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WMA · the lower Hudson Valley
Bashakill Wildlife Management Area: a hunter's guide for 2026-27
Seasons and access for hunting in Orange County and 1 more: white-tailed deer, black bear and ducks and geese.
Photo: fran.trudeau (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Getting to Bashakill Wildlife Management Area
Parking, trailheads and gates near Bashakill Wildlife Management Area
- Haven Road Parking AreaParking · 0.6 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 0.7 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 0.9 mi from the centreDirections
- Boat rampBoat ramp · 1.1 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 1.1 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 1.8 mi from the centreDirections
- Big Oak ParkingParking · 1.8 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 2.3 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 2.3 mi from the centreDirections
- Boat rampBoat ramp · 2.4 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 2.4 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 2.4 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.
Bashakill WMA: size, towns and manager
Listed as a DEC wildlife management area, Bashakill Wildlife Management Area lies in Orange and Sullivan counties. On the ground it lies within Deerpark and Mamakating. The DEC region is Region 3 (the lower Hudson Valley). It measures 3,090 acres, per DEC Lands layer ACRES. Size rank: 25th of 119 WMAs.
In DEC's words: Bashakill WMA is known for its diverse wildlife. Mammals that can be found include white-tailed deer, muskrats, and many small mammal species. Black bear are sometimes spotted. Waterfowl hunting is allowed at Bashakill WMA, but requires a special permit which can be obtained from the Region 3 DEC Office by calling (845) 256-3098.
From DEC bashakill wildlife management area; acreage DEC Lands layer ACRES (sum of the matched facility polygons); checked October 27, 2026.
Nearby
Places to hunt and shoot around Bashakill Wildlife Management Area
Bashakill WMA hunting calendar
Season windows for Bashakill WMA, filtered from the 2026-27 guide by WMU 3M and the Southeastern waterfowl zone.
| Species | Segment | Where | First day | Last day | Today |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed deer | September antlerless | WMU 3M | Sep 12, 2026 | Sep 20, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Early Bowhunting | WMU 3M | Oct 1, 2026 | Nov 20, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Youth deer weekend | WMU 3M | Oct 10, 2026 | Oct 12, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Regular Season | WMU 3M | Nov 21, 2026 | Dec 13, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Late Bowhunting | WMU 3M | Dec 14, 2026 | Dec 22, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Late Muzzleloading | WMU 3M | Dec 14, 2026 | Dec 22, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Late Bowhunting (holidays) | WMU 3M | Dec 26, 2026 | Jan 1, 2027 | |
| White-tailed deer | Late Muzzleloading (holidays) | WMU 3M | Dec 26, 2026 | Jan 1, 2027 | |
| Black bear | Early Firearms Season | WMU 3M | Sep 12, 2026 | Sep 27, 2026 | |
| Black bear | Early Bowhunting | WMU 3M | Oct 1, 2026 | Nov 20, 2026 | |
| Black bear | Youth Firearms Bear Hunt | WMU 3M | Oct 10, 2026 | Oct 12, 2026 | |
| Black bear | Regular Season | WMU 3M | Nov 21, 2026 | Dec 13, 2026 | |
| Black bear | Late Bowhunting | WMU 3M | Dec 14, 2026 | Dec 22, 2026 | |
| Black bear | Late Muzzleloading | WMU 3M | Dec 14, 2026 | Dec 22, 2026 | |
| Wild turkey | Fall Season | WMU 3M | Oct 17, 2026 | Oct 30, 2026 | |
| Wild turkey | Youth Spring Turkey Hunt | WMU 3M | Apr 24, 2027 | Apr 25, 2027 | |
| Wild turkey | Spring Season | WMU 3M | May 1, 2027 | May 31, 2027 | |
| Pheasant | Youth Pheasant Hunt | WMU 3M | Sep 26, 2026 | Sep 27, 2026 | |
| Pheasant | Regular (either sex) | WMU 3M | Oct 1, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | |
| Ruffed grouse | Hunting | WMU 3M | Oct 1, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | |
| Bobwhite quail | Hunting | Orange and Putnam | Oct 1, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | |
| Woodcock | Hunting | WMU 3M | Oct 1, 2026 | Nov 14, 2026 | |
| Cottontail | Hunting | WMU 3M | Oct 1, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | |
| Snowshoe hare | Hunting | WMU 3M | Dec 14, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | |
| Gray squirrel | Hunting | WMU 3M | Sep 1, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | |
| Black squirrel | Hunting | WMU 3M | Sep 1, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | |
| Fox squirrel | Hunting | WMU 3M | 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 | Hudson Valley goose area | Sep 1, 2026 | Sep 25, 2026 | |
| Canada goose | Regular season | Hudson Valley goose area | Nov 7, 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 3M | Sep 1, 2026 | Nov 9, 2026 | |
| Rails | Hunting | WMU 3M | Sep 1, 2026 | Nov 9, 2026 | |
| Gallinule | Hunting | WMU 3M | Sep 1, 2026 | Nov 9, 2026 | |
| Crow | Hunting | WMU 3M | Sep 1, 2026 | Mar 31, 2027 | |
| Coyote | Hunting | WMU 3M | Oct 1, 2026 | Mar 28, 2027 | |
| Raccoon | Hunting | WMU 3M | Oct 25, 2026 | Feb 15, 2027 | |
| Red fox | Hunting | WMU 3M | Oct 25, 2026 | Feb 15, 2027 | |
| Gray fox | Hunting | WMU 3M | Oct 25, 2026 | Feb 15, 2027 | |
| Bobcat | Hunting | WMU 3M | Oct 25, 2026 | Feb 15, 2027 | |
| Skunk | Hunting | WMU 3M | Oct 25, 2026 | Feb 15, 2027 | |
| Opossum | Hunting | WMU 3M | Oct 25, 2026 | Feb 15, 2027 | |
| Weasel | Hunting | WMU 3M | 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.
How you may hunt Bashakill WMA
Expect the standard WMA rules (6 NYCRR Part 51) on Bashakill WMA:
- Target shooting needs a posted exception on Bashakill WMA.
- Camping on Bashakill WMA is by written permission only.
- Off-road travel by vehicle requires a permit or a posted route.
- Hardware in trees, permanent blinds and cut vegetation are all prohibited.
- Take your belongings out each day (trail cameras too), except a stand marked with your name and address or DEC ID, which may stay until season end.
- Areas posted "No Trespassing" need written DEC permission to enter.
- Fires are limited to cooking and warmth, and boats cannot stay moored overnight.
New York rules that apply on Bashakill WMA too
- Firearm deer and bear hunters, and anyone with them, wear 250 square inches of fluorescent orange or pink above the waist, or a hat that is at least half orange or pink.
- Mind the 500-foot firearm setback from dwellings and farm buildings near the boundary.
- Bait, salt licks and mineral attractants are illegal for deer and bear, and feeding them is banned year-round.
- Sundays are open statewide; only a site rule can close them.
From DEC bashakill wildlife management area, DEC Places to Hunt, 2026-27 DEC guide; checked October 27, 2026.
Parking and maps for Bashakill WMA
Bashakill WMA has 16 listed parking spots on the DEC page.
| Lot or pull-off | Map |
|---|---|
| The WMA is located at: 41.5359, -74.5170 | Directions |
| Haven Road: 41.5378, -74.5196 | Directions |
| Stop Sign" (North of Haven Road, east of wetland: 41.5360, -74.5116 | Directions |
| Stonefield Lane (Southern: 41.5149, -74.5523 | Directions |
| Stonefield Lane (Northern: 41.5192, -74.5498 | Directions |
| Westbrookville "Diner Fields Road: 41.5028, -74.5529 | Directions |
| Indian Orchard Road: 41.4995, -74.5521 | Directions |
| South Road "Zurl's" Boat Launch: 41.5165, -74.5380 | Directions |
| South Road "Nature Trail: 41.5087, -74.5442 | Directions |
| South Road – South End of Railroad Grade: 41.5025, -74.5490 | Directions |
| South Road- North of Rte. 17: 41.5577, -74.4860 | Directions |
| South Road – South of Rte. 17: 41.5550, -74.4880 | Directions |
| South Road "Big Tree" Parking Area: 41.5456, -74.4979 | Directions |
| South Road North of Haven Road: 41.5353, -74.5100 | Directions |
Boundary map file: Bashakill WMA Map
Wheelchair access, per DEC: From the Haven Road Parking Area (Western) , wheelchair accessible features include the: Viewing blind The viewing platform of wetlands is 620 feet from the parking area. From the South Road Parking Area, near intersection with Route 61 , wheelchair accessible features include the: Fishing/viewing platform
Parking points and maps from DEC bashakill wildlife management area; checked October 27, 2026.
Bashakill WMA game species
4 game groups are named for Bashakill WMA; each card shows the main 2026-27 window for its WMU.
White-tailed deer
Nov 21–Dec 13
Black bear
Nov 21–Dec 13
Ducks and geese
Oct 10–Oct 18
Ring-necked pheasant
Oct 1–Feb 28
Species from DEC bashakill wildlife management area; dates from the 2026-27 DEC guide; checked October 27, 2026.
Bashakill WMA pheasant releases for 2026
DEC stocks pheasants on Bashakill WMA: 5 releases in 2026 adding up to 550 birds.
| Site | Access rule | Town | Field acres | Stocking | Events | Birds released |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bashakill WMA | Public – open access | Mamakating/Deer Park | 37 | Regular | 5 | 550 |
| Week | Pheasants released |
|---|---|
| 09/21 | 51 |
| 09/28 | 109 |
| 10/05 | 58 |
| 10/12 | 58 |
| 10/19 | 51 |
| 10/26 | 51 |
| 11/02 | 51 |
| 12/07 | 51 |
| 12/14 | 38 |
| 12/15 | 32 |
DEC pheasant hunting and the 2026 DEC pheasant properties layer; checked October 27, 2026. All pheasant release sites.
Bashakill WMA on the DEC waterfowl map
Bashakill WMA appears on the DEC Places to Hunt Waterfowl map. Ducks: Southeastern zone dates. The Hudson Valley goose area dates apply.
| Property | Held by | Kind | Special regs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bashakill WMA | NYSDEC | WMA | Yes |
Waterfowl map note: A DEC-issued permit is required for waterfowl hunting. See WMA webpage for details.
DEC Places to Hunt Waterfowl; checked October 27, 2026. Waterfowl zones.
WMU 3M rules that reach Bashakill WMA
WMU 3M is the unit that counts for Bashakill WMA: Southern Zone, 749 square miles, in Orange, Ulster and Sullivan. Every applicant gets DMPs in 3M, which is unlimited for 2026. Bear rules in 3M follow the Southern Zone area. 3M fall turkey season: Oct. 17-30.
| Unit | Zone | 2026 DMPs | Avg success | 1st DMP odds | 3-point rule | Deer | Bear area | Fall turkey |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3M | Southern | Unlimited/bonus | 7.9% | 100% | No | All | Southern Zone | Oct. 17-30 |
3M: deer by season
The 3M deer take moved from 6,781 (2016) to 4,887 (2022).
| Year | Deer taken | Bucks |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 6,781 | 2,880 |
| 2017 | 6,123 | 2,553 |
| 2018 | 6,501 | 2,837 |
| 2019 | 6,323 | 3,024 |
| 2020 | 6,013 | 2,546 |
| 2021 | 4,510 | 2,023 |
| 2022 | 4,887 | 2,199 |
3M bear take by year: 2020 99; 2021 61; 2022 90; 2023 66; 2024 92; 2025 93.
3M bear objective: reduce bear density.
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.
Bashakill WMA pinned with nearby tracts
Around Bashakill WMA lie 10 more public tracts; Gobbler's Knob State Forest is the closest (3.2 mi). Combined: 15,056 acres.
| Neighbor | Type | Acres | WMU | Miles off | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gobbler's Knob | State forest | 304 | 3M | 3.2 mi | southwest |
| Sullivan | Detached parcel | 361 | 3H, 3K | 3.7 mi | west |
| Wolf Brook | Multiple use area | 559 | 3K | 5.7 mi | northwest |
| Wurtsboro Ridge | State forest | 1,137 | 3M | 6.0 mi | northeast |
| Neversink River | Unique area | 6,583 | 3K | 6.1 mi | west |
| Graham Mountain | State forest | 163 | 3M | 6.4 mi | southwest |
| Roosa Gap | State forest | 1,184 | 3M | 8.5 mi | northeast |
| Shawangunk Ridge | State forest | 1,538 | 3J, 3M | 11 mi | northeast |
| Highland Lakes | State park | 3,123 | 3M | 11 mi | east |
| Painter Hill | Multiple use area | 104 | 3H | 11 mi | north |
Points: DEC Lands layer (polygon centroid of the largest part). Straight-line distances. Statewide public land map.
Bashakill WMA: nearby towns and services
Head to Wurtsboro, 3.8 mi off, for supplies.
| Town | County | Distance | People | Public acres, 10 mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wurtsboro | Sullivan | 3.8 mi | 1,086 | 14,492 |
| Bridgeville | Sullivan | 8.7 mi | – | 13,521 |
| Monticello | Sullivan | 12 mi | 7,228 | 10,058 |
| Sparrow Bush | Orange | 13 mi | – | 8,191 |
County pages that list Bashakill WMA: Orange County, Sullivan County.
Bashakill WMA: businesses close by
The DEC licensed guide list counts 16 in Orange County. DEC licensed guides
DEC offices closest to Bashakill WMA
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.
Bashakill WMA: town and county harvest
Deer take for the town of Deerpark reached 262 in 2019, per DEC.
| Town | County | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2019 bucks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deerpark | Orange | 151 | 242 | 245 | 288 | 262 | 142 |
| Mamakating | Sullivan | 281 | 335 | 314 | 374 | 327 | 214 |
Black bears by town: Deerpark, 2020, 17; Deerpark, 2021, 12; Deerpark, 2022, 9; Mamakating, 2020, 39; Mamakating, 2021, 10; Mamakating, 2022, 10.
Across Orange County, DEC counted 4,926 deer taken in 2025.
| Season | Total | Bucks | Does |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 4,369 | 2,062 | 1,883 |
| 2022 | 4,738 | 2,217 | 2,057 |
| 2023 | 4,237 | 2,181 | 1,654 |
| 2024 | 4,753 | 2,581 | 1,725 |
| 2025 | 4,926 | 2,493 | 1,906 |
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.
Bashakill Wildlife Management Area: nearest firing lines
It is about 55 miles from Bashakill Wildlife Management Area to Coyne Park Rifle and Pistol Range, the closest public range. Nearby rod and gun clubs fill the remaining cards.
From DEC, the operators’ pages and directory listings, checked October 27, 2026.
Bashakill WMA: first and last legal light
Spring turkey hunting ends at noon, fall turkey and upland birds run sunrise to sunset, and big game gets the half hour on each end.
| Day | Hunt | First sun | Last sun | Big game window | Bird window |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 27, 2026 | Northern bow opener | 6:48 a.m. | 6:48 p.m. | 6:18 a.m. to 7:18 p.m. | 6:18 a.m. to 6:48 p.m. |
| Oct 1, 2026 | Southern bow opener | 6:52 a.m. | 6:41 p.m. | 6:22 a.m. to 7:11 p.m. | 6:22 a.m. to 6:41 p.m. |
| Oct 24, 2026 | Northern regular opener | 7:18 a.m. | 6:05 p.m. | 6:48 a.m. to 6:35 p.m. | 6:48 a.m. to 6:05 p.m. |
| Nov 21, 2026 | Southern regular opener | 6:52 a.m. | 4:35 p.m. | 6:22 a.m. to 5:05 p.m. | 6:22 a.m. to 4:35 p.m. |
| Dec 14, 2026 | Southern late season | 7:15 a.m. | 4:28 p.m. | 6:45 a.m. to 4:58 p.m. | 6:45 a.m. to 4:28 p.m. |
| Jan 1, 2027 | Late season close | 7:23 a.m. | 4:37 p.m. | 6:53 a.m. to 5:07 p.m. | 6:53 a.m. to 4:37 p.m. |
| May 1, 2027 | Spring turkey opener | 5:55 a.m. | 7:53 p.m. | 5:25 a.m. to 8:23 p.m. | 5:25 a.m. to 7:53 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.
Around Bashakill WMA: photos
Bashakill WMA: short answers
Is there a spring gobbler season at Bashakill WMA?
It opens May 1, 2027 and ends May 31, 2027.
What species go with Bashakill WMA?
Named game: white-tailed deer, black bear, ducks and geese and ring-necked pheasant.
What are the duck dates for Bashakill WMA?
Oct 10 to Oct 18, 2026 for the first split.
Is Bashakill WMA in a bear hunting area?
Nov 21 to Dec 13, 2026 (regular Season).
How far is Bashakill WMA from a town?
Wurtsboro is 3.8 mi away.
Can I hunt stocked pheasants on Bashakill WMA?
550 birds are scheduled for 2026.
What do I need to hunt Bashakill WMA?
Open in season to anyone with a New York hunting license.
Are tree stands allowed on Bashakill WMA?
Only portable stands: no hardware in trees, label it, take it out when the season closes.
Which unit sets deer dates for Bashakill WMA?
3M, a Southern Zone unit.
What does Bashakill WMA measure?
3,090 acres on file.
When does bow season start on Bashakill WMA?
Early Bowhunting: Oct 1 to Nov 20, 2026.
When does the main deer season run on Bashakill WMA?
The regular Season runs Nov 21 to Dec 13, 2026.
Bashakill WMA: what to double-check
Confirm access and permits for Bashakill WMA before the drive.
Sources: DEC bashakill wildlife management area · DEC · DEC GIS · DEC · DEC GIS · DEC GIS; regulations from the 2026-27 New York Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide. Checked October 27, 2026.
Other photos on this page: USFWS/Southeast (Public domain); fishhawk (CC BY 2.0); Garden State Hiker (CC BY 2.0); jacopast (CC BY-SA 2.0).