WMU 5A, New York

Rolling Southern Tier hills and river valleys at elevations of 1,000–2,000 ft, dominated by mixed hardwood forest (oak, maple, beech) interspersed with agricultural fields, creek drainages, and brushy edges. The Chemung River valley floors provide classic food-source terrain while the surrounding ridges hold mature timber. Habitat quality is high for whitetail, turkey, and bear.

moderate

Hunters receive a standard Antlered Deer Tag valid statewide. Antlerless access in WMU 5A is through Deer Management Permits (DMPs) — applications open August 1 with an October 1 deadline and a $10 fee. WMU 5A has historically been a solid DMP draw unit due to a healthy antlerless population. The 2026 DEC regulatory changes also introduced an Earn-a-2nd-Buck system statewide. Archery season: Sept 27 – Oct 24; Regular firearms: varies by zone (Southern Tier runs late October through late November); Early muzzleloader: Dec 8–14; Late muzzleloader follows. All legal firearms permitted (no shotgun-only restriction — this is not a Long Island WMU).

DEER: Archery Sept 27–Oct 24; regular firearms season late Oct–late Nov; early muzzleloader Dec 8–14. DMPs available for antlerless. No firearms restrictions (standard Southern Tier WMU, not Long Island). BEAR: WMU 5A is within New York's bear hunting zone covering the Southern Tier — black bear may be taken concurrently during archery and firearms deer seasons with a standard hunting license; no special permit required. Bear harvest is light but bears are present. TURKEY: Spring season May 1–May 31 (first half sunrise to noon, second half sunrise to sunset); Fall turkey Oct 31–Nov 3 in WMU 5A. Longbeards and flocks are common in the agricultural valleys and adjacent hardwood ridges.

Quality whitetail hunting in classic Southern Tier hill country with good antlerless tag availability; productive spring and fall turkey hunting in mixed hardwood and ag terrain; black bear present and huntable during concurrent deer seasons; solid public land access via Erwin WMA and multiple state forests; moderate pressure makes for a quality hunting experience; proximity to Pennsylvania border means border-county deer genetics and habitat similar to trophy PA counties like Tioga and Potter.