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WMA · 2026-27
Doodletown Wildlife Management Area hunting rules, seasons and access
WMA of 1,078 acres in Columbia County, hunted under WMU 4Z dates, for white-tailed deer and small game.
Photo: andyarthur (CC BY 2.0)
Getting to Doodletown Wildlife Management Area
Parking, trailheads and gates near Doodletown Wildlife Management Area
- Parking areaParking · 0.6 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 1.6 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 2.3 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 2.8 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 3.1 mi from the centreDirections
- East Parking Area 2Parking · 3.3 mi from the centreDirections
- East Parking Area 1Parking · 3.4 mi from the centreDirections
- Picnic Area F ParkingParking · 3.5 mi from the centreDirections
- Picnic Area E ParkingParking · 3.7 mi from the centreDirections
- Picnic Area C ParkingParking · 3.7 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.
Doodletown WMA at a glance
Hunters find Doodletown Wildlife Management Area, a DEC wildlife management area, in Columbia County. DEC places it in the towns of Taghkanic, Gallatin and Ancram. In DEC terms it belongs to Region 4, which spans the Capital District and northern Catskills. The acreage used here is 1,078, taken from DEC Lands layer ACRES. It is number 45 by size out of 119 WMAs. The written DEC description uses 690 acres.
Hunting section, quoted: White-tailed deer and a variety of small game species offer ample hunting opportunities.
From DEC doodletown 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 Doodletown Wildlife Management Area
Doodletown WMA: access and site rules
Doodletown WMA is run under the wildlife management area rules in 6 NYCRR Part 51:
- No target practice on Doodletown WMA except where DEC posts that it is allowed.
- No camping without a written OK from DEC.
- Off-road vehicles are allowed only by permit or posting.
- Vegetation stays uncut, and permanent blinds, stands or tree hardware are not allowed.
- Personal property, trail cameras among it, must leave with you; a marked stand can stay for the season.
- Stay out of any section posted "No Trespassing" unless DEC gives written approval.
- Keep fires small and for cooking or heat; boats leave at night.
Laws every Doodletown WMA 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 doodletown wildlife management area, DEC Places to Hunt, 2026-27 DEC guide; checked October 27, 2026.
Doodletown WMA: dates by species
Dates below apply to the WMU and zones under Doodletown WMA (4Z); trapping and falconry rows sit on the species pages.
| Game | Season type | Area | Begins | Through | Right now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed deer | Early Bowhunting | WMU 4Z | Oct 1, 2026 | Nov 20, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Youth deer weekend | WMU 4Z | Oct 10, 2026 | Oct 12, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Regular Season | WMU 4Z | Nov 21, 2026 | Dec 13, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Late Bowhunting | WMU 4Z | Dec 14, 2026 | Dec 22, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Late Muzzleloading | WMU 4Z | Dec 14, 2026 | Dec 22, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Late Bowhunting (holidays) | WMU 4Z | Dec 26, 2026 | Jan 1, 2027 | |
| White-tailed deer | Late Muzzleloading (holidays) | WMU 4Z | Dec 26, 2026 | Jan 1, 2027 | |
| Black bear | Early Bowhunting | WMU 4Z | Oct 1, 2026 | Nov 20, 2026 | |
| Black bear | Youth Firearms Bear Hunt | WMU 4Z | Oct 10, 2026 | Oct 12, 2026 | |
| Black bear | Regular Season | WMU 4Z | Nov 21, 2026 | Dec 13, 2026 | |
| Black bear | Late Bowhunting | WMU 4Z | Dec 14, 2026 | Dec 22, 2026 | |
| Black bear | Late Muzzleloading | WMU 4Z | Dec 14, 2026 | Dec 22, 2026 | |
| Wild turkey | Fall Season | WMU 4Z | Oct 17, 2026 | Oct 30, 2026 | |
| Wild turkey | Youth Spring Turkey Hunt | WMU 4Z | Apr 24, 2027 | Apr 25, 2027 | |
| Wild turkey | Spring Season | WMU 4Z | May 1, 2027 | May 31, 2027 | |
| Pheasant | Youth Pheasant Hunt | WMU 4Z | Sep 26, 2026 | Sep 27, 2026 | |
| Pheasant | Regular (either sex) | WMU 4Z | Oct 1, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | |
| Ruffed grouse | Hunting | WMU 4Z | Oct 1, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | |
| Woodcock | Hunting | WMU 4Z | Oct 1, 2026 | Nov 14, 2026 | |
| Cottontail | Hunting | WMU 4Z | Oct 1, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | |
| Snowshoe hare | Hunting | WMU 4Z | Dec 14, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | |
| Gray squirrel | Hunting | WMU 4Z | Sep 1, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | |
| Black squirrel | Hunting | WMU 4Z | Sep 1, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | |
| Fox squirrel | Hunting | WMU 4Z | 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 4Z | Sep 1, 2026 | Nov 9, 2026 | |
| Rails | Hunting | WMU 4Z | Sep 1, 2026 | Nov 9, 2026 | |
| Gallinule | Hunting | WMU 4Z | Sep 1, 2026 | Nov 9, 2026 | |
| Crow | Hunting | WMU 4Z | Sep 1, 2026 | Mar 31, 2027 | |
| Coyote | Hunting | WMU 4Z | Oct 1, 2026 | Mar 28, 2027 | |
| Raccoon | Hunting | WMU 4Z | Oct 25, 2026 | Feb 15, 2027 | |
| Red fox | Hunting | WMU 4Z | Oct 25, 2026 | Feb 15, 2027 | |
| Gray fox | Hunting | WMU 4Z | Oct 25, 2026 | Feb 15, 2027 | |
| Bobcat | Hunting | WMU 4Z | Oct 25, 2026 | Feb 15, 2027 | |
| Skunk | Hunting | WMU 4Z | Oct 25, 2026 | Feb 15, 2027 | |
| Opossum | Hunting | WMU 4Z | Oct 25, 2026 | Feb 15, 2027 | |
| Weasel | Hunting | WMU 4Z | 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.
Doodletown WMA and WMU 4Z: permits, antlers and harvest
For tags and dates, Doodletown WMA is WMU 4Z ground (Southern Zone, 251 sq. mi. across Columbia and Dutchess). The 2026 DMP target in 4Z is 2,500, with 12.2% average success and high odds for a resident first permit. Bear area: Southern Zone. Fall turkey here: Oct. 17-30.
| Unit | Zone | Permits | Success | Res. 1st DMP | Antler points | Deer hunting | Bear | Fall turkey |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4Z | Southern | 2,500 | 12.2% | high | No | All | Southern Zone | Oct. 17-30 |
WMU 4Z deer harvest by year
WMU tables give 4Z 1,187 deer for 2022, the last year DEC published by unit.
| Year | Total deer | Adult bucks |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 1,051 | 664 |
| 2017 | 932 | 567 |
| 2018 | 1,061 | 645 |
| 2019 | 974 | 590 |
| 2020 | 1,382 | 745 |
| 2021 | 1,047 | 632 |
| 2022 | 1,187 | 657 |
Recent bear numbers for 4Z: 2022: 7, 2023: 14, 2024: 29, 2025: 21.
Objective for bears in 4Z: maintain low 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.
Doodletown WMA: species list
Hunters come to Doodletown WMA for white-tailed deer and small game above all.
White-tailed deer
Nov 21–Dec 13
Small game
Oct 1–Feb 28
Species from DEC doodletown wildlife management area; dates from the 2026-27 DEC guide; checked October 27, 2026.
Doodletown WMA access points
The DEC directions name 4 places to leave a truck at Doodletown WMA.
| Parking or access point and coordinates | Link |
|---|---|
| Doodletown Road parking area, Ancram: 42.0769, -73.6467 | Navigate |
| Allen Road parking area #1, Taghkanic: 42.0919, -73.6442 | Navigate |
| Allen Road parking area #2, Taghkanic: 42.0897, -73.6389 | Navigate |
| County Route 27 parking area, Taghkanic: 42.1072, -73.6427 | Navigate |
Official map sheet: Doodletown WMA Map
Open Doodletown WMA in DECinfo Locator
Parking points and maps from DEC doodletown wildlife management area; checked October 27, 2026.
Doodletown WMA pinned with nearby tracts
Pins show Doodletown WMA and 10 neighbors; New Forge State Forest sits 2.4 mi off. The tracts listed total 13,031 acres.
| Nearby | Kind | Acres | WMU | Miles | Heading |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Forge | State forest | 677 | 4Z, 4L | 2.4 mi | northwest |
| Lake Taghkanic | State park | 1,870 | 4Z | 2.9 mi | west |
| Taconic | State park | 6,183 | 4Z | 8.2 mi | southeast |
| Lafayetteville | Multiple use area | 718 | 3G, 4Z | 8.8 mi | southwest |
| Stissing Mountain | Multiple use area | 590 | 3G | 11 mi | south |
| Livingston | State forest | 319 | 4Y | 12 mi | northwest |
| Clermont | Historic site | 601 | 4Y | 14 mi | west |
| Seward's Island | WMA | 72 | 3J, 4Y | 14 mi | northwest |
| Rogers Island | WMA | 322 | 4T, 4Y | 14 mi | northwest |
| Tivoli Bays WMA And | WMA | 1,679 | 3F, 3J | 14 mi | west |
Points: DEC Lands layer (polygon centroid). Straight-line distances. Statewide public land map.
Harvest records behind Doodletown WMA
The town of Taghkanic, where Doodletown WMA lies, produced 89 deer in 2019 by DEC's calculation.
| Town | County | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | Adult bucks 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taghkanic | Columbia | 194 | 190 | 143 | 122 | 89 | 50 |
| Gallatin | Columbia | 135 | 155 | 136 | 166 | 156 | 95 |
| Ancram | Columbia | 190 | 293 | 276 | 277 | 289 | 179 |
DEC bear tables list 3 for Taghkanic (2021), 1 for Taghkanic (2022), 2 for Gallatin (2021), 9 for Ancram (2020), 3 for Ancram (2021), 2 for Ancram (2022).
DEC puts the 2025 Columbia County deer take at 2,872.
| Season | Deer taken | Males 1.5+ | Females 1.5+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2,600 | 1,497 | 931 |
| 2022 | 2,989 | 1,586 | 1,143 |
| 2023 | 2,446 | 1,444 | 772 |
| 2024 | 2,600 | 1,425 | 956 |
| 2025 | 2,872 | 1,558 | 1,042 |
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.
Doodletown WMA: nearby towns and services
Closest base: Copake Lake, about 4.8 mi away.
| Base town | County | Away | Residents | Public acres near |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Copake Lake | Columbia | 4.8 mi | – | 1,730 |
| Hudson | Columbia | 14 mi | 5,735 | 2,490 |
| Tivoli | Dutchess | 14 mi | 1,019 | 11,394 |
| Catskill | Greene | 14 mi | 3,723 | 6,441 |
Season tables by county for Doodletown WMA: Columbia County.
Doodletown WMA: businesses close by
For a guided hunt, DEC's list shows 8 licensed guides in Columbia County. DEC licensed guides
DEC offices closest to Doodletown 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.
Nearest public range for Doodletown Wildlife Management Area hunters
Black Creek Marsh WMA Archery Range, 44 miles off, is the public range nearest Doodletown Wildlife Management Area. Closer club ranges are shown as well.
From DEC, the operators’ pages and directory listings, checked October 27, 2026.
Doodletown WMA 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 Doodletown WMA.
| 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 | 6:50 a.m. | 6:38 p.m. | 6:20 a.m. to 7:08 p.m. | 6:20 a.m. to 6:38 p.m. |
| Oct 24, 2026 | Northern regular opener | 7:16 a.m. | 6:01 p.m. | 6:46 a.m. to 6:31 p.m. | 6:46 a.m. to 6:01 p.m. |
| Nov 21, 2026 | Southern regular opener | 6:52 a.m. | 4:30 p.m. | 6:22 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. | 6:22 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Dec 14, 2026 | Southern late season | 7:15 a.m. | 4:23 p.m. | 6:45 a.m. to 4:53 p.m. | 6:45 a.m. to 4:23 p.m. |
| Jan 1, 2027 | Late season close | 7:23 a.m. | 4:32 p.m. | 6:53 a.m. to 5:02 p.m. | 6:53 a.m. to 4:32 p.m. |
| May 1, 2027 | Spring turkey opener | 5:51 a.m. | 7:52 p.m. | 5:21 a.m. to 8:22 p.m. | 5:21 a.m. to 7:52 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.
Doodletown WMA in pictures
Answers on Doodletown WMA access and seasons
Which WMU rules apply on Doodletown WMA?
Southern Zone, WMU 4Z.
Is Doodletown WMA a large property?
1,078 acres, per the record.
When can I bowhunt deer on Doodletown WMA?
Oct 1 to Nov 20, 2026 for early Bowhunting.
How long is deer season at Doodletown WMA?
It opens Nov 21, 2026 and closes Dec 13, 2026 (regular Season).
What game does the source list for Doodletown WMA?
White-tailed deer and small game.
Are antlerless permits issued for Doodletown WMA?
Yes. DMPs are issued by WMU, and 4Z gets 2,500 in 2026.
When is bear season at Doodletown WMA?
Yes: regular Season Nov 21 to Dec 13, 2026 (WMU 4Z).
When is spring turkey season at Doodletown WMA?
May 1 to May 31, 2027, half an hour before sunrise to noon.
Can I use screw-in steps on Doodletown WMA?
No screw-in steps or other hardware; a labeled portable stand may stay until season end.
How far is Doodletown WMA from a town?
Copake Lake, about 4.8 mi away.
How does access work on Doodletown WMA?
Yes, with a New York hunting license during the open seasons.
Do I need orange or pink on Doodletown WMA?
Yes for firearm deer and bear hunting: 250 square inches of orange or pink, or a qualifying hat.
Doodletown WMA: what to double-check
Seasons and closures on Doodletown WMA can change mid-season; DEC notices and posted signs have the final word.
Sources: DEC doodletown wildlife management area · 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: fishhawk (CC BY 2.0); btrentler (CC BY 2.0); andyarthur (CC BY 2.0); andyarthur (CC BY 2.0).