WMU 5R, New York
Unit info
- Game species
- Deer, Turkey, Bear
- Group
- Zone 5
- Area
- 379 mi²
- Public land
- N/A
White-tailed Deer — season & harvest
- Reported harvest
- 1,649
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 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 5R is a Southern Zone unit in DEC Region 5 (Hudson Valley) characterized by a rolling agricultural landscape of farms, woodlots, and forested ridgelines that supports one of New York's highest deer densities per square mile. Hunters here target whitetails across a productive mix of crop fields and hardwood draws, with solid turkey hunting on both spring and fall seasons and black bear present throughout the unit. Public land is limited relative to the surrounding private agricultural land, making landowner access or permission key to hunting the best ground.
Rolling hills, glacially sculpted ridges, and valley floors dominated by row crops, vineyards, and hay fields interspersed with hardwood woodlots of oak, maple, and beech. Topography transitions from open agricultural bottomlands to steeper forested slopes and creek drainages. Classic northeast agricultural deer country with edge habitat throughout.
moderate
WMU 5R is a quota DMP unit — antlerless Deer Management Permits require an application (window opens August, deadline October 1, $10 fee). Hunters can apply for up to 2 DMPs in quota WMUs. Leftover DMPs may be available starting November 1 on a first-come basis. Under new 2026 regulations hunters earn a second antlered tag upon reporting an antlerless harvest. Early antlerless season runs September 12–20 in eligible WMUs (check current regs for 5R participation).
Deer: Southern Zone seasons — archery Oct 1–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. Crossbows legal during all archery seasons. Bear: Southern Zone seasons mirror deer (archery Oct 1–Nov 20, regular firearms Nov 21–Dec 13, muzzleloader Dec 14–22); one bear per license year; bear is present and huntable in this unit. Turkey: spring season May 1–31 statewide (either-sex after first two weeks, then gobblers/jakes only varies by regs — check current guide); fall Southern Zone Oct 17–30. No Long Island firearm restrictions apply — all legal implements permitted.
Yates and Ontario County-area units in this region post some of New York's highest deer harvest rates per square mile — Yates County regularly ranks at or near the top statewide for adult buck and antlerless deer density. Agricultural edge habitat with corn, soybeans, and hayfields provides exceptional nutrition and natural deer funnels between woodlots. Spring turkey season (May 1–31) is productive across hardwood ridges. Fall turkey (Oct 17–30, Southern Zone) overlaps early firearms deer season.
Questions, tips & discussion
Ask anything about WMU 5R— 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 5R.
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.