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State forest · 2026-27
Cadyville State Forest hunting rules, seasons and access
State forest of 371 acres in Clinton County, hunted under WMU 5C dates, for white-tailed deer, black bear and wild turkey.
Photo: bobistraveling (CC BY 2.0)
Getting to Cadyville State Forest
Parking, trailheads and gates near Cadyville State Forest
- Fishing AccessParking · 1.7 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 2.2 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 4.0 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 4.0 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 6.3 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 6.3 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 6.4 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 7.0 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 7.0 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 7.1 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 7.1 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 7.1 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.
Cadyville State Forest at a glance
Hunters find Cadyville State Forest, a DEC state forest, in Clinton County. DEC places it in the town of Plattsburgh. In DEC terms it belongs to Region 5, which spans the eastern Adirondacks and Lake Champlain. The acreage used here is 371, taken from DEC Lands layer ACRES. It is number 388 by size out of 409 state forests. DEC plans it under the Northern Clinton unit management plan.
Hunting section, quoted: Hunting is allowed during appropriate seasons. The main game species found on the property include whitetail deer, black bear, ruffed grouse, wild turkey, snowshoe hare, coyote, and waterfowl. The main furbearers found on the property include fisher, beaver, mink, muskrat, raccoon, and otter.
From DEC cadyville state forest; acreage DEC Lands layer ACRES (sum of the matched facility polygons); checked October 27, 2026.
Nearby
Places to hunt and shoot around Cadyville State Forest
Cadyville State Forest: access and site rules
These state land rules from DEC cover Cadyville State Forest:
- Trees on Cadyville State Forest stay unharmed, so no hardware, no cleared shooting lanes and no blinds built from brush.
- Your stand may remain in place for the season on Cadyville State Forest as long as it is tag-marked with your details and harms no tree.
- Trail cameras and other gear may not be left on Cadyville State Forest as storage.
- Motor vehicles stay on maintained roads, and ATVs need a designated route.
- Camping needs a DEC permit where the rules require one.
Laws every Cadyville State Forest hunter carries in
- Gun hunters after deer or bear wear orange or pink: 250 square inches above the waist or a mostly orange or pink hat.
- The discharge setback is 500 feet for guns, 250 feet for crossbows and 150 feet for bows from homes, farm buildings, schools and churches.
- Hunting over bait is illegal; scents and lures are allowed.
- There is no Sunday ban in New York; some parks set their own.
From DEC cadyville state forest, DEC state land use rules, DEC Places to Hunt, 2026-27 DEC guide; checked October 27, 2026.
Cadyville State Forest: dates by species
Dates below apply to the WMU and zones under Cadyville State Forest (5C); trapping and falconry rows sit on the species pages.
| Game | Season type | Area | Begins | Through | Right now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed deer | Early Bowhunting | WMU 5C | Sep 27, 2026 | Oct 23, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Youth deer weekend | WMU 5C | Oct 10, 2026 | Oct 12, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Early Muzzleloading | WMU 5C | Oct 17, 2026 | Oct 23, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Regular Season | WMU 5C | Oct 24, 2026 | Dec 6, 2026 | |
| Black bear | Regular Season (Adirondacks) | WMU 5C | Sep 19, 2026 | Dec 6, 2026 | |
| Black bear | Youth Firearms Bear Hunt | WMU 5C | Oct 10, 2026 | Oct 12, 2026 | |
| Wild turkey | Fall Season | WMU 5C | Oct 1, 2026 | Oct 14, 2026 | |
| Wild turkey | Youth Spring Turkey Hunt | WMU 5C | Apr 24, 2027 | Apr 25, 2027 | |
| Wild turkey | Spring Season | WMU 5C | May 1, 2027 | May 31, 2027 | |
| Pheasant | Youth Pheasant Hunt | WMU 5C | Sep 26, 2026 | Sep 27, 2026 | |
| Pheasant | Regular (either sex) | WMU 5C | Oct 1, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | |
| Ruffed grouse | Hunting | WMU 5C | Sep 20, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | |
| Woodcock | Hunting | WMU 5C | Oct 1, 2026 | Nov 14, 2026 | |
| Cottontail | Hunting | WMU 5C | Oct 1, 2026 | Mar 21, 2027 | |
| Snowshoe hare | Hunting | WMU 5C | Oct 1, 2026 | Mar 21, 2027 | |
| Gray squirrel | Hunting | WMU 5C | Sep 1, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | |
| Black squirrel | Hunting | WMU 5C | Sep 1, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | |
| Fox squirrel | Hunting | WMU 5C | Sep 1, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | |
| Ducks | Split 1 | Northeastern Zone | Oct 10, 2026 | Nov 29, 2026 | |
| Ducks | Split 2 | Northeastern Zone | Dec 12, 2026 | Dec 20, 2026 | |
| Scaup | 2-scaup window | Northeastern Zone | Nov 19, 2026 | Nov 29, 2026 | |
| Scaup | 2-scaup window | Northeastern Zone | Dec 12, 2026 | Dec 20, 2026 | |
| Canada goose | September season | Northeast goose area | Sep 1, 2026 | Sep 25, 2026 | |
| Canada goose | Regular season | Northeast goose area | Oct 24, 2026 | Nov 29, 2026 | |
| Canada goose | Regular season | Northeast goose area | Dec 12, 2026 | Dec 19, 2026 | |
| Snow goose | Regular season | Northeastern Zone | Oct 1, 2026 | Dec 31, 2026 | |
| Snow goose | Regular season | Northeastern Zone | Feb 26, 2027 | Mar 10, 2027 | |
| Brant | Regular season | Northeastern Zone | Oct 10, 2026 | Nov 8, 2026 | |
| Youth waterfowl | Youth days | Northeastern Zone | Sep 26, 2026 | Sep 27, 2026 | |
| Veteran waterfowl | Veteran days | Northeastern Zone | Sep 26, 2026 | Sep 27, 2026 | |
| Snipe | Hunting | WMU 5C | Sep 1, 2026 | Nov 9, 2026 | |
| Rails | Hunting | WMU 5C | Sep 1, 2026 | Nov 9, 2026 | |
| Gallinule | Hunting | WMU 5C | Sep 1, 2026 | Nov 9, 2026 | |
| Crow | Hunting | WMU 5C | Sep 1, 2026 | Mar 31, 2027 | |
| Coyote | Hunting | WMU 5C | Oct 1, 2026 | Mar 28, 2027 | |
| Raccoon | Hunting | WMU 5C | Oct 25, 2026 | Feb 15, 2027 | |
| Red fox | Hunting | WMU 5C | Oct 25, 2026 | Feb 15, 2027 | |
| Gray fox | Hunting | WMU 5C | Oct 25, 2026 | Feb 15, 2027 | |
| Bobcat | Hunting | WMU 5C | Oct 25, 2026 | Feb 15, 2027 | |
| Skunk | Hunting | WMU 5C | Oct 25, 2026 | Feb 15, 2027 | |
| Opossum | Hunting | WMU 5C | Oct 25, 2026 | Feb 15, 2027 | |
| Weasel | Hunting | WMU 5C | Oct 25, 2026 | Feb 15, 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.
Cadyville State Forest and WMU 5C: permits, antlers and harvest
For tags and dates, Cadyville State Forest is WMU 5C ground (Northern Zone, 1,126 sq. mi. across Clinton, Franklin and Essex). State law bars DMPs in 5C. Bear area: Adirondacks. Fall turkey here: Oct. 1-14.
| Unit | Zone | Permits | Success | Res. 1st DMP | Antler points | Deer hunting | Bear | Fall turkey |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5C | Northern | Not authorized by law | NA | – | No | All | Adirondacks | Oct. 1-14 |
WMU 5C deer harvest by year
WMU tables give 5C 1,210 deer for 2022, the last year DEC published by unit.
| Year | Total deer | Adult bucks |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 583 | 480 |
| 2017 | 616 | 528 |
| 2018 | 847 | 691 |
| 2019 | 1,003 | 808 |
| 2020 | 939 | 703 |
| 2021 | 955 | 794 |
| 2022 | 1,210 | 955 |
Recent bear numbers for 5C: 2022: 35, 2023: 47, 2024: 58, 2025: 46.
Objective for bears in 5C: 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.
Cadyville State Forest: species list
Game listed for Cadyville State Forest: white-tailed deer, black bear, wild turkey, ducks and geese and ruffed grouse.
White-tailed deer
Oct 24–Dec 6
Black bear
Sep 19–Dec 6
Wild turkey
May 1–May 31
Ducks and geese
Oct 10–Nov 29
Ruffed grouse
Sep 20–Feb 28
Rabbit and hare
Oct 1–Mar 21
Coyote
Oct 1–Mar 28
Furbearers
Oct 25–Feb 15
Species from DEC cadyville state forest; dates from the 2026-27 DEC guide; checked October 27, 2026.
Cadyville State Forest access points
The DEC directions name 1 place to leave a truck at Cadyville State Forest.
| Parking or access point and coordinates | Link |
|---|---|
| Jennings Road Parking Area: 44.7181, -73.6291 | Navigate |
Official map sheet: Cadyville State Forest Map
Open Cadyville State Forest in DECinfo Locator
Parking points and maps from DEC cadyville state forest; checked October 27, 2026.
Cadyville State Forest pinned with nearby tracts
Pins show Cadyville State Forest and 10 neighbors; Dunkin's Reserve State Forest sits 4.1 mi off. The tracts listed total 67,432 acres.
| Nearby | Kind | Acres | WMU | Miles | Heading |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dunkin's Reserve | State forest | 2,434 | 5C | 4.1 mi | northwest |
| Macomb | State forest | 1,057 | 5C | 6.5 mi | south |
| Burnt Hill | State forest | 1,578 | 5C | 7.9 mi | southwest |
| Chazy Highlands | State forest | 5,540 | 5C | 8.2 mi | west |
| Lewis Preserve | WMA | 1,326 | 5C | 8.2 mi | northwest |
| Imperial Mills Dam | WMA | 7 | 5A | 8.3 mi | east |
| Flat Rock | State forest | 1,930 | 5A | 9.3 mi | north |
| Terry Mountain | State forest | 4,814 | 5C | 10 mi | south |
| Spring Brook | State forest | 1,157 | 5C | 12 mi | northwest |
| Chazy Highlands | Wild forest | 47,589 | 5C | 12 mi | west |
Points: DEC Lands layer (polygon centroid). Straight-line distances. Statewide public land map.
Harvest records behind Cadyville State Forest
The town of Plattsburgh, where Cadyville State Forest lies, produced 34 deer in 2019 by DEC's calculation.
| Town | County | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | Adult bucks 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plattsburgh | Clinton | 25 | 23 | 29 | 51 | 34 | 30 |
DEC bear tables list 3 for Plattsburgh (2021).
DEC puts the 2025 Clinton County deer take at 1,614.
| Season | Deer taken | Males 1.5+ | Females 1.5+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1,313 | 1,056 | 236 |
| 2022 | 1,527 | 1,108 | 332 |
| 2023 | 1,372 | 1,153 | 181 |
| 2024 | 1,439 | 1,137 | 270 |
| 2025 | 1,614 | 1,241 | 278 |
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.
Cadyville State Forest: nearby towns and services
Closest base: Dannemora, about 4.1 mi away.
| Base town | County | Away | Residents | Public acres near |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dannemora | Clinton | 4.1 mi | 2,384 | 33,658 |
| Plattsburgh | Clinton | 8.8 mi | 19,758 | 3,083 |
| Peru | Clinton | 11 mi | – | 11,302 |
| Lyon Mountain | Clinton | 11 mi | – | 39,548 |
Season tables by county for Cadyville State Forest: Clinton County.
Cadyville State Forest: businesses close by
For a guided hunt, DEC's list shows 22 licensed guides in Clinton County. DEC licensed guides
DEC offices closest to Cadyville State Forest
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.
Cadyville State Forest: nearest firing lines
Hunters on Cadyville State Forest can sight in at Plattsburgh Rod and Gun Club (11 miles), the nearest listing; public ranges are all more than 60 miles off.
From DEC, the operators’ pages and directory listings, checked October 27, 2026.
Cadyville State Forest shooting hours by key date
East and west matter: sunrise in Buffalo comes about 20 minutes after sunrise in Albany, so use local times for Cadyville State Forest.
| Day | Season | Sun up | Sun down | Big game hours | Migratory birds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 27, 2026 | Northern bow opener | 6:46 a.m. | 6:45 p.m. | 6:16 a.m. to 7:15 p.m. | 6:16 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. |
| Oct 1, 2026 | Southern bow opener | 6:51 a.m. | 6:38 p.m. | 6:21 a.m. to 7:08 p.m. | 6:21 a.m. to 6:38 p.m. |
| Oct 24, 2026 | Northern regular opener | 7:21 a.m. | 5:57 p.m. | 6:51 a.m. to 6:27 p.m. | 6:51 a.m. to 5:57 p.m. |
| Nov 21, 2026 | Southern regular opener | 6:59 a.m. | 4:23 p.m. | 6:29 a.m. to 4:53 p.m. | 6:29 a.m. to 4:23 p.m. |
| Dec 14, 2026 | Southern late season | 7:24 a.m. | 4:15 p.m. | 6:54 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. | 6:54 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. |
| Jan 1, 2027 | Late season close | 7:32 a.m. | 4:23 p.m. | 7:02 a.m. to 4:53 p.m. | 7:02 a.m. to 4:23 p.m. |
| May 1, 2027 | Spring turkey opener | 5:46 a.m. | 7:58 p.m. | 5:16 a.m. to 8:28 p.m. | 5:16 a.m. to 7:58 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.
Cadyville State Forest in pictures
Answers on Cadyville State Forest access and seasons
When is bear season at Cadyville State Forest?
Yes: regular Season (Adirondacks) Sep 19 to Dec 6, 2026 (WMU 5C).
When is spring turkey season at Cadyville State Forest?
May 1 to May 31, 2027, half an hour before sunrise to noon.
How far is Cadyville State Forest from a town?
Dannemora, about 4.1 mi away.
What zone sets duck dates for Cadyville State Forest?
Northeastern Zone dates, starting Oct 10, 2026.
How does access work on Cadyville State Forest?
Yes, with a New York hunting license during the open seasons.
Can I use screw-in steps on Cadyville State Forest?
No screw-in steps or other hardware; a labeled portable stand may stay until season end.
Which WMU rules apply on Cadyville State Forest?
Northern Zone, WMU 5C.
Is Cadyville State Forest a large property?
371 acres, per the record.
When can I bowhunt deer on Cadyville State Forest?
Sep 27 to Oct 23, 2026 for early Bowhunting.
How long is deer season at Cadyville State Forest?
It opens Oct 24, 2026 and closes Dec 6, 2026 (regular Season).
What game does the source list for Cadyville State Forest?
White-tailed deer, black bear, wild turkey, ducks and geese, ruffed grouse and rabbit and hare.
Are DMPs issued for Cadyville State Forest?
No. 5C is an Adirondack unit where state law bars DMPs.
Cadyville State Forest: what to double-check
Seasons and closures on Cadyville State Forest can change mid-season; DEC notices and posted signs have the final word.
Sources: DEC cadyville 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: Alabama Extension (CC0 1.0); Mike's Birds (CC BY-SA 2.0); cm195902 (CC BY 2.0); Tony Webster (CC BY-SA 2.0).