WMU 9R, New York

Southern Catskill slope terrain — hardwood ridges dominated by oak, maple, and beech transitioning to hemlock and mixed conifer in drainages. Elevations range roughly 600–3,500 ft. Steep north-facing hollows hold deer in early season; south-facing oak ridges are primary fall and rut habitat. The Rondout Creek watershed and its tributaries (Cherrybrook, Mettacahonts Creek) drain much of the unit. Terrain is rugged with limited vehicle access; foot hunting predominates.

Majority of huntable land is Catskill Forest Preserve (Wild Forest and Wilderness classifications) managed by NYSDEC — all open to hunting. Key blocks include Sundown Wild Forest (~30,100 ac, parts in 9R), Willowemoc Wild Forest (~14,800 ac straddling Ulster/Sullivan), and Slide Mountain Wilderness (~47,500 ac). New York City DEP watershed lands in Ulster County allow licensed hunting and trapping under DEP permit (Ashokan North and East Neversink Recreational Units). Mongaup Valley WMA (~11,855 ac, WMU 3K/adjacent) lies just to the southwest. Parking pullouts and snowmobile/foot trails provide interior access; hunters should obtain DEC unit maps or use the DECinfo Locator before scouting.

moderate

WMU 9R participates in the DMP (Deer Management Permit) system with a limited quota — it is NOT among the 23 unlimited-DMP WMUs for 2026. Hunters may apply for up to 2 DMPs in quota WMUs. A nine-day early antlerless firearms/bow season runs mid-September (approx. Sept. 12-20) in eligible Southern Zone WMUs including 9R. The new statewide Earn-a-2nd-Buck system allows hunters who harvest and report an antlerless deer to earn a second antlered-deer tag.

DEER — Archery: Oct. 1 – Nov. 20, Dec. 14 – Dec. 22, Dec. 26 – Jan. 1; Regular Firearms: Nov. 21 – Dec. 13; Muzzleloader: Dec. 14 – Dec. 22, Dec. 26 – Jan. 1; Youth Firearms: Columbus Day weekend (Oct. 10–12); Early Antlerless (firearms/bow): approx. Sept. 12–20. Legal implements include centerfire rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders, handguns, and archery. BEAR — Season coincides with regular deer firearms season (Nov. 21 – Dec. 13) and bowhunting windows; one bear per license year; Catskill bear population is huntable in 9R. TURKEY — Spring season approximately May 1–31 (Southern Zone); Fall season approximately Oct. 17–30 (Southern Zone); 2 birds per season limit; shotgun, archery, and crossbow legal. Bag limits and exact dates subject to annual DEC regulation; verify current year digest before hunting.

Rugged public land hunting in the Catskill Forest Preserve with minimal private-land pressure in the interior; black bear present and huntable during regular deer firearms season; NYC DEP watershed land adds additional public acres under free permit; strong wild turkey numbers on oak-mast ridges; rut activity typically peaks late October to mid-November.