WMU 5T, New York
Unit info
- Game species
- Deer, Turkey
- Group
- Zone 5
- Area
- 226 mi²
- Public land
- N/A
White-tailed Deer — season & harvest
- Reported harvest
- 573
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 also occur here — that data can be added as the community contributes.
About this unit
AI-compiled · sourcedWMU 5T covers the suburban-rural fringe south and southwest of Rochester in Monroe and Livingston counties, featuring some of the highest white-tailed deer densities in New York State amid a mosaic of agricultural fields, woodlots, and creek drainages. Public hunting land is limited but includes several DEC Wildlife Management Areas and state forests in Livingston County, making permission access on private farmland critical for most hunters. Generous antlerless allocations through Deer Management Permits reflect ongoing management pressure in this high-density unit.
Gently rolling agricultural landscape transitioning from suburban Rochester fringe into Livingston County dairy and crop farms, dissected by creek drainages and hedgerows with scattered woodlots. Elevations are modest, and the mix of open fields and forest edge creates exceptional deer habitat and supports strong turkey populations.
moderate-high
DMPs (Deer Management Permits) are available for WMU 5T through the DEC lottery system, with typically liberal antlerless allocations reflecting high deer densities. Hunters may apply for up to 2 DMPs in quota WMUs. The 2026 regulation changes expanded antlerless opportunities statewide, and WMU 5T benefits from these measures. September early antlerless season availability should be confirmed annually via DEC.
Deer: Southern Zone seasons apply — archery Oct 1 to Nov 14 plus late archery Dec 8-16 and Dec 26-Jan 1; regular firearms Nov 15 to Dec 7; muzzleloader Dec 8-16 and Dec 26-Jan 1. All legal implements (rifle, shotgun, handgun) are permitted in Southern Zone WMUs outside the Long Island safety-zone restriction. Bear: Black bear is not a target species in WMU 5T — bear populations are negligible in the Rochester suburban fringe and Monroe/Livingston County lowlands; no bear season is realistically applicable here. Turkey: Spring season runs May 1-31 statewide (upstate), hunting hours one-half hour before sunrise to noon; fall Southern Zone season runs approximately Oct 17-30 with sunrise-to-sunset hours and one bird of either sex per season tag. Turkey populations are healthy in the agricultural-woodland mix of this unit.
Exceptional white-tailed deer numbers rivaling the top-producing western NY WMUs; agricultural edge habitat produces mature bucks; strong spring and fall turkey hunting in mixed farm-woodland; multiple DEC WMAs within reach including Rattlesnake Hill which offers large contiguous acreage for walk-in hunting; close proximity to Rochester makes this a popular unit for metro-area hunters.
Questions, tips & discussion
Ask anything about WMU 5T— 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 5T.
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.