WMU 8S, New York

Dissected hill country with steep forested ridges, hemlock-lined creek drainages, and mixed hardwood stands (oak, maple, beech) alternating with agricultural bottomlands and valleys. Elevations range roughly 1,200-2,500 feet. The Allegheny Plateau character produces tight funnels and bench terrain ideal for deer and bear movement. Habitat is a mix of second-growth hardwood forest, state forest plantations, brushy edges, and remnant farmland.

moderate

WMU 8S is one of the most deer-productive WMUs in New York. For 2026, the unit is included in the new September antlerless-only season (nine-day season in mid-September). The unit also carries no DMP quota (unlimited DMPs available), meaning hunters who harvest and report an antlerless deer can have their DMP automatically replaced — effectively unlimited antlerless opportunity. Cattaraugus and Allegany counties are consistently among the top five New York counties for total deer harvest. The 2026 Earn-a-2nd-Buck System provides all hunters a first Antlered Deer Tag usable in any season.

DEER: Southern Zone seasons — archery opens late September through October, regular firearms mid-November through early December, late muzzleloader and late archery/crossbow through late December into January. September antlerless-only season added for WMU 8S in 2026. Unlimited DMPs with auto-replacement make antlerless harvest essentially unlimited. No firearm restrictions (not Long Island) — rifles legal where otherwise permitted. BEAR: WMU 8S is open to black bear hunting for archery, regular, and muzzleloader seasons mirroring adjacent Allegany range WMUs. Bear season runs approximately September through mid-December depending on method. Note bear hunting prohibited inside Allegany State Park boundaries. TURKEY: Spring season opens May 1, runs approximately four weeks through late May/early June; shooting hours sunrise to noon; bag limit two bearded birds per season (one per day). Fall turkey season runs mid-October through late November in Southern Zone. Strong bird numbers in agricultural edges, oak flats, and forest openings throughout the unit.

One of the best multi-species public land destinations in western New York. Allegany State Park and surrounding state forests provide vast contiguous huntable acreage. Strong whitetail density with excellent antler quality in the hill country. Active black bear population with archery, regular, and muzzleloader bear seasons open. Both spring and fall turkey seasons with robust bird numbers in agricultural edges and forest openings. New 2026 antlerless deer regulations significantly expand doe harvest opportunity.