WMU 3F, New York

Remote, mountainous wilderness terrain dominated by the High Peaks of the Adirondacks, with elevations reaching 5,000+ feet. Dense mixed hardwood-conifer forests of maple, beech, yellow birch, and spruce-fir at higher elevations. River corridors along the Ausable River and its branches provide lower-elevation deer habitat. Heavy snowpack and early winter conditions are common. Deer densities are naturally low due to harsh winters and limited agricultural influence.

Low — the combination of remote wilderness terrain, mandatory foot travel, high elevation, and low deer densities keeps hunting pressure minimal. Most pressure concentrates near trailheads and road-accessible edges. Interior units see very few hunters.

WMU 3F is a limited DMP (Deer Management Permit) unit — antlerless tags are issued by quota application due to naturally low deer populations in the High Peaks zone. DMP applications close October 1. Hunters should not expect unlimited antlerless opportunities here. The unit is in the Northern Zone: archery opens late September, regular firearms runs late October through early December, with a late muzzleloader/bow season extending into mid-December. Bucks must have at least 3 inches of antler to be legal.

DEER: Northern Zone seasons — archery opens ~late September through late October; regular firearms ~October 24–December 6; late bow/muzzleloader ~December 6–12. Antlerless by DMP only (limited quota); deer densities are low. BEAR: Bear season is open in the Northern Zone/Adirondack WMUs and runs concurrent with deer firearms seasons. Adirondack bears tend to be older-age-class animals. DEC reported record-breaking 2025 bear harvest statewide with the Adirondack region contributing significantly. No separate early bear season in most Adirondack WMUs — regular and muzzleloader/bow season apply. TURKEY: Spring season opens May 1 statewide (upstate), runs through May 31; shooting hours sunrise to noon; bag limit 2 bearded birds per season (1/day). Fall turkey season available in the Northern Zone, typically a short window in early October; either-sex harvest permitted in fall. Wild turkey populations are present but lower density than agricultural zones of the state.

One of New York's true wilderness deer hunts; exceptional black bear density with concurrent deer-bear firearms season in the Northern Zone; access to over 275,000 acres of Forest Preserve; extremely low pressure in the interior; outstanding grouse and small game hunting as well; fall foliage and backcountry camping add to the experience.