Home › New York › Public land › Albert J. Woodford Memorial State Forest
State forest · the western Adirondacks, Tug Hill and the St. Lawrence Valley
What hunters need to know about Albert J. Woodford Memorial State Forest
Rules, WMU 6S season dates, maps and neighbors for a state forest in Oneida County.
Photo: Dougtone (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Getting to Albert J. Woodford Memorial State Forest
Parking, trailheads and gates near Albert J. Woodford Memorial State Forest
- Parking areaParking · 0.5 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 0.5 mi from the centreDirections
- Boat rampBoat ramp · 1.0 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 3.5 mi from the centreDirections
- CVS Parking LotParking · 3.6 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 3.6 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 3.7 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 3.7 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 4.2 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 6.1 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 6.3 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 6.3 mi from the centreDirections
Parking, trailhead and gate locations come from OpenStreetMap contributors. Roads into public land can be gated or seasonal; check with the managing agency before you go.
What Albert J. Woodford Memorial State Forest is
Albert J. Woodford Memorial State Forest is a DEC state forest in Oneida County. The DEC page names Bridgewater, Sangerfield and Marshall as the towns it falls in. It is a Region 6 property, in the western Adirondacks, Tug Hill and the St. Lawrence Valley. Size: 2,649 acres (DEC Lands layer ACRES). 77 others of the 409 state forests are larger. Management direction comes from the Mohawk Vista unit plan.
From the DEC page for Albert J. Woodford Memorial State Forest: The busiest time of year for this forest is big game season. Deer hunters and grouse hunters also enjoy this area.
From DEC albert j woodford memorial state fores; acreage DEC Lands layer ACRES (sum of the matched facility polygons); checked October 27, 2026.
Nearby
Places to hunt and shoot around Albert J. Woodford Memorial State Forest
Albert J. Woodford Memorial State Forest hunting rules for 2026-27
The DEC rules for using state forest land, applied to Albert J. Woodford Memorial State Forest:
- Cutting or damaging trees on Albert J. Woodford Memorial State Forest is prohibited, which rules out screw-in steps and cleared lanes.
- A portable stand or blind that does not injure the tree may stay up during the season if it carries your name and address or license number, and it comes down when the season ends.
- Albert J. Woodford Memorial State Forest is not a place to leave equipment: cameras and gear go home with you.
- Keep trucks on the maintained roads; an ATV needs a designated trail.
- A camping permit applies when the stay or group size calls for it.
Statewide rules that follow you onto Albert J. Woodford Memorial State Forest
- In firearm deer and bear seasons, wear the required orange or pink above the waist.
- Setbacks from occupied buildings: firearm 500 feet, crossbow 250 feet, bow 150 feet.
- Do not hunt over bait; New York bans it for big game, turkey, upland birds and waterfowl.
- Sunday hunting is legal everywhere in New York unless a property rule says otherwise.
From DEC albert j woodford memorial state fores, DEC state land use rules, DEC Places to Hunt, 2026-27 DEC guide; checked October 27, 2026.
What is open on Albert J. Woodford Memorial State Forest, and when
This calendar is cut down to Albert J. Woodford Memorial State Forest: its WMU (6S), duck zone and goose area decide which of the 2026-27 rows appear.
| Game | Hunt | Unit or zone | From | To | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed deer | Early Bowhunting | WMU 6S | Oct 1, 2026 | Nov 20, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Youth deer weekend | WMU 6S | Oct 10, 2026 | Oct 12, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Regular Season | WMU 6S | Nov 21, 2026 | Dec 13, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Late Bowhunting | WMU 6S | Dec 14, 2026 | Dec 22, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Late Muzzleloading | WMU 6S | Dec 14, 2026 | Dec 22, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Late Bowhunting (holidays) | WMU 6S | Dec 26, 2026 | Jan 1, 2027 | |
| White-tailed deer | Late Muzzleloading (holidays) | WMU 6S | Dec 26, 2026 | Jan 1, 2027 | |
| Black bear | Early Bowhunting | WMU 6S | Oct 1, 2026 | Nov 20, 2026 | |
| Black bear | Youth Firearms Bear Hunt | WMU 6S | Oct 10, 2026 | Oct 12, 2026 | |
| Black bear | Regular Season | WMU 6S | Nov 21, 2026 | Dec 13, 2026 | |
| Black bear | Late Bowhunting | WMU 6S | Dec 14, 2026 | Dec 22, 2026 | |
| Black bear | Late Muzzleloading | WMU 6S | Dec 14, 2026 | Dec 22, 2026 | |
| Wild turkey | Fall Season | WMU 6S | Oct 17, 2026 | Oct 30, 2026 | |
| Wild turkey | Youth Spring Turkey Hunt | WMU 6S | Apr 24, 2027 | Apr 25, 2027 | |
| Wild turkey | Spring Season | WMU 6S | May 1, 2027 | May 31, 2027 | |
| Pheasant | Youth Pheasant Hunt | WMU 6S | Sep 26, 2026 | Sep 27, 2026 | |
| Pheasant | Regular (either sex) | WMU 6S | Oct 1, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | |
| Ruffed grouse | Hunting | WMU 6S | Oct 1, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | |
| Woodcock | Hunting | WMU 6S | Oct 1, 2026 | Nov 14, 2026 | |
| Cottontail | Hunting | WMU 6S | Oct 1, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | |
| Snowshoe hare | Hunting | WMU 6S | Dec 14, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | |
| Gray squirrel | Hunting | WMU 6S | Sep 1, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | |
| Black squirrel | Hunting | WMU 6S | Sep 1, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | |
| Fox squirrel | Hunting | WMU 6S | Sep 1, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | |
| Ducks | Split 1 | Southeastern Zone | Oct 10, 2026 | Oct 18, 2026 | |
| Ducks | Split 2 | Southeastern Zone | Nov 7, 2026 | Dec 27, 2026 | |
| Scaup | 2-scaup window | Southeastern Zone | Dec 8, 2026 | Dec 27, 2026 | |
| Canada goose | September season | East Central goose area | Sep 1, 2026 | Sep 25, 2026 | |
| Canada goose | Regular season | East Central goose area | Oct 24, 2026 | Nov 20, 2026 | |
| Canada goose | Regular season | East Central goose area | Dec 5, 2026 | Dec 21, 2026 | |
| Snow goose | Regular season | Southeastern Zone | Nov 24, 2026 | Mar 10, 2027 | |
| Brant | Regular season | Southeastern Zone | Oct 10, 2026 | Nov 8, 2026 | |
| Youth waterfowl | Youth days | Southeastern Zone | Sep 26, 2026 | Sep 27, 2026 | |
| Veteran waterfowl | Veteran days | Southeastern Zone | Sep 26, 2026 | Sep 27, 2026 | |
| Snipe | Hunting | WMU 6S | Sep 1, 2026 | Nov 9, 2026 | |
| Rails | Hunting | WMU 6S | Sep 1, 2026 | Nov 9, 2026 | |
| Gallinule | Hunting | WMU 6S | Sep 1, 2026 | Nov 9, 2026 | |
| Crow | Hunting | WMU 6S | Sep 1, 2026 | Mar 31, 2027 | |
| Coyote | Hunting | WMU 6S | Oct 1, 2026 | Mar 28, 2027 | |
| Raccoon | Hunting | WMU 6S | Oct 25, 2026 | Feb 15, 2027 | |
| Red fox | Hunting | WMU 6S | Oct 25, 2026 | Feb 15, 2027 | |
| Gray fox | Hunting | WMU 6S | Oct 25, 2026 | Feb 15, 2027 | |
| Bobcat | Hunting | WMU 6S | Oct 25, 2026 | Nov 20, 2026 | |
| Skunk | Hunting | WMU 6S | Oct 25, 2026 | Feb 15, 2027 | |
| Opossum | Hunting | WMU 6S | Oct 25, 2026 | Feb 15, 2027 | |
| Weasel | Hunting | WMU 6S | Oct 25, 2026 | Feb 15, 2027 | |
| Mink | Hunting (Southern Zone only) | Southern Zone | Nov 10, 2026 | Apr 7, 2027 | |
| Snapping turtle | Hunting | Statewide | Jul 15, 2026 | Sep 30, 2026 |
Season rows from the 2026-27 New York Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide, matched to the DEC WMU, duck zone and goose area layers; checked October 27, 2026. All New York seasons.
Albert J. Woodford Memorial State Forest: WMU 6S numbers
Deer, bear and turkey rules here follow WMU 6S, 589 square miles in the Southern Zone covering parts of Herkimer, Oneida and Montgomery. For 6S, DEC aims to issue 4,200 DMPs in 2026; success averages 17.4% and residents' first-DMP odds are high. The bear area for 6S is Southern Zone. Fall turkey in 6S: Oct. 17-30.
| WMU | Zone | DMP target | DMP success | Resident odds | Antler rule | Deer weapons | Bear | Fall turkey |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6S | Southern | 4,200 | 17.4% | high | No | All | Southern Zone | Oct. 17-30 |
Calculated deer take, 6S
In 2022, 6S produced 2,607 deer by DEC's estimate (3,237 in 2016).
| Season | Total take | Bucks 1.5+ |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 3,237 | 1,762 |
| 2017 | 2,783 | 1,558 |
| 2018 | 3,009 | 1,613 |
| 2019 | 2,522 | 1,452 |
| 2020 | 3,178 | 1,593 |
| 2021 | 2,801 | 1,565 |
| 2022 | 2,607 | 1,366 |
Bear harvest in 6S for 2025 was 0.
The bear objective DEC lists for 6S is to maintain infrequent bear presence.
WMU facts from the 2026 DMP table, the 2026-27 DEC guide, DEC deer take reports and the DEC bear harvest dashboard; WMU from the DEC WMU layer; checked October 27, 2026.
Albert J. Woodford Memorial State Forest game species
Expect white-tailed deer and ruffed grouse on Albert J. Woodford Memorial State Forest.
White-tailed deer
Nov 21–Dec 13
Ruffed grouse
Oct 1–Feb 28
Species from DEC albert j woodford memorial state fores; dates from the 2026-27 DEC guide; checked October 27, 2026.
Maps and parking around Albert J. Woodford Memorial State Forest
DEC lists 5 parking or access points for Albert J. Woodford Memorial State Forest.
| Where to park | Link |
|---|---|
| White Street Pond parking area: 42.9187, -75.3005 | Get there |
| Tassell Hill parking area: 42.9412, -75.3164 | Get there |
| Upper White Street parking area: 42.9256, -75.3157 | Get there |
| Truck Trail parking area: 42.9270, -75.3008 | Get there |
| Chittning Pond parking area, fishing pier and boat launch: 42.9090, -75.3154 | Get there |
Map in print form: Albert J. Woodford Memorial State Forest Map
DEC accessible recreation note: From the Chittning Pond Fishing Access Site Parking Area , wheelchair accessible features include the: Fishing/viewing platform; and Picnic area
Parking points and maps from DEC albert j woodford memorial state fores; checked October 27, 2026.
Albert J. Woodford Memorial State Forest and the public land around it
10 public places within 40 miles are pinned around Albert J. Woodford Memorial State Forest, starting with Mount Hunger State Forest. Combined: 20,845 acres.
| Area | Category | Acreage | WMU | Distance | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Hunger | State forest | 600 | 7M | 3.0 mi | southwest |
| Gorton Lake | State forest | 507 | 7M | 4.8 mi | southwest |
| Beaver Creek State Forest, | State forest | 3,490 | 7M | 4.9 mi | south |
| Brookfield Railroad | State forest | 847 | 7M | 7.0 mi | south |
| Plainfield | State forest | 1,862 | 4F | 10 mi | southeast |
| Charles E. Baker | State forest | 9,064 | 7M | 12 mi | south |
| Exeter | State forest | 1,966 | 4F | 13 mi | southeast |
| Basswood Pond | State forest | 716 | 4F | 15 mi | southeast |
| Oriskany Flats | WMA | 784 | 6P | 18 mi | north |
| Steuben Hill | State forest | 1,009 | 6R | 19 mi | northeast |
Points: DEC Lands layer (polygon centroid). Straight-line distances. Statewide public land map.
Harvest numbers for the towns under Albert J. Woodford Memorial State Forest
Bridgewater logged 101 deer in 2019; DEC stopped publishing town tables after that season.
| Town | County | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | Bucks, 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgewater | Oneida | 86 | 106 | 81 | 94 | 101 | 66 |
| Sangerfield | Oneida | 212 | 195 | 205 | 190 | 152 | 83 |
| Marshall | Oneida | 218 | 318 | 246 | 236 | 219 | 122 |
Recent bear reports from the same towns: Sangerfield (2022) 1.
The 2025 deer take for Oneida County was 4,651.
| Year | Deer | Adult males | Adult females |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 4,865 | 2,842 | 1,637 |
| 2022 | 5,588 | 2,713 | 2,144 |
| 2023 | 4,768 | 2,662 | 1,655 |
| 2024 | 5,148 | 2,973 | 1,730 |
| 2025 | 4,651 | 2,512 | 1,725 |
DEC deer take by town and county (towns 2007-2019), county deer take 2021-2025 and DEC bear take by town; checked October 27, 2026.
Albert J. Woodford Memorial State Forest: nearby towns and services
Bridgewater sits 4.1 mi from Albert J. Woodford Memorial State Forest, the shortest hop to a town.
| Town | County | Miles off | People | Public acres, 10 mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgewater | Oneida | 4.1 mi | – | 14,176 |
| Utica | Oneida | 13 mi | 63,660 | 1,743 |
| South Edmeston | Otsego | 16 mi | – | 15,426 |
| Earlville | Madison | 17 mi | 771 | 20,050 |
Open the county guide for Albert J. Woodford Memorial State Forest: Oneida County.
Where Albert J. Woodford Memorial State Forest hunters buy shells and drop off deer
Oneida County is home to 20 DEC-licensed guides (see DEC's guide list). DEC licensed guides
Albert J. Woodford Memorial State Forest: the nearest DEC offices
Towns and populations from Census 2024 estimates; businesses from store locators and listings; DEC offices and licensed guide counts from DEC. Checked October 27, 2026.
Where Albert J. Woodford Memorial State Forest hunters can shoot
Cassety Hollow Rod & Gun Club, 7 miles away, is the nearest range to Albert J. Woodford Memorial State Forest; check its access rule before going.
From DEC, the operators’ pages and directory listings, checked October 27, 2026.
Albert J. Woodford Memorial State Forest: first and last legal light
The DEC guide prints sunrise and sunset for Albany only. The times here are worked out for the centre of Albert J. Woodford Memorial State Forest and match the Albany table within four minutes.
| Date | Season point | Sunrise | Sunset | Deer, bear | Migratory |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 27, 2026 | Northern bow opener | 6:53 a.m. | 6:52 p.m. | 6:23 a.m. to 7:22 p.m. | 6:23 a.m. to 6:52 p.m. |
| Oct 1, 2026 | Southern bow opener | 6:57 a.m. | 6:45 p.m. | 6:27 a.m. to 7:15 p.m. | 6:27 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. |
| Oct 24, 2026 | Northern regular opener | 7:25 a.m. | 6:07 p.m. | 6:55 a.m. to 6:37 p.m. | 6:55 a.m. to 6:07 p.m. |
| Nov 21, 2026 | Southern regular opener | 7:02 a.m. | 4:34 p.m. | 6:32 a.m. to 5:04 p.m. | 6:32 a.m. to 4:34 p.m. |
| Dec 14, 2026 | Southern late season | 7:26 a.m. | 4:27 p.m. | 6:56 a.m. to 4:57 p.m. | 6:56 a.m. to 4:27 p.m. |
| Jan 1, 2027 | Late season close | 7:34 a.m. | 4:36 p.m. | 7:04 a.m. to 5:06 p.m. | 7:04 a.m. to 4:36 p.m. |
| May 1, 2027 | Spring turkey opener | 5:56 a.m. | 8:01 p.m. | 5:26 a.m. to 8:31 p.m. | 5:26 a.m. to 8:01 p.m. |
Hours rule from the DEC guide sunrise and sunset page; sun times calculated for the county centre (NOAA method), checked against the guide’s Albany table; checked October 27, 2026. Legal hours for every county.
The look of Albert J. Woodford Memorial State Forest country
Albert J. Woodford Memorial State Forest questions, answered from the record
Can I leave a tree stand on Albert J. Woodford Memorial State Forest?
Yes, a portable one that harms no tree, labeled with your name and address or license or DEC ID, removed at season end.
When must I wear orange on Albert J. Woodford Memorial State Forest?
During firearm deer and bear hunting, for you and anyone with you.
Is Albert J. Woodford Memorial State Forest open to public hunting?
It is public DEC land: carry your hunting license and follow the season dates.
What acreage is on file for Albert J. Woodford Memorial State Forest?
The record lists 2,649 acres.
What zone and WMU is Albert J. Woodford Memorial State Forest?
The DEC WMU layer gives 6S (Southern Zone).
When does the regular deer season open on Albert J. Woodford Memorial State Forest?
Nov 21 to Dec 13, 2026 for the regular Season in WMU 6S.
What is the bowhunting window on Albert J. Woodford Memorial State Forest?
Archery runs Oct 1 to Nov 20, 2026 to start.
Can I get a Deer Management Permit for Albert J. Woodford Memorial State Forest?
Yes: WMU 6S has a 2026 target of 4,200 DMPs, and resident first-permit odds are high.
Is Albert J. Woodford Memorial State Forest known for deer, birds or waterfowl?
You will find white-tailed deer and ruffed grouse on the list.
When does turkey season open on Albert J. Woodford Memorial State Forest?
Yes: May 1 to May 31, 2027, mornings only.
What are the bear dates for Albert J. Woodford Memorial State Forest?
WMU 6S is open for bears Nov 21 to Dec 13, 2026.
What town should I base out of for Albert J. Woodford Memorial State Forest?
Bridgewater is 4.1 mi away.
Albert J. Woodford Memorial State Forest: what to double-check
Boundaries on the ground beat any web page; watch for posted areas on Albert J. Woodford Memorial State Forest.
Sources: DEC albert j woodford memorial state fores · DEC · DEC GIS · DEC; regulations from the 2026-27 New York Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide. Checked October 27, 2026.
Other photos on this page: David A Mitchell (CC BY 2.0); YellowstoneNPS (Public domain); Tony Webster (CC BY-SA 2.0); GlacierNPS (Public domain).