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Wild forest · 2026-27
Independence River Wild Forest hunting rules, seasons and access
Wild forest of 79,217 acres in Lewis County and 1 more, hunted under WMU 6J dates, for white-tailed deer and black bear.
Photo: Dougtone (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Getting to Independence River Wild Forest
Independence River Wild Forest at a glance
Hunters find Independence River Wild Forest, a Forest Preserve wild forest, in Lewis and Herkimer counties. In DEC terms it belongs to Region 6, which spans the western Adirondacks, Tug Hill and the St. Lawrence Valley. The acreage used here is 79,217, taken from DEC Lands layer ACRES. It is number 7 by size out of 35 wild forests. DEC plans it under the Independence River unit management plan.
Hunting section, quoted: General Information on Hunting include how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules & regulations. This is a popular area for big game hunters seeking white-tailed deer and black bear. All the lands and waters within Independence River Wild Forest and the Three Lakes Easement Tract are open to hunting. Hunters may use the parking areas , roads, seasonal access roads, trailheads and trails used by hikers and horseback riders, boat launches used by boaters and hand launches used by paddlers to access the …
From DEC independence river wild forest; acreage DEC Lands layer ACRES (sum of the matched facility polygons); checked October 27, 2026.
Nearby
Places to hunt and shoot around Independence River Wild Forest
Independence River Wild Forest: access and site rules
Forest Preserve regulations (6 NYCRR Part 190) shape a hunt on Independence River Wild Forest:
- Unless posted, every part of Independence River Wild Forest is open in the regular seasons.
- Forest Preserve rules forbid cutting trees or putting hardware in them on Independence River Wild Forest.
- The 150-foot camping setback from water, trails and roads applies outside designated sites.
Laws every Independence River Wild 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 independence river wild forest, DEC state land use rules, DEC Places to Hunt, 2026-27 DEC guide; checked October 27, 2026.
Independence River Wild Forest: dates by species
Dates below apply to the WMU and zones under Independence River Wild Forest (6J); trapping and falconry rows sit on the species pages.
| Game | Season type | Area | Begins | Through | Right now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed deer | Early Bowhunting | WMU 6J | Sep 27, 2026 | Oct 23, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Youth deer weekend | WMU 6J | Oct 10, 2026 | Oct 12, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Early Muzzleloading | WMU 6J | Oct 17, 2026 | Oct 23, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Regular Season | WMU 6J | Oct 24, 2026 | Dec 6, 2026 | |
| Black bear | Regular Season (Adirondacks) | WMU 6J | Sep 19, 2026 | Dec 6, 2026 | |
| Black bear | Youth Firearms Bear Hunt | WMU 6J | Oct 10, 2026 | Oct 12, 2026 | |
| Wild turkey | Fall Season | WMU 6J | Oct 1, 2026 | Oct 14, 2026 | |
| Wild turkey | Youth Spring Turkey Hunt | WMU 6J | Apr 24, 2027 | Apr 25, 2027 | |
| Wild turkey | Spring Season | WMU 6J | May 1, 2027 | May 31, 2027 | |
| Pheasant | Youth Pheasant Hunt | WMU 6J | Sep 26, 2026 | Sep 27, 2026 | |
| Pheasant | Regular (either sex) | WMU 6J | Oct 1, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | |
| Ruffed grouse | Hunting | WMU 6J | Sep 20, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | |
| Woodcock | Hunting | WMU 6J | Oct 1, 2026 | Nov 14, 2026 | |
| Cottontail | Hunting | WMU 6J | Oct 1, 2026 | Mar 21, 2027 | |
| Snowshoe hare | Hunting | WMU 6J | Oct 1, 2026 | Mar 21, 2027 | |
| Gray squirrel | Hunting | WMU 6J | Sep 1, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | |
| Black squirrel | Hunting | WMU 6J | Sep 1, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | |
| Fox squirrel | Hunting | WMU 6J | 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 6J | Sep 1, 2026 | Nov 9, 2026 | |
| Rails | Hunting | WMU 6J | Sep 1, 2026 | Nov 9, 2026 | |
| Gallinule | Hunting | WMU 6J | Sep 1, 2026 | Nov 9, 2026 | |
| Crow | Hunting | WMU 6J | Sep 1, 2026 | Mar 31, 2027 | |
| Coyote | Hunting | WMU 6J | Oct 1, 2026 | Mar 28, 2027 | |
| Raccoon | Hunting | WMU 6J | Oct 25, 2026 | Feb 15, 2027 | |
| Red fox | Hunting | WMU 6J | Oct 25, 2026 | Feb 15, 2027 | |
| Gray fox | Hunting | WMU 6J | Oct 25, 2026 | Feb 15, 2027 | |
| Bobcat | Hunting | WMU 6J | Oct 25, 2026 | Feb 15, 2027 | |
| Skunk | Hunting | WMU 6J | Oct 25, 2026 | Feb 15, 2027 | |
| Opossum | Hunting | WMU 6J | Oct 25, 2026 | Feb 15, 2027 | |
| Weasel | Hunting | WMU 6J | 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.
Independence River Wild Forest and WMU 6J: permits, antlers and harvest
For tags and dates, Independence River Wild Forest is WMU 6J ground (Northern Zone, 1,576 sq. mi. across Lewis, Herkimer and Hamilton). State law bars DMPs in 6J. Bear area: Adirondacks. Fall turkey here: Oct. 1-14.
| Unit | Zone | Permits | Success | Res. 1st DMP | Antler points | Deer hunting | Bear | Fall turkey |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6J | Northern | Not authorized by law | NA | – | No | All | Adirondacks | Oct. 1-14 |
WMU 6J deer harvest by year
WMU tables give 6J 1,304 deer for 2022, the last year DEC published by unit.
| Year | Total deer | Adult bucks |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 1,007 | 901 |
| 2017 | 1,034 | 965 |
| 2018 | 1,065 | 972 |
| 2019 | 1,099 | 1,005 |
| 2020 | 1,051 | 907 |
| 2021 | 1,028 | 846 |
| 2022 | 1,304 | 1,075 |
Recent bear numbers for 6J: 2022: 60, 2023: 76, 2024: 63, 2025: 91.
Objective for bears in 6J: 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.
Independence River Wild Forest: species list
Hunters come to Independence River Wild Forest for white-tailed deer and black bear above all.
White-tailed deer
Oct 24–Dec 6
Black bear
Sep 19–Dec 6
Species from DEC independence river wild forest; dates from the 2026-27 DEC guide; checked October 27, 2026.
Independence River Wild Forest access points
The DEC directions name 23 places to leave a truck at Independence River Wild Forest.
| Parking or access point and coordinates | Link |
|---|---|
| is located off the Chase Lake/Erie Canal Road: 43.7457, -75.3146 | Navigate |
| is located on Branaugh Road off of Sand Pond Road: 43.7511, -75.2922 | Navigate |
| is located at the intersection of Sand Pond Road and Confusion Flats Road: 43.7502, -75.2992 | Navigate |
| is located on Evies Pond Road off of Lover's Lane which is off of Stony Lake Road: 43.7792, -75.2715 | Navigate |
| is located on Catspaw Lake Road off of Van Arnam Road: 43.7069, -75.2963 | Navigate |
| is located on Shingle Mills Fall Road off of the Partridgeville Road: 43.7208, -75.2653 | Navigate |
| is located at the end of Smith road off Number Four Road: 43.8333, -75.1595 | Navigate |
| is located at the end of Beech Mill Road: 43.8073, -75.2752 | Navigate |
| is located at the end of Stony Lake Road: 43.7750, -75.2057 | Navigate |
| is located on the Partridgeville Road: 43.7131, -75.2241 | Navigate |
| is located on Steam Mill Road: 43.6859, -75.2473 | Navigate |
| is located at the end of Big Otter Lake Road which continues beyond the Patridgeville Road: 43.7218, -75.1264 | Navigate |
| is located at the end of Steam Mill Road (White Pine Lane: 43.6823, -75.1972 | Navigate |
| is located on Halfmoon Lake Road off of Number Four Road: 43.8307, -75.2534 | Navigate |
Official map sheet: Independence River Wild Forest Map West · Independence River Wild Forest Map East · Three Lakes Conservation Easement Map · Otter Creek Horse Trails · Independence River Area Trail Map · Big Otter Lake Trail Map
Open Independence River Wild Forest in DECinfo Locator
Accessible features (DEC): From the Big Moose Road Campsite Parking Area , wheelchair accessible features include the: Primitive campsite (Site 44) Campsite 44 is approximately 100 feet from the parking spot. The campsite has a picnic table, fire ring, and privy. From the Primitive Camping Area , wheelchair accessible features include the: Three roadside primitive campsites (on Basket Factory, Smith …
Parking points and maps from DEC independence river wild forest; checked October 27, 2026.
Independence River Wild Forest pinned with nearby tracts
Pins show Independence River Wild Forest and 10 neighbors; Ha-De-Ron-Dah Wilderness sits 7.0 mi off. The tracts listed total 65,626 acres.
| Nearby | Kind | Acres | WMU | Miles | Heading |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ha-De-Ron-Dah | Wilderness | 25,663 | 6J | 7.0 mi | southeast |
| Stillwater Reservoir | DEC state land | 6,700 | 6J | 8.3 mi | northeast |
| Independence River | State forest | 694 | 6J | 9.4 mi | southwest |
| Otter Creek | State forest | 1,411 | 6J | 11 mi | southwest |
| Greig | Detached parcel | 245 | 6J | 12 mi | southwest |
| Balsam Creek | State forest | 561 | 6J | 12 mi | northwest |
| Indian Pipe | State forest | 595 | 6C | 12 mi | west |
| Fulton Chain | Wild forest | 15,566 | 5H, 6J | 12 mi | east |
| High Towers | State forest | 730 | 6J | 15 mi | southwest |
| Watson's East Triangle Complex | Forest Preserve unit | 13,461 | 6J | 16 mi | north |
Points: DEC Lands layer (polygon centroid of the largest part). Straight-line distances. Statewide public land map.
Harvest records behind Independence River Wild Forest
DEC puts the 2025 Lewis County deer take at 3,638.
| Season | Deer taken | Males 1.5+ | Females 1.5+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 3,399 | 2,324 | 927 |
| 2022 | 3,709 | 2,453 | 959 |
| 2023 | 3,541 | 2,393 | 843 |
| 2024 | 3,705 | 2,484 | 1,032 |
| 2025 | 3,638 | 2,244 | 1,097 |
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.
Independence River Wild Forest: nearby towns and services
Closest base: Thendara, about 10 mi away.
| Base town | County | Away | Residents | Public acres near |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thendara | Herkimer | 10 mi | – | 89,570 |
| Old Forge | Herkimer | 11 mi | – | 88,759 |
| Croghan | Lewis | 14 mi | 640 | 19,330 |
| Otter Lake | Oneida | 15 mi | – | 102,585 |
Season tables by county for Independence River Wild Forest: Lewis County, Herkimer County.
Independence River Wild Forest: businesses close by
For a guided hunt, DEC's list shows 10 licensed guides in Lewis County. DEC licensed guides
DEC offices closest to Independence River Wild 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.
Independence River Wild Forest: nearest firing lines
Hunters on Independence River Wild Forest can sight in at Beaver River Fish and Game Club (9 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.
Independence River Wild 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 Independence River Wild Forest.
| Day | Season | Sun up | Sun down | Big game hours | Migratory birds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 6:58 a.m. | 6:45 p.m. | 6:28 a.m. to 7:15 p.m. | 6:28 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. |
| Oct 24, 2026 | Northern regular opener | 7:26 a.m. | 6:06 p.m. | 6:56 a.m. to 6:36 p.m. | 6:56 a.m. to 6:06 p.m. |
| Nov 21, 2026 | Southern regular opener | 7:03 a.m. | 4:33 p.m. | 6:33 a.m. to 5:03 p.m. | 6:33 a.m. to 4:33 p.m. |
| Dec 14, 2026 | Southern late season | 7:28 a.m. | 4:25 p.m. | 6:58 a.m. to 4:55 p.m. | 6:58 a.m. to 4:25 p.m. |
| Jan 1, 2027 | Late season close | 7:36 a.m. | 4:34 p.m. | 7:06 a.m. to 5:04 p.m. | 7:06 a.m. to 4:34 p.m. |
| May 1, 2027 | Spring turkey opener | 5:55 a.m. | 8:03 p.m. | 5:25 a.m. to 8:33 p.m. | 5:25 a.m. to 8:03 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.
Independence River Wild Forest in pictures
Answers on Independence River Wild Forest access and seasons
Which WMU rules apply on Independence River Wild Forest?
Northern Zone, WMU 6J.
Is Independence River Wild Forest a large property?
79,217 acres, per the record.
When can I bowhunt deer on Independence River Wild Forest?
Sep 27 to Oct 23, 2026 for early Bowhunting.
How long is deer season at Independence River Wild Forest?
It opens Oct 24, 2026 and closes Dec 6, 2026 (regular Season).
What game does the source list for Independence River Wild Forest?
White-tailed deer and black bear.
Are DMPs issued for Independence River Wild Forest?
No. 6J is an Adirondack unit where state law bars DMPs.
When is bear season at Independence River Wild Forest?
Yes: regular Season (Adirondacks) Sep 19 to Dec 6, 2026 (WMU 6J).
When is spring turkey season at Independence River Wild Forest?
May 1 to May 31, 2027, half an hour before sunrise to noon.
Can I use screw-in steps on Independence River Wild Forest?
No screw-in steps or other hardware; a labeled portable stand may stay until season end.
How far is Independence River Wild Forest from a town?
Thendara, about 10 mi away.
How does access work on Independence River Wild Forest?
Yes, with a New York hunting license during the open seasons.
Do I need orange or pink on Independence River Wild Forest?
Yes for firearm deer and bear hunting: 250 square inches of orange or pink, or a qualifying hat.
Independence River Wild Forest: what to double-check
Seasons and closures on Independence River Wild Forest can change mid-season; DEC notices and posted signs have the final word.
Sources: DEC independence river wild 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: USFWS Mountain Prairie (Public domain); Juliana Chong (CC BY 2.0); Tony Webster (CC BY-SA 2.0); ShenandoahNPS (Public domain).