WMU 9J, New York
Unit info
- Game species
- Deer, Turkey, Bear
- Group
- Zone 9
- Area
- 717 mi²
- Public land
- N/A
Black Bear — season & harvest
- Reported harvest
- 33
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
- 6,107
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 9J covers the Catskill foothills of Sullivan and Ulster Counties, offering a classic mix of hardwood ridges, state forest, and agricultural edges that support healthy whiteaield deer and black bear populations. Hunters enjoy relatively low competition compared to regions closer to NYC, with extensive DEC state forest and WMA acreage providing walk-in public access. Antlerless tag availability through the DMP system is limited by quota, so early application is critical.
Rolling Catskill foothills with mixed hardwood forest (oak, beech, maple), hemlock drainages, brushy edges, and farm fields. Elevations range roughly 600-2,400 ft. Ridgelines funnel deer movement and hold good mast crops. Swampy creek bottoms and alder runs provide bear and turkey habitat.
low to moderate
WMU 9J operates under a quota-based DMP (Deer Management Permit) system for antlerless deer. Tags are limited and available via application starting August 1 each year (deadline Oct 1). WMU 9J is NOT on the no-quota unlimited DMP list, so demand can exceed supply. Hunters may apply for up to 2 DMPs in quota WMUs. The earn-a-second-buck rule effective 2026 requires harvesting an antlerless deer before tagging a second antlered buck.
DEER: Southern Zone seasons - Archery: Oct 1 through mid-Nov and late Dec; Regular Firearms: ~Nov 15 through early Dec; Muzzleloader: mid-Dec through Jan 1. No special WMU 9J firearm restrictions (full rifle legal, unlike Long Island). BEAR: WMU 9J is open to black bear hunting in the Southern Zone. Early archery bear season aligns with archery deer season (Sept/Oct); regular bear season coincides with firearm deer season (Nov). Bears present year-round with Catskills being a top bear harvest region in NY. TURKEY: Spring season opens ~May 1, runs approx 5 weeks (shotgun/archery, gobblers only). Fall season in Southern Zone runs mid to late October (either sex). 9J holds good turkey numbers in hardwood ridges and agricultural fringes. No Long Island shotgun-only restrictions apply - rifle and shotgun both legal for deer.
The Mongaup Valley WMA is the crown jewel of public hunting in 9J - one of the largest WMAs in the Southern Zone. Black bear hunting is active in the Catskills; the region produces consistent bear harvests. Fall turkey hunting in the Catskill hardwoods is exceptional. Minimal road hunting pressure due to rugged terrain and gated state forest roads. Deer quality is good with mature bucks taken regularly on ridge systems.
Questions, tips & discussion
Ask anything about WMU 9J— 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 9J.
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.