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Wildlife refuge · the western Finger Lakes and Genesee Valley
What hunters need to know about Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge
Rules, WMU 8G season dates, maps and neighbors for a wildlife refuge in Genesee County and 1 more.
Photo: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Public Domain Mark 1.0)
Getting to Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge
Parking, trailheads and gates near Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge
- Parking areaParking · 0.8 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 0.9 mi from the centreDirections
- Mallard OverlookParking · 0.9 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 0.9 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 1.0 mi from the centreDirections
- Schoolhouse Marsh OverlookParking · 1.2 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 1.3 mi from the centreDirections
- Feeder Rd Parking HParking · 1.5 mi from the centreDirections
- Feeder Rd Parking FParking · 1.9 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 2.1 mi from the centreDirections
- Feeder Rd Parking DParking · 2.1 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 2.2 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 Iroquois NWR is
Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge is a national wildlife refuge with a hunt program in Genesee and Orleans counties. It is a Region 8 property, in the western Finger Lakes and Genesee Valley. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is in charge of access. Size: 10,810 acres (computed area of the USFWS interest polygons inside New York). None of the other 6 refuges is larger.
From eCFR section 32.51; acreage computed area of the USFWS interest polygons inside New York; checked October 27, 2026.
Nearby
Places to hunt and shoot around Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge
Iroquois NWR hunting rules for 2026-27
Iroquois NWR: who may hunt and how
- Hunting only in designated hunt units under 50 CFR 32.51(d) and New York regulations.
- (d) Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge —(1) Migratory game bird hunting.
- We allow hunting of duck, goose, rail, coot, gallinule, woodcock, and snipe on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) We allow the use of dogs consistent with State regulations.
- (ii) For hunting of duck, goose, and coot: (A) We allow hunting on Saturday of the New York State Youth Days.
- (B) We allow hunting Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays during the regular waterfowl season, excluding opening day of deer firearms season.
- (C) We require proof of successful completion of the New York State waterfowl identification course, the Iroquois nonresident waterfowl identification course, or a suitable nonresident State waterfowl identification course.
- All hunters must show proof of successful course completion each time they hunt.
- (D) We require a refuge hunt permit (FWS Form 3-2439, Hunt Application—National Wildlife Refuge System).
- (E) We allow hunting from legal starting time until 12 p.m.
Statewide rules that follow you onto Iroquois NWR
- 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.
Refuge-specific rules sit in 50 CFR 32.51(d).
From eCFR section 32.51, 2026-27 DEC guide; checked October 27, 2026.
The hunting layout of Iroquois NWR
Iroquois NWR has 4 public hunt units on the federal map.
| Unit | Huntable | Acres | Permit needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| East of Sour Springs Road | Special Regulations Apply | 3,254 | Yes |
| Waterfowl Hunt Zone | Special Regulations Apply | 2,217 | Yes |
| West of Sour Springs Road | Special Regulations Apply | 4,668 | Yes |
| No Hunt Zone | No | 693 | Yes |
Iroquois NWR federal hunt conditions
(d) Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge —(1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose, rail, coot, gallinule, woodcock, and snipe on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) We allow the use of dogs consistent with State regulations. (ii) For hunting of duck, goose, and coot: (A) We allow hunting on Saturday of the New York State Youth Days. (B) We allow hunting Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays during the regular waterfowl season, excluding opening day of deer firearms season. (C) We require proof of successful completion of the New York State waterfowl identification course, the Iroquois nonresident waterfowl identification course, or a suitable nonresident State waterfowl identification course. All hunters must show proof of successful course completion each time they hunt. (D) We require a refuge hunt permit (FWS Form 3-2439, Hunt …
From eCFR section 32.51, the USFWS hunt unit layer and eCFR 50 CFR 32.51; checked October 27, 2026.
What is open on Iroquois NWR, and when
This calendar is cut down to Iroquois NWR: its WMU (8G), duck zone and goose area decide which of the 2026-27 rows appear.
| Game | Hunt | Unit or zone | From | To | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed deer | September antlerless | WMU 8G | Sep 12, 2026 | Sep 20, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Early Bowhunting | WMU 8G | Oct 1, 2026 | Nov 20, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Youth deer weekend | WMU 8G | Oct 10, 2026 | Oct 12, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Regular Season | WMU 8G | Nov 21, 2026 | Dec 13, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Late Bowhunting | WMU 8G | Dec 14, 2026 | Dec 22, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Late Muzzleloading | WMU 8G | Dec 14, 2026 | Dec 22, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Late Bowhunting (holidays) | WMU 8G | Dec 26, 2026 | Jan 1, 2027 | |
| White-tailed deer | Late Muzzleloading (holidays) | WMU 8G | Dec 26, 2026 | Jan 1, 2027 | |
| Black bear | Early Bowhunting | WMU 8G | Oct 1, 2026 | Nov 20, 2026 | |
| Black bear | Youth Firearms Bear Hunt | WMU 8G | Oct 10, 2026 | Oct 12, 2026 | |
| Black bear | Regular Season | WMU 8G | Nov 21, 2026 | Dec 13, 2026 | |
| Black bear | Late Bowhunting | WMU 8G | Dec 14, 2026 | Dec 22, 2026 | |
| Black bear | Late Muzzleloading | WMU 8G | Dec 14, 2026 | Dec 22, 2026 | |
| Wild turkey | Fall Season | WMU 8G | Oct 17, 2026 | Oct 30, 2026 | |
| Wild turkey | Youth Spring Turkey Hunt | WMU 8G | Apr 24, 2027 | Apr 25, 2027 | |
| Wild turkey | Spring Season | WMU 8G | May 1, 2027 | May 31, 2027 | |
| Pheasant | Youth Pheasant Hunt | WMU 8G | Oct 10, 2026 | Oct 11, 2026 | |
| Pheasant | Regular (cocks only) | WMU 8G | Oct 17, 2026 | Dec 31, 2026 | |
| Ruffed grouse | Hunting | WMU 8G | Oct 1, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | |
| Woodcock | Hunting | WMU 8G | Oct 1, 2026 | Nov 14, 2026 | |
| Cottontail | Hunting | WMU 8G | Oct 1, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | |
| Gray squirrel | Hunting | WMU 8G | Sep 1, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | |
| Black squirrel | Hunting | WMU 8G | Sep 1, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | |
| Fox squirrel | Hunting | WMU 8G | Sep 1, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | |
| Ducks | Split 1 | Western Zone | Oct 10, 2026 | Nov 1, 2026 | |
| Ducks | Split 2 | Western Zone | Dec 5, 2026 | Jan 10, 2027 | |
| Scaup | 2-scaup window | Western Zone | Dec 22, 2026 | Jan 10, 2027 | |
| Canada goose | September season | West Central goose area | Sep 1, 2026 | Sep 25, 2026 | |
| Canada goose | Regular season | West Central goose area | Nov 7, 2026 | Dec 21, 2026 | |
| Snow goose | Regular season | Western Zone | Nov 24, 2026 | Mar 10, 2027 | |
| Brant | Regular season | Western Zone | Oct 10, 2026 | Nov 8, 2026 | |
| Youth waterfowl | Youth days | Western Zone | Sep 26, 2026 | Sep 27, 2026 | |
| Veteran waterfowl | Veteran days | Western Zone | Nov 7, 2026 | Nov 8, 2026 | |
| Snipe | Hunting | WMU 8G | Sep 1, 2026 | Nov 9, 2026 | |
| Rails | Hunting | WMU 8G | Sep 1, 2026 | Nov 9, 2026 | |
| Gallinule | Hunting | WMU 8G | Sep 1, 2026 | Nov 9, 2026 | |
| Crow | Hunting | WMU 8G | Sep 1, 2026 | Mar 31, 2027 | |
| Coyote | Hunting | WMU 8G | Oct 1, 2026 | Mar 28, 2027 | |
| Raccoon | Hunting | WMU 8G | Oct 25, 2026 | Feb 15, 2027 | |
| Red fox | Hunting | WMU 8G | Oct 25, 2026 | Feb 15, 2027 | |
| Gray fox | Hunting | WMU 8G | Oct 25, 2026 | Feb 15, 2027 | |
| Skunk | Hunting | WMU 8G | Oct 25, 2026 | Feb 15, 2027 | |
| Opossum | Hunting | WMU 8G | Oct 25, 2026 | Feb 15, 2027 | |
| Weasel | Hunting | WMU 8G | 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.
Iroquois NWR: WMU 8G numbers
Deer, bear and turkey rules here follow WMU 8G, 686 square miles in the Southern Zone covering parts of Genesee, Monroe and Orleans. There is no cap on DMPs in 8G in 2026. The bear area for 8G is Southern Zone. Fall turkey in 8G: Oct. 17-30.
| WMU | Zone | DMP target | DMP success | Resident odds | Antler rule | Deer weapons | Bear | Fall turkey |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8G | Southern | Unlimited/bonus | 14.1% | 100% | No | All | Southern Zone | Oct. 17-30 |
Calculated deer take, 8G
In 2022, 8G produced 7,802 deer by DEC's estimate (7,649 in 2016).
| Season | Total take | Bucks 1.5+ |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 7,649 | 2,899 |
| 2017 | 7,032 | 2,907 |
| 2018 | 7,675 | 2,929 |
| 2019 | 7,675 | 3,210 |
| 2020 | 7,448 | 2,676 |
| 2021 | 6,613 | 2,668 |
| 2022 | 7,802 | 2,971 |
The bear objective DEC lists for 8G is to maintain infrequent bear presence.
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.
Iroquois NWR game species
Expect ducks and geese, white-tailed deer, wild turkey and black bear on Iroquois NWR.
Ducks and geese
Oct 10–Nov 1
White-tailed deer
Nov 21–Dec 13
Wild turkey
May 1–May 31
Black bear
Nov 21–Dec 13
Small game
Oct 1–Feb 28
Furbearers
Oct 25–Feb 15
Species from eCFR section 32.51; dates from the 2026-27 DEC guide; checked October 27, 2026.
Waterfowl hunting on Iroquois NWR
DEC's map of waterfowl hunting places shows Iroquois NWR. The duck zone here is Western. For Canada geese it is in the West Central area.
| Name on the map | Owner | Type | Extra rules |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge | USFWS | – | Yes |
The map adds: Proof of completion of NYS Waterfowl ID course or equivalent is required. Not all units are open for hunting. Pre-registration is required. See property webpage for details.
DEC Places to Hunt Waterfowl; checked October 27, 2026. Waterfowl zones.
Iroquois NWR and the public land around it
10 public places within 40 miles are pinned around Iroquois NWR, starting with John White WMA. Combined: 7,356 acres.
| Area | Category | Acreage | WMU | Distance | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| John White | WMA | 329 | 8G | 3.6 mi | south |
| Oak Orchard | WMA | 20 | 8G | 5.6 mi | east |
| Hartland Swamp | WMA | 402 | 9A | 15 mi | northwest |
| Darien Lakes | State park | 1,844 | 8G | 15 mi | south |
| Golden Hill | State park | 372 | 9A | 17 mi | north |
| Lakeside | State park | 706 | 8A | 18 mi | northeast |
| Carlton Hill | Multiple use area | 2,501 | 9H | 24 mi | southeast |
| Wilson-Tuscarora | State park | 481 | 9A | 27 mi | northwest |
| Spicer Creek | WMA | 34 | 9A | 27 mi | west |
| Knox Farm | State park | 667 | 9F | 28 mi | southwest |
Points: USFWS FWSInterest layer (New York part) (polygon centroid of the largest part). Straight-line distances. Statewide public land map.
Harvest numbers for the towns under Iroquois NWR
The 2025 deer take for Genesee County was 5,191.
| Year | Deer | Adult males | Adult females |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 5,021 | 2,065 | 2,288 |
| 2022 | 5,769 | 2,237 | 2,570 |
| 2023 | 4,806 | 2,072 | 1,964 |
| 2024 | 5,179 | 2,385 | 2,094 |
| 2025 | 5,191 | 2,373 | 2,283 |
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.
Iroquois NWR: nearby towns and services
Medina sits 6.2 mi from Iroquois NWR, the shortest hop to a town.
| Town | County | Miles off | People | Public acres, 10 mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medina | Orleans | 6.2 mi | 5,912 | 19,170 |
| Oakfield | Genesee | 7.4 mi | 1,790 | 15,307 |
| Akron | Erie | 9.6 mi | 2,886 | 12,653 |
| Albion | Orleans | 13 mi | 5,704 | 648 |
Open the county guide for Iroquois NWR: Genesee County, Orleans County.
Iroquois NWR: businesses close by
Genesee County is home to 2 DEC-licensed guides (see DEC's guide list). DEC licensed guides
Iroquois NWR: 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.
Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge: nearest firing lines
Oakfield Rod and Gun Club Inc, 7 miles away, is the nearest range to Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge; check its access rule before going.
From DEC, the operators’ pages and directory listings, checked October 27, 2026.
Iroquois NWR: 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 Iroquois NWR and match the Albany table within four minutes.
| Date | Season point | Sunrise | Sunset | Deer, bear | Migratory |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 27, 2026 | Northern bow opener | 7:04 a.m. | 7:03 p.m. | 6:34 a.m. to 7:33 p.m. | 6:34 a.m. to 7:03 p.m. |
| Oct 1, 2026 | Southern bow opener | 7:08 a.m. | 6:56 p.m. | 6:38 a.m. to 7:26 p.m. | 6:38 a.m. to 6:56 p.m. |
| Oct 24, 2026 | Northern regular opener | 7:36 a.m. | 6:18 p.m. | 7:06 a.m. to 6:48 p.m. | 7:06 a.m. to 6:18 p.m. |
| Nov 21, 2026 | Southern regular opener | 7:12 a.m. | 4:46 p.m. | 6:42 a.m. to 5:16 p.m. | 6:42 a.m. to 4:46 p.m. |
| Dec 14, 2026 | Southern late season | 7:36 a.m. | 4:39 p.m. | 7:06 a.m. to 5:09 p.m. | 7:06 a.m. to 4:39 p.m. |
| Jan 1, 2027 | Late season close | 7:44 a.m. | 4:47 p.m. | 7:14 a.m. to 5:17 p.m. | 7:14 a.m. to 4:47 p.m. |
| May 1, 2027 | Spring turkey opener | 6:08 a.m. | 8:12 p.m. | 5:38 a.m. to 8:42 p.m. | 5:38 a.m. to 8:12 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 Iroquois NWR: photos
Iroquois NWR questions, answered from the record
What is the bowhunting window on Iroquois NWR?
Archery runs Oct 1 to Nov 20, 2026 to start.
What species go with Iroquois NWR?
You will find ducks and geese, white-tailed deer, wild turkey, black bear, small game and furbearers on the list.
When does turkey season open on Iroquois NWR?
Yes: May 1 to May 31, 2027, mornings only.
What are the bear dates for Iroquois NWR?
WMU 8G is open for bears Nov 21 to Dec 13, 2026.
Can I hunt ducks on Iroquois NWR?
Duck split one runs Oct 10 to Nov 1, 2026 (Western Zone).
How far is Iroquois NWR from a town?
Medina is 6.2 mi away.
Does the orange law apply on Iroquois NWR?
During firearm deer and bear hunting, for you and anyone with you.
When does legal light start at Iroquois NWR?
Big game from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset; ducks stop at sunset.
Is Iroquois NWR open to public hunting?
(D) We require a refuge hunt permit (FWS Form 3-2439, Hunt Application—National Wildlife Refuge System).
What does Iroquois NWR measure?
The record lists 10,810 acres.
What zone and WMU is Iroquois NWR?
The DEC WMU layer gives 8G (Southern Zone).
When does the regular deer season open on Iroquois NWR?
Nov 21 to Dec 13, 2026 for the regular Season in WMU 8G.
Iroquois NWR: what to double-check
Boundaries on the ground beat any web page; watch for posted areas on Iroquois NWR.
Sources: eCFR section 32.51 · DEP GIS · DEP GIS · USFWS iroquois · USFWS hunting · DEC · DEC GIS; regulations from the 2026-27 New York Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide. Checked October 27, 2026.
Other photos on this page: MSVG (CC BY 2.0); Under the same moon… (CC BY 2.0); U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Public Domain Mark 1.0); U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Public Domain Mark 1.0).