditions. Spring turkey population is solid in the hardwood edges.
Questions, tips & discussion
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Boundaries: NYSDEC official Wildlife Management Units. Community info last updated 23d ago.