WMU 4K, New York

Mid-Hudson Valley lowlands transitioning to Catskill foothills. Eastern portions (Dutchess County) are rolling hills with active agriculture, hardwood woodlots, and river flats along the Hudson. Western portions (Ulster County) rise into the Shawangunk Ridge and Catskill escarpment foothills, featuring steeper mixed hardwood-conifer terrain, second-growth forest, and stream drainages. The unit spans significant elevation change from Hudson riverfront bottomland to ridges exceeding 1,500 feet. Classic edge habitat throughout — hardwood ridges bordered by farm fields, orchards, and brushy succession ground — supports high deer and turkey densities.

moderate

WMU 4K has quota DMPs (not on the no-quota list). Hunters may apply for up to 2 DMPs in quota WMUs beginning August 1, with an October 1 deadline. The 2026 Earn-a-2nd-Buck system allows a second antlered tag upon reporting an antlerless deer harvest. WMU 4K is NOT in the September early antlerless season. Bow/Muzzleloader Antlerless Deer Tags are also available. DMPs are moderately competitive given deer density in the agricultural river valley.

DEER: Southern Zone seasons — Archery Oct 1 to Nov 20, Dec 14–22, Dec 26–Jan 1; Youth Firearms Oct 10–12; Regular Firearms Nov 21–Dec 13; Muzzleloader Dec 14–22 and Dec 26–Jan 1. No September early antlerless season in WMU 4K. Antlered deer: one tag included with license; second antlered tag earned by reporting antlerless harvest. BEAR: WMU 4K is in the Southern Zone standard bear zone (not the enhanced early-season zone). Bear seasons: Bowhunting Oct 1–Nov 20 and Dec 14–22; Youth Firearms Oct 10–12; Regular Firearms Nov 21–Dec 13; Muzzleloader Dec 14–22. Bag limit one bear per license year. Bear population is present but not at Catskill core density — encounters increase on the Ulster County western side. TURKEY: Spring season May 1–31 statewide (Southern Zone), shooting hours 1/2-hour before sunrise to noon, two bearded birds. Fall season varies by zone — Southern Zone fall turkey generally mid-to-late October (historically Oct 17–30 range); one bird either sex. All firearm types legal — no shotgun-only restriction (WMU 4K is not a Long Island unit).

Classic mid-Hudson Valley whitetail country with a strong agricultural edge-habitat deer herd. Dutchess County farmland holds big bucks but requires private land permission. Ulster County state land provides meaningful public access with less pressure than the popular Catskill core. Strong wild turkey population in both spring and fall. Black bear present and huntable under regular Southern Zone seasons — no early bear season in 4K but archery, regular firearms, and muzzleloader seasons apply. Proximity to the Catskills means the western edge of the unit can produce bear encounters. River bottomland along the Hudson and its tributaries provides quality evening food source hunting.