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State forest · the Capital District and northern Catskills
What hunters need to know about Burnt-Rossman Hills State Forest
Rules, WMU 4G season dates, maps and neighbors for a state forest in Schoharie County.
Photo: andyarthur (CC BY 2.0)
Getting to Burnt-Rossman Hills State Forest
Parking, trailheads and gates near Burnt-Rossman Hills State Forest
- Parking areaParking · 2.0 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 2.5 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 3.5 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 4.9 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 5.0 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 5.1 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 5.6 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 5.6 mi from the centreDirections
- Boat rampBoat ramp · 6.3 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 6.3 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 6.4 mi from the centreDirections
- Mine Kill State Park Pool ComplexParking · 6.4 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.
What Burnt-Rossman Hills State Forest is
Burnt-Rossman Hills State Forest is a DEC state forest in Schoharie County. The DEC page names Jefferson, Blenheim, Fulton and Summit as the towns it falls in. It is a Region 4 property, in the Capital District and northern Catskills. Size: 10,634 acres (DEC Lands layer ACRES). 5 others of the 409 state forests are larger. Management direction comes from the Eminence unit plan.
From DEC burnt rossman hills state forest; acreage DEC Lands layer ACRES (sum of the matched facility polygons); checked October 27, 2026.
Nearby
Places to hunt and shoot around Burnt-Rossman Hills State Forest
Burnt-Rossman Hills State Forest hunting rules for 2026-27
The DEC rules for using state forest land, applied to Burnt-Rossman Hills State Forest:
- Cutting or damaging trees on Burnt-Rossman Hills 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.
- Burnt-Rossman Hills 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 Burnt-Rossman Hills 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 burnt rossman hills state forest, DEC state land use rules, DEC Places to Hunt, 2026-27 DEC guide; checked October 27, 2026.
What is open on Burnt-Rossman Hills State Forest, and when
This calendar is cut down to Burnt-Rossman Hills State Forest: its WMU (4G), 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 4G | Oct 1, 2026 | Nov 20, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Youth deer weekend | WMU 4G | Oct 10, 2026 | Oct 12, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Regular Season | WMU 4G | Nov 21, 2026 | Dec 13, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Late Bowhunting | WMU 4G | Dec 14, 2026 | Dec 22, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Late Muzzleloading | WMU 4G | Dec 14, 2026 | Dec 22, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Late Bowhunting (holidays) | WMU 4G | Dec 26, 2026 | Jan 1, 2027 | |
| White-tailed deer | Late Muzzleloading (holidays) | WMU 4G | Dec 26, 2026 | Jan 1, 2027 | |
| Black bear | Early Bowhunting | WMU 4G | Oct 1, 2026 | Nov 20, 2026 | |
| Black bear | Youth Firearms Bear Hunt | WMU 4G | Oct 10, 2026 | Oct 12, 2026 | |
| Black bear | Regular Season | WMU 4G | Nov 21, 2026 | Dec 13, 2026 | |
| Black bear | Late Bowhunting | WMU 4G | Dec 14, 2026 | Dec 22, 2026 | |
| Black bear | Late Muzzleloading | WMU 4G | Dec 14, 2026 | Dec 22, 2026 | |
| Wild turkey | Fall Season | WMU 4G | Oct 17, 2026 | Oct 30, 2026 | |
| Wild turkey | Youth Spring Turkey Hunt | WMU 4G | Apr 24, 2027 | Apr 25, 2027 | |
| Wild turkey | Spring Season | WMU 4G | May 1, 2027 | May 31, 2027 | |
| Pheasant | Youth Pheasant Hunt | WMU 4G | Sep 26, 2026 | Sep 27, 2026 | |
| Pheasant | Regular (either sex) | WMU 4G | Oct 1, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | |
| Ruffed grouse | Hunting | WMU 4G | Oct 1, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | |
| Woodcock | Hunting | WMU 4G | Oct 1, 2026 | Nov 14, 2026 | |
| Cottontail | Hunting | WMU 4G | Oct 1, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | |
| Snowshoe hare | Hunting | WMU 4G | Dec 14, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | |
| Gray squirrel | Hunting | WMU 4G | Sep 1, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | |
| Black squirrel | Hunting | WMU 4G | Sep 1, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | |
| Fox squirrel | Hunting | WMU 4G | 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 | South goose area | Sep 1, 2026 | Sep 25, 2026 | |
| Canada goose | Regular season | South goose area | Oct 24, 2026 | Jan 11, 2027 | |
| 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 4G | Sep 1, 2026 | Nov 9, 2026 | |
| Rails | Hunting | WMU 4G | Sep 1, 2026 | Nov 9, 2026 | |
| Gallinule | Hunting | WMU 4G | Sep 1, 2026 | Nov 9, 2026 | |
| Crow | Hunting | WMU 4G | Sep 1, 2026 | Mar 31, 2027 | |
| Coyote | Hunting | WMU 4G | Oct 1, 2026 | Mar 28, 2027 | |
| Raccoon | Hunting | WMU 4G | Oct 25, 2026 | Feb 15, 2027 | |
| Red fox | Hunting | WMU 4G | Oct 25, 2026 | Feb 15, 2027 | |
| Gray fox | Hunting | WMU 4G | Oct 25, 2026 | Feb 15, 2027 | |
| Bobcat | Hunting | WMU 4G | Oct 25, 2026 | Feb 15, 2027 | |
| Skunk | Hunting | WMU 4G | Oct 25, 2026 | Feb 15, 2027 | |
| Opossum | Hunting | WMU 4G | Oct 25, 2026 | Feb 15, 2027 | |
| Weasel | Hunting | WMU 4G | 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.
Burnt-Rossman Hills State Forest: WMU 4G numbers
Deer, bear and turkey rules here follow WMU 4G, 370 square miles in the Southern Zone covering parts of Schoharie, Albany and Schenectady. For 4G, DEC aims to issue 2,800 DMPs in 2026; success averages 20.7% and residents' first-DMP odds are med. Hold off on small bucks in 4G: the 3-point rule applies. The bear area for 4G is Southern Zone. Fall turkey in 4G: Oct. 17-30.
| WMU | Zone | DMP target | DMP success | Resident odds | Antler rule | Deer weapons | Bear | Fall turkey |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4G | Southern | 2,800 | 20.7% | med | Yes | All | Southern Zone | Oct. 17-30 |
Calculated deer take, 4G
In 2022, 4G produced 1,855 deer by DEC's estimate (1,502 in 2016).
| Season | Total take | Bucks 1.5+ |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 1,502 | 863 |
| 2017 | 1,388 | 835 |
| 2018 | 1,469 | 805 |
| 2019 | 1,321 | 786 |
| 2020 | 1,724 | 913 |
| 2021 | 1,776 | 1,147 |
| 2022 | 1,855 | 1,028 |
Bear harvest in 4G for 2025 was 22, or 5.9 per 100 square miles.
The bear objective DEC lists for 4G is to maintain moderate 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.
Maps and parking around Burnt-Rossman Hills State Forest
DEC lists 13 parking or access points for Burnt-Rossman Hills State Forest.
| Where to park | Link |
|---|---|
| Looking Glass Pond parking area, 8 vehicle capacity: 42.5514, -74.4938 | Get there |
| Western West Kill Rd (County Route 43) parking area, 8 vehicle capacity: 42.4890, -74.5100 | Get there |
| Eastern West Kill Road (County Route 43) parking area, 3 vehicle capacity: 42.4850, -74.4840 | Get there |
| Sawyer Hollow Road (County Route 20) parking area, 6 vehicle capacity: 42.5718, -74.5234 | Get there |
| Eminence Road parking area, 4 vehicle capacity: 42.5209, -74.5247 | Get there |
| Yankee Street parking area, 4 vehicle capacity: 42.5415, -74.5515 | Get there |
| Rossman Hill Road parking area, 2 vehicle capacity: 42.5515, -74.4984 | Get there |
| Morey Road parking area, 2 vehicle capacity: 42.5487, -74.4910 | Get there |
| Eminence Lean-to and primitive campsite: 42.5433, -74.4886 | Get there |
| Panther Creek primitive campsite: 42.5708, -74.5222 | Get there |
| Duck Pond primitive campsite: 42.5102, -74.4836 | Get there |
| Cole Hollow Stream primitive campsite: 42.5174, -74.4783 | Get there |
| Westkill primitive campsite: 42.4891, -74.5094 | Get there |
Map in print form: Burnt-Rossman Hills State Forest Map · Looking Glass Pond Map · DECinfo Locator
DEC accessible recreation note: From the Looking Glass Pond Main Parking Area on Rossman Hill Road , wheelchair accessible features include the: Two fishing/viewing platforms; Picnic area; Hiking trail; and Portable toilet (seasonal) The Looking Glass Pond Accessible Trail is 0.4 mile one way to an auxiliary parking lot on Rossman Hill Road, and has a gentle grade (max. slope 10%), wide tread (min. width 3 …
Parking points and maps from DEC burnt rossman hills state forest; checked October 27, 2026.
Burnt-Rossman Hills State Forest and the public land around it
10 public places within 40 miles are pinned around Burnt-Rossman Hills State Forest, starting with Mallet Pond State Forest. Combined: 12,263 acres.
| Area | Category | Acreage | WMU | Distance | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mallet Pond | State forest | 2,577 | 4G | 4.1 mi | north |
| Blenheim Hill | State forest | 779 | 4G | 4.9 mi | south |
| Patria | State forest | 2,181 | 4G | 6.2 mi | northeast |
| Mine Kill | State park | 461 | 4G | 6.6 mi | southeast |
| Clapper Hollow | State forest | 818 | 4F | 7.3 mi | west |
| Keyserkill State Forest Complex | State forest | 2,431 | 4G | 7.4 mi | east |
| Petersburg | State forest | 1,088 | 4G | 7.8 mi | northeast |
| Windy Ridge | Watershed unit | 41 | 4P | 7.8 mi | south |
| Taylor Road | Watershed unit | 84 | 4F | 8.1 mi | southwest |
| Lutheranville | State forest | 1,803 | 4F | 8.5 mi | northwest |
Points: DEC Lands layer (polygon centroid of the largest part). Straight-line distances. Statewide public land map.
Harvest numbers for the towns under Burnt-Rossman Hills State Forest
Jefferson logged 287 deer in 2019; DEC stopped publishing town tables after that season.
| Town | County | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | Bucks, 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jefferson | Schoharie | 272 | 309 | 274 | 336 | 287 | 154 |
| Blenheim | Schoharie | 91 | 93 | 121 | 114 | 82 | 40 |
| Fulton | Schoharie | 145 | 191 | 180 | 195 | 197 | 127 |
| Summit | Schoharie | 165 | 223 | 229 | 228 | 189 | 123 |
Recent bear reports from the same towns: Jefferson (2022) 1, Blenheim (2020) 1, Blenheim (2021) 5, Blenheim (2022) 2, Fulton (2020) 2, Fulton (2021) 1.
The 2025 deer take for Schoharie County was 2,960.
| Year | Deer | Adult males | Adult females |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 3,150 | 1,974 | 1,013 |
| 2022 | 3,476 | 1,901 | 1,286 |
| 2023 | 2,899 | 1,708 | 973 |
| 2024 | 2,793 | 1,658 | 928 |
| 2025 | 2,960 | 1,749 | 953 |
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.
Burnt-Rossman Hills State Forest: nearby towns and services
North Blenheim sits 4.4 mi from Burnt-Rossman Hills State Forest, the shortest hop to a town.
| Town | County | Miles off | People | Public acres, 10 mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Blenheim | Schoharie | 4.4 mi | – | 27,014 |
| Richmondville | Schoharie | 8.2 mi | 873 | 21,638 |
| Middleburgh | Schoharie | 10 mi | 1,161 | 25,598 |
| East Worcester | Otsego | 11 mi | – | 14,513 |
Open the county guide for Burnt-Rossman Hills State Forest: Schoharie County.
Burnt-Rossman Hills State Forest: businesses close by
Schoharie County is home to 9 DEC-licensed guides (see DEC's guide list). DEC licensed guides
Burnt-Rossman Hills 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.
Burnt-Rossman Hills State Forest and nearby events
Mentored pheasant hunt: 1 upcoming event, on site or a few miles off.
Still ahead
| Held on | Event | Miles off | Where held | Link | Checked at |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 14, 2026 | Richmondville Fish and Game Clubs Youth and Novice Pheasant Hunt · mentored pheasant hunt | 8 | Richmondville | Reserve a spot | Source |
Burnt-Rossman Hills State Forest: nearest firing lines
For hunters on Burnt-Rossman Hills State Forest, the nearest public range is Black Creek Marsh WMA Archery Range in Albany County (28 miles). Nearby rod and gun clubs fill the remaining cards.
From DEC, the operators’ pages and directory listings, checked October 27, 2026.
Burnt-Rossman Hills 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 Burnt-Rossman Hills State Forest and match the Albany table within four minutes.
| Date | Season point | Sunrise | Sunset | Deer, bear | Migratory |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 27, 2026 | Northern bow opener | 6:49 a.m. | 6:48 p.m. | 6:19 a.m. to 7:18 p.m. | 6:19 a.m. to 6:48 p.m. |
| Oct 1, 2026 | Southern bow opener | 6:53 a.m. | 6:41 p.m. | 6:23 a.m. to 7:11 p.m. | 6:23 a.m. to 6:41 p.m. |
| Oct 24, 2026 | Northern regular opener | 7:20 a.m. | 6:03 p.m. | 6:50 a.m. to 6:33 p.m. | 6:50 a.m. to 6:03 p.m. |
| Nov 21, 2026 | Southern regular opener | 6:56 a.m. | 4:32 p.m. | 6:26 a.m. to 5:02 p.m. | 6:26 a.m. to 4:32 p.m. |
| Dec 14, 2026 | Southern late season | 7:20 a.m. | 4:25 p.m. | 6:50 a.m. to 4:55 p.m. | 6:50 a.m. to 4:25 p.m. |
| Jan 1, 2027 | Late season close | 7:27 a.m. | 4:34 p.m. | 6:57 a.m. to 5:04 p.m. | 6:57 a.m. to 4:34 p.m. |
| May 1, 2027 | Spring turkey opener | 5:54 a.m. | 7:56 p.m. | 5:24 a.m. to 8:26 p.m. | 5:24 a.m. to 7:56 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.
Burnt-Rossman Hills State Forest in pictures
Burnt-Rossman Hills State Forest questions, answered from the record
What is the bowhunting window on Burnt-Rossman Hills State Forest?
Archery runs Oct 1 to Nov 20, 2026 to start.
Can I get a Deer Management Permit for Burnt-Rossman Hills State Forest?
Yes: WMU 4G has a 2026 target of 2,800 DMPs, and resident first-permit odds are med.
When does turkey season open on Burnt-Rossman Hills State Forest?
Yes: May 1 to May 31, 2027, mornings only.
What are the bear dates for Burnt-Rossman Hills State Forest?
WMU 4G is open for bears Nov 21 to Dec 13, 2026.
How far is Burnt-Rossman Hills State Forest from a town?
North Blenheim is 4.4 mi away.
Can I leave a tree stand on Burnt-Rossman Hills 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.
Does the orange law apply on Burnt-Rossman Hills State Forest?
During firearm deer and bear hunting, for you and anyone with you.
When does legal light start at Burnt-Rossman Hills State Forest?
Big game from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset; ducks stop at sunset.
Is Burnt-Rossman Hills State Forest open to public hunting?
It is public DEC land: carry your hunting license and follow the season dates.
What does Burnt-Rossman Hills State Forest measure?
The record lists 10,634 acres.
What zone and WMU is Burnt-Rossman Hills State Forest?
The DEC WMU layer gives 4G (Southern Zone).
When does the regular deer season open on Burnt-Rossman Hills State Forest?
Nov 21 to Dec 13, 2026 for the regular Season in WMU 4G.
Burnt-Rossman Hills State Forest: what to double-check
Boundaries on the ground beat any web page; watch for posted areas on Burnt-Rossman Hills State Forest.
Sources: DEC burnt rossman hills state forest · 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: andyarthur (CC BY 2.0); andyarthur (CC BY 2.0); andyarthur (CC BY 2.0).