WMU 8Y, New York
Unit info
- Game species
- Deer, Turkey, Bear
- Group
- Zone 8
- Area
- 352 mi²
- Public land
- N/A
Black Bear — season & harvest
- Reported harvest
- 37
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
- 2,856
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 8Y covers rolling hill country in Cattaraugus County in New York's Southern Tier, one of the state's top deer-producing regions with consistently high whitetail densities and extensive public land access through Allegany State Park, Cattaraugus State Forest, Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area, and the Allegheny Reservoir WMA. Deer, turkey, and black bear are all huntable here, with good DMP availability and fall turkey season running through the Southern Zone schedule. Hunting pressure is moderate given the region's reputation, but large blocks of public ground keep solitude achievable for hunters willing to put in the miles.
Rolling hardwood hills and forested ridges in the Allegheny Plateau, with creek drainages, agricultural edges, and mixed hardwood-conifer stands. Elevation ranges from roughly 1,200 to 2,100 feet. Typical southern tier habitat with oak, maple, beech, and hemlock providing mast and cover.
moderate
WMU 8Y is open for Deer Management Permits (DMPs) under the 2026 quota system. Hunters may apply for up to 4 DMPs (2 in quota WMUs, 2 in no-quota WMUs). WMU 8Y is NOT listed among the no-quota WMUs (which include 8A, 8C, 8F, 8G, 8H, 8J, 8N, 8R, 8S), meaning it operates under a limited DMP quota — apply by October 1. The 2026 Earn-a-2nd-Buck System applies statewide: harvest and report an antlerless deer with a DMP to earn an additional antlered tag. Unlimited DMP transfer between hunters is now allowed.
DEER: Southern Zone seasons — Archery: Oct 1–Nov 14 and Dec 8–16; Regular Firearms: Nov 15–Dec 7; Muzzleloader: Dec 8–20; Holiday Hunt: Dec 26–Jan 1 (most Southern Zone WMUs). Note: Allegany State Park prohibits centerfire rifles and handguns and Sunday hunting in certain areas. BEAR: WMU 8Y is in the Cattaraugus County bear range; black bear season runs concurrent with archery and regular firearms deer seasons in open southern tier WMUs. Bear not permitted inside Allegany State Park. TURKEY: Spring season May 1–May 31 (shooting hours: 30 min before sunrise to noon); Fall turkey season Southern Zone approx. Oct 17–30 with possible extension. No Long Island firearm restrictions apply — standard deer firearms legal.
One of New York's premier deer-hunting counties with some of the highest harvest totals in the state. Allegany State Park alone offers a massive contiguous block of public ground. Black bear present and huntable. Strong wild turkey population for both spring and fall seasons. Holiday Deer Hunt typically applies to most Southern Zone WMUs including 8Y (Dec 26 – Jan 1).
Questions, tips & discussion
Ask anything about WMU 8Y— 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 8Y.
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Boundaries: NYSDEC official Wildlife Management Units. Community info last updated 23d ago.