2019 Deer Hunting Forecast & Information

[Steve D]

Plan Your NY Deer Hunt

What's happening with the deer population in your area?

Every year, DEC wildlife biologists compile deer season forecasts for each Wildlife Management Unit (WMU). Use these to help plan your hunt or just to keep up with what is happening with deer hunting in your area.Across the state, deer hunting has been changing, with more hunters voluntarily choosing to Let Young Bucks Go and Watch Them Grow. In 2018, nearly 60 percent of the adult bucks harvested were 2.5 years or older, setting a record in greatest percentage and total number of older bucks. That’s good news for New York hunters and their families, because the average 2 year-old buck generally yields 25-30 percent more meat and carries antlers twice as large as the average yearling. Just letting bucks age to 2.5 years old pays dividends. Check out the remarkable experience of hunters in the article Passing Up Young Bucks Pays Off on pages 32-33 of the 2019-20 Hunting & Trapping Regulations Guide.

Check the DMP Targets and Your Chances of Being Selected for a Doe Tag before Applying.

This fall, we are increasing the statewide allocation of Deer Management Permits (DMPs) for antlerless harvest by about 13 percent over what we issued last year. See DMP Availability and Probability of Selection to review our target allocation of DMPs for each WMU and to anticipate your odds of being selected for a tag.There's no need to rush out to be first in line for a DMP, though. Your chances of obtaining a DMP remain the same throughout the entire application period. Just be sure to apply for a DMP before the October 1 deadline. For questions, contact the DMP Hotline (1-866-472-4332) or read about the DMP application process.