WMU 5H, New York
Unit info
- Game species
- Deer, Turkey, Bear
- Group
- Zone 5
- Area
- 3,086 mi²
- Public land
- N/A
Black Bear — season & harvest
- Reported harvest
- 143
Draw odds for Black Beararen't on file for this unit yet. Check your state wildlife agency website for current draw statistics.
White-tailed Deer — season & harvest
- Reported harvest
- 2,668
Draw odds for White-tailed Deeraren't on file for this unit yet. Check your state wildlife agency website for current draw statistics.
Season & harvest data is published for Black Bear, White-tailed Deer so far. Deer, Turkey, Bear also occur here — that data can be added as the community contributes.
About this unit
AI-compiled · sourcedWMU 5H is one of New York's largest and most productive wildlife management units, spanning Allegany, Steuben, Livingston, Wyoming, and Genesee counties in the western southern tier. Steuben County alone consistently leads the state in annual deer harvest, earning the nickname "Whitetail Deer Capital of New York," and the unit's mix of big timber, agricultural edges, and rolling hardwood ridges supports strong populations of deer, turkey, and an expanding black bear population. With over 46,000 acres of Allegany Unit State Forests, Rattlesnake Hill WMA, and multiple smaller DEC parcels, WMU 5H offers exceptional public-land hunting opportunity for hunters of all methods.
Rolling hardwood ridges and deep ravines in the southern Allegany Plateau transitioning to fertile agricultural valleys and creek bottoms in the northern portions (Genesee/Wyoming counties). Elevations range from 900 to 2,100 feet. Habitat is a mosaic of mature mixed hardwood forest, regenerating clear-cuts, orchards, cropland, and stream corridors — ideal whitetail country with classic big-woods character in Allegany and Steuben, opening to more ag-edge habitat toward Livingston and Genesee.
moderate
WMU 5H is in the Southern Zone. Archery season runs early October through mid-November and resumes after firearms through mid-December. Regular firearms (rifle permitted) runs approximately mid-November for about 3 weeks. Muzzleloader season follows in December. Antlerless Deer Management Permits (DMPs) are available via DEC application (deadline October 1); Steuben and Allegany counties historically receive generous DMP allocations reflecting strong deer density. Under 2025-2026 rule changes, hunters who harvest and report an antlerless deer with a valid tag become eligible for a second Antlered Deer Tag. Bow/Muzzleloader Antlerless tags also available.
DEER: Southern Zone seasons — archery (early Oct to mid-Nov, resumes post-firearms to mid-Dec), regular firearms rifle season (~3 weeks mid-Nov), muzzleloader (Dec). DMPs for antlerless; strong availability historically in this unit. BEAR: Black bear season is open in WMU 5H; archery bear season aligns with archery deer season, firearms bear season runs concurrent with regular deer season. Bear population expanding in Allegany/Steuben hill country. TURKEY: Spring season opens May 1 statewide, runs approximately 4 weeks, one bearded bird per day up to 2 per season. Fall turkey season available in this WMU, one bird of either sex per day. No firearm restrictions — this is not a Long Island WMU; rifles, shotguns, and muzzleloaders all legal during appropriate seasons.
Steuben County leads New York State in annual deer harvest most years. Allegany Unit State Forests provide 46,000+ acres of walk-in public land with limited road pressure. Mix of ag-edge and big-timber hunting produces both numbers and quality bucks. Strong turkey populations in both spring and fall. Growing black bear population adds an additional season. All legal firearms including rifle are permitted — no Long Island shotgun-only restrictions apply.
Questions, tips & discussion
Ask anything about WMU 5H— or drop a tip or trick: access points, where game holds, glassing spots, conditions, crowding, gear that worked. This is where the unit's species-specific intel gets built, hunter by hunter.
Nothing posted yet about WMU 5H.
Be the first — ask a question (“Best public access on the north end?”) or share a tip (“Glass the burn scars off the main ridge at first light”).
Boundaries: NYSDEC official Wildlife Management Units. Community info last updated 23d ago.