WMU 4J, New York

Rolling suburban hills and forested ridges of the Hudson Valley, characterized by mixed hardwood forest (oak, maple, beech) interspersed with agricultural fields, wetlands, and wetland corridors. The Great Swamp watershed — a 62,343-acre system stretching from Dutchess County south into Putnam County — provides significant deer habitat. Elevations are modest, terrain is gentle to moderately hilly, and edge habitat is abundant due to suburban fragmentation. Very high white-tailed deer densities are documented across both counties.

moderate-to-high on limited public parcels; low-to-moderate on private land where access is secured

WMU 4J is a bowhunting-only unit — no regular firearms season, no muzzleloader season, no youth firearms season, crossbows not permitted. Archery season runs October 1 through November 14 and December 8 through December 16. Antlered deer tags may be used for deer of either sex. DMPs (antlerless tags) are effectively unlimited — all applicants receive one. Upon reporting a harvested DMP deer, hunters automatically receive a bonus DMP, allowing continued antlerless harvest. Apply for DMPs August 1 through October 1 at license-issuing outlets, by phone, or online.

DEER: Archery only all seasons (Oct 1-Nov 14, Dec 8-Dec 16). No firearms, no muzzleloader, no crossbow. Unlimited DMPs with bonus tag upon harvest. Very high deer density. TURKEY: Spring season opens May 1, runs through May 31 (Southern Zone), bearded birds only, hunting hours one-half hour before sunrise to noon, bag limit two bearded birds per season (one per day). Fall turkey season runs approximately mid-October through late October in the Southern Zone, either sex, one bird. BEAR: Bear hunting is legal in the Southeastern bear zone which encompasses Putnam County; bowhunting for bear runs October 1 through November 18, regular bear season November 19 through December 11 (note: in WMU 4J the bowhunting-only restriction applies to deer — bear hunters should consult current DEC bear regulations for legal implements in this zone).

Bowhunting-only WMU with some of New York's highest deer densities; unlimited DMP antlerless tags with automatic bonus permits upon harvest; Great Swamp WMA and California Hill State Forest provide public access; Fahnestock State Park offers permitted archery; NYC DEP watershed lands available with permit under Quality Deer Management Program; excellent for dedicated archery hunters who can secure private land permission.