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Wild forest · the eastern Adirondacks and Lake Champlain
What hunters need to know about Lake George Wild Forest
Rules, WMU 5G season dates, maps and neighbors for a wild forest in Warren County and 1 more.
Photo: runJMrun (CC BY 2.0)
Getting to Lake George Wild Forest
Parking, trailheads and gates near Lake George Wild Forest
- Parking areaParking · 1.5 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 1.5 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 1.7 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 1.7 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 2.1 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 2.6 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 3.0 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 3.2 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 3.2 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 3.2 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 3.4 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 3.6 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 Lake George Wild Forest is
Lake George Wild Forest is a Forest Preserve wild forest in Warren and Washington counties. It is a Region 5 property, in the eastern Adirondacks and Lake Champlain. Size: 76,871 acres (DEC Lands layer ACRES). 7 others of the 35 wild forests are larger. Management direction comes from the Lake George and Lake George Islands Camp unit plan.
From the DEC page for Lake George Wild Forest: Wildlife Management Unit : 5G, 5H and 5J Important big game species within the area include the white-tailed deer and black bear. Additional game mammals include coyote, raccoon, red fox, gray fox, long-tailed weasel, short-tailed weasel, bobcat, and snowshoe hare. These species (with the exception of white-tailed deer, black bear, and snowshoe hare) along with fisher, mink, muskrat, beaver, and river otter can also be trapped. Game birds in the area include upland species such as turkey, ruffed grouse and …
From DEC lake george wild forest; acreage DEC Lands layer ACRES (sum of the matched facility polygons); checked October 27, 2026.
Nearby
Places to hunt and shoot around Lake George Wild Forest
Lake George Wild Forest hunting rules for 2026-27
Forest Preserve land such as Lake George Wild Forest follows 6 NYCRR Part 190:
- Hunting and trapping are allowed on Lake George Wild Forest during open seasons unless an area is posted.
- On Lake George Wild Forest a saw, a nail or a screw-in step all break the Part 190 rules.
- Tents go 150 feet or more from any road, trail or water, except at designated sites.
Statewide rules that follow you onto Lake George Wild 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 lake george wild forest, DEC state land use rules, DEC Places to Hunt, 2026-27 DEC guide; checked October 27, 2026.
What is open on Lake George Wild Forest, and when
This calendar is cut down to Lake George Wild Forest: its WMU (5G, 5H, 5J), 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 | WMUs 5G, 5H, 5J | Sep 27, 2026 | Oct 23, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Youth deer weekend | WMUs 5G, 5H, 5J | Oct 10, 2026 | Oct 12, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Early Muzzleloading | WMUs 5G, 5H, 5J | Oct 17, 2026 | Oct 23, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Regular Season | WMUs 5G, 5H, 5J | Oct 24, 2026 | Dec 6, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Late Bowhunting | WMUs 5G, 5J | Dec 7, 2026 | Dec 13, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Late Muzzleloading | WMUs 5G, 5J | Dec 7, 2026 | Dec 13, 2026 | |
| Black bear | Regular Season (Adirondacks) | WMUs 5G, 5H, 5J | Sep 19, 2026 | Dec 6, 2026 | |
| Black bear | Youth Firearms Bear Hunt | WMUs 5G, 5H, 5J | Oct 10, 2026 | Oct 12, 2026 | |
| Wild turkey | Fall Season | WMUs 5G, 5H, 5J | Oct 1, 2026 | Oct 14, 2026 | |
| Wild turkey | Youth Spring Turkey Hunt | WMUs 5G, 5H, 5J | Apr 24, 2027 | Apr 25, 2027 | |
| Wild turkey | Spring Season | WMUs 5G, 5H, 5J | May 1, 2027 | May 31, 2027 | |
| Pheasant | Youth Pheasant Hunt | WMUs 5G, 5H, 5J | Sep 26, 2026 | Sep 27, 2026 | |
| Pheasant | Regular (either sex) | WMUs 5G, 5H, 5J | Oct 1, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | |
| Ruffed grouse | Hunting | WMUs 5G, 5H, 5J | Sep 20, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | |
| Woodcock | Hunting | WMUs 5G, 5H, 5J | Oct 1, 2026 | Nov 14, 2026 | |
| Cottontail | Hunting | WMUs 5G, 5H, 5J | Oct 1, 2026 | Mar 21, 2027 | |
| Snowshoe hare | Hunting | WMUs 5G, 5H, 5J | Oct 1, 2026 | Mar 21, 2027 | |
| Gray squirrel | Hunting | WMUs 5G, 5H, 5J | Sep 1, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | |
| Black squirrel | Hunting | WMUs 5G, 5H, 5J | Sep 1, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | |
| Fox squirrel | Hunting | WMUs 5G, 5H, 5J | Sep 1, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | |
| Ducks | Split 1 | Northeastern Zone | Oct 10, 2026 | Nov 29, 2026 | |
| Ducks | Split 1 | Lake Champlain Zone | Oct 10, 2026 | Nov 1, 2026 | |
| Ducks | Split 2 | Lake Champlain Zone | Nov 21, 2026 | Dec 27, 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 | Lake Champlain Zone | Dec 8, 2026 | Dec 27, 2026 | |
| Scaup | 2-scaup window | Northeastern Zone | Dec 12, 2026 | Dec 20, 2026 | |
| Canada goose | September season | Lake Champlain goose area | Sep 1, 2026 | Sep 25, 2026 | |
| Canada goose | September season | Northeast goose area | Sep 1, 2026 | Sep 25, 2026 | |
| Canada goose | Regular season | Lake Champlain goose area | Oct 10, 2026 | Nov 23, 2026 | |
| Canada goose | Regular season | Northeast goose area | Oct 24, 2026 | Nov 29, 2026 | |
| Canada goose | Regular season | Lake Champlain goose area | Dec 1, 2026 | Jan 4, 2027 | |
| 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 | Lake Champlain Zone | Oct 1, 2026 | Dec 31, 2026 | |
| Snow goose | Regular season | Northeastern Zone | Feb 26, 2027 | Mar 10, 2027 | |
| Snow goose | Regular season | Lake Champlain Zone | Feb 26, 2027 | Mar 10, 2027 | |
| Brant | Regular season | Northeastern Zone | Oct 10, 2026 | Nov 8, 2026 | |
| Brant | Regular season | Lake Champlain Zone | Oct 10, 2026 | Nov 8, 2026 | |
| Youth waterfowl | Youth days | Northeastern Zone | Sep 26, 2026 | Sep 27, 2026 | |
| Youth waterfowl | Youth days | Lake Champlain Zone | Sep 26, 2026 | Sep 27, 2026 | |
| Veteran waterfowl | Veteran days | Northeastern Zone | Sep 26, 2026 | Sep 27, 2026 | |
| Snipe | Hunting | WMUs 5G, 5H, 5J | Sep 1, 2026 | Nov 9, 2026 | |
| Rails | Hunting | WMUs 5G, 5H, 5J | Sep 1, 2026 | Nov 9, 2026 | |
| Gallinule | Hunting | WMUs 5G, 5H, 5J | Sep 1, 2026 | Nov 9, 2026 | |
| Crow | Hunting | WMUs 5G, 5H, 5J | Sep 1, 2026 | Mar 31, 2027 | |
| Coyote | Hunting | WMUs 5G, 5H, 5J | Oct 1, 2026 | Mar 28, 2027 | |
| Raccoon | Hunting | WMUs 5G, 5H, 5J | Oct 25, 2026 | Feb 15, 2027 | |
| Red fox | Hunting | WMUs 5G, 5H, 5J | Oct 25, 2026 | Feb 15, 2027 | |
| Gray fox | Hunting | WMUs 5G, 5H, 5J | Oct 25, 2026 | Feb 15, 2027 | |
| Bobcat | Hunting | WMUs 5G, 5H, 5J | Oct 25, 2026 | Feb 15, 2027 | |
| Skunk | Hunting | WMUs 5G, 5H, 5J | Oct 25, 2026 | Feb 15, 2027 | |
| Opossum | Hunting | WMUs 5G, 5H, 5J | Oct 25, 2026 | Feb 15, 2027 | |
| Weasel | Hunting | WMUs 5G, 5H, 5J | Oct 25, 2026 | Feb 15, 2027 | |
| Muskrat | Hunting (Lake Champlain only) | Lake Champlain | Nov 1, 2026 | Apr 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.
Lake George Wild Forest: WMU 5G numbers
Deer, bear and turkey rules here follow WMU 5G, 1,113 square miles in the Northern Zone covering parts of Essex, Warren and Washington. Edges touch 5H and 5J. By law no DMPs are issued in 5G, an Adirondack unit. The bear area for 5G is Adirondacks. Fall turkey in 5G: Oct. 1-14.
| WMU | Zone | DMP target | DMP success | Resident odds | Antler rule | Deer weapons | Bear | Fall turkey |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5G | Northern | Not authorized by law | NA | – | No | All | Adirondacks | Oct. 1-14 |
| 5H | Northern | Not authorized by law | NA | – | No | All | Adirondacks | Oct. 1-14 |
| 5J | Northern | Not authorized by law | NA | – | No | All | Adirondacks | Oct. 1-14 |
Calculated deer take, 5G
In 2022, 5G produced 1,742 deer by DEC's estimate (1,445 in 2016).
| Season | Total take | Bucks 1.5+ |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 1,445 | 1,024 |
| 2017 | 1,474 | 1,158 |
| 2018 | 1,724 | 1,242 |
| 2019 | 1,727 | 1,355 |
| 2020 | 1,767 | 1,257 |
| 2021 | 1,487 | 1,149 |
| 2022 | 1,742 | 1,236 |
Bear harvest in 5G for 2025 was 43, or 3.9 per 100 square miles.
The bear objective DEC lists for 5G 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.
Lake George Wild Forest game species
Expect white-tailed deer, black bear, wild turkey and ducks and geese on Lake George Wild Forest.
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
Woodcock
Oct 1–Nov 14
Rabbit and hare
Oct 1–Mar 21
Coyote
Oct 1–Mar 28
Furbearers
Oct 25–Feb 15
Species from DEC lake george wild forest; dates from the 2026-27 DEC guide; checked October 27, 2026.
Maps and parking around Lake George Wild Forest
DEC lists 35 parking or access points for Lake George Wild Forest.
| Where to park | Link |
|---|---|
| is located on Pike Brook Road and provides access to the Black Mountain Trail: 43.6117, -73.4933 | Get there |
| provides access to Inman Pond and the Inman Pond Trail: 43.4891, -73.5702 | Get there |
| is located off Pilot Knob Road and provides access to the Buck Mountain Trail: 43.5092, -73.6305 | Get there |
| is located on Shelving Rock Road and provides access to the campsites in the Shelving Rock day use area and numerous trails: 43.5314, -73.5657 | Get there |
| is located on Shelving Rock Road and provides access to the campsites in the Shelving Rock day use area and numerous trails: 43.5357, -73.5712 | Get there |
| is located on Dacy Clearing Road off Shelving Rock Road and provides access to the campsites in the Shelving Rock day use area and numerous trails, including the Longway Trail and Sleeping Beauty Mountain Trail: 43.5494, -73.5559 | Get there |
| are located on Shelving Rock Road and provides access to Shelving Rock Brook, Shelving Rock Falls, Shelving Rock Bay and the Pines day use areas as well as numerous trails: 43.5530, -73.5965 | Get there |
| is located on State Route 9N: 43.6149, -73.6226 | Get there |
| is located on State Route 9N and provides access to the Northwest Bay hand launch and the Northwest Bay Trail: 43.6269, -73.6077 | Get there |
| is located on State Route 9N near the Northwest Bay parking area and provides access to the Northwest Bay Trail: 43.6294, -73.6084 | Get there |
| is located on State Route 9N and provides access to the Deer Leap Trail: 43.6613, -73.5448 | Get there |
| is located on Padanarum Road and provides access to the Long Pond Trail and Canoe Carry and the Long Pond hand launch: 43.6631, -73.6623 | Get there |
| is located on Lily Pond Road off State Route 8 and provides access to the Lily Pond hand launch and campsites. A high clearance vehicle is recommended: 43.7043, -73.6678 | Get there |
| is located off Battle Hill Road and provides access to the Jabe Pond hand launch and campsites: 43.7110, -73.5320 | Get there |
Map in print form: Lake George Wild Forest North Map · Lake George Wild Forest East Map · Lake George Wild Forest South Map
DEC accessible recreation note: From the Hague Brook Parking Area , wheelchair accessible features include the: Viewing area at bridge The viewing area is approximately 500 feet from the parking area. From the Dacy Clearing Parking Area , wheelchair accessible features include the: Equestrian Mounting Platform
Parking points and maps from DEC lake george wild forest; checked October 27, 2026.
Lake George Wild Forest and the public land around it
10 public places within 40 miles are pinned around Lake George Wild Forest, starting with Maple Bend Island WMA. Combined: 232,891 acres.
| Area | Category | Acreage | WMU | Distance | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maple Bend Island | WMA | 451 | 5G | 8.9 mi | east |
| Pharaoh Lake | Wilderness | 46,814 | 5G | 9.6 mi | north |
| The Saddles | State forest | 2,472 | 5G | 13 mi | southeast |
| East Bay | WMA | 39 | 5T, 5G | 13 mi | southeast |
| Dolph Pond | State forest | 727 | 5G | 15 mi | southeast |
| Hoffman Notch | Wilderness | 38,529 | 5H, 5F | 20 mi | northwest |
| Putts Creek | WMA | 112 | 5G | 22 mi | northeast |
| Hammond Pond | Wild forest | 46,850 | 5F, 5G | 22 mi | north |
| Boreas Ponds Tract | DEC state land | 320 | 5F | 24 mi | northwest |
| Vanderwhacker Mountain | Wild forest | 96,577 | 5F, 5G | 26 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 Lake George Wild Forest
The 2025 deer take for Warren County was 927.
| Year | Deer | Adult males | Adult females |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 841 | 687 | 149 |
| 2022 | 961 | 702 | 207 |
| 2023 | 908 | 743 | 144 |
| 2024 | 839 | 692 | 137 |
| 2025 | 927 | 740 | 146 |
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.
Lake George Wild Forest: nearby towns and services
Pottersville sits 12 mi from Lake George Wild Forest, the shortest hop to a town.
| Town | County | Miles off | People | Public acres, 10 mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pottersville | Warren | 12 mi | – | 55,861 |
| Whitehall | Washington | 12 mi | 2,482 | 32,135 |
| Schroon Lake | Essex | 14 mi | – | 115,226 |
| Ticonderoga | Essex | 15 mi | – | 17,999 |
Open the county guide for Lake George Wild Forest: Warren County, Washington County.
Lake George Wild Forest: businesses close by
Warren County is home to 23 DEC-licensed guides (see DEC's guide list). DEC licensed guides
Lake George Wild 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.
Lake George Wild Forest: nearest firing lines
For hunters on Lake George Wild Forest, the nearest public range is Saratoga Sand Plains WMA Archery Range in Saratoga County (40 miles). Nearby rod and gun clubs fill the remaining cards.
From DEC, the operators’ pages and directory listings, checked October 27, 2026.
Lake George Wild 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 Lake George Wild Forest and match the Albany table within four minutes.
| Date | Season point | Sunrise | Sunset | Deer, bear | Migratory |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 27, 2026 | Northern bow opener | 6:47 a.m. | 6:46 p.m. | 6:17 a.m. to 7:16 p.m. | 6:17 a.m. to 6:46 p.m. |
| Oct 1, 2026 | Southern bow opener | 6:51 a.m. | 6:39 p.m. | 6:21 a.m. to 7:09 p.m. | 6:21 a.m. to 6:39 p.m. |
| Oct 24, 2026 | Northern regular opener | 7:19 a.m. | 6:00 p.m. | 6:49 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. | 6:49 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. |
| Nov 21, 2026 | Southern regular opener | 6:56 a.m. | 4:27 p.m. | 6:26 a.m. to 4:57 p.m. | 6:26 a.m. to 4:27 p.m. |
| Dec 14, 2026 | Southern late season | 7:21 a.m. | 4:19 p.m. | 6:51 a.m. to 4:49 p.m. | 6:51 a.m. to 4:19 p.m. |
| Jan 1, 2027 | Late season close | 7:28 a.m. | 4:28 p.m. | 6:58 a.m. to 4:58 p.m. | 6:58 a.m. to 4:28 p.m. |
| May 1, 2027 | Spring turkey opener | 5:49 a.m. | 7:56 p.m. | 5:19 a.m. to 8:26 p.m. | 5:19 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.
Lake George Wild Forest in pictures
Lake George Wild Forest questions, answered from the record
What is the bowhunting window on Lake George Wild Forest?
Archery runs Sep 27 to Oct 23, 2026 to start.
Does Lake George Wild Forest have Deer Management Permits?
No DMPs exist for 5G.
What species go with Lake George Wild Forest?
You will find white-tailed deer, black bear, wild turkey, ducks and geese, ruffed grouse and woodcock on the list.
When does turkey season open on Lake George Wild Forest?
Yes: May 1 to May 31, 2027, mornings only.
What are the bear dates for Lake George Wild Forest?
WMUs 5G, 5H, 5J is open for bears Sep 19 to Dec 6, 2026.
Can I hunt ducks on Lake George Wild Forest?
Duck split one runs Oct 10 to Nov 29, 2026 (Northeastern Zone).
How far is Lake George Wild Forest from a town?
Pottersville is 12 mi away.
Can I leave a tree stand on Lake George Wild Forest?
Yes, a portable one that harms no tree, labeled with your name and address or license or DEC ID, removed at season end.
Is Lake George Wild Forest open to public hunting?
It is public DEC land: carry your hunting license and follow the season dates.
What does Lake George Wild Forest measure?
The record lists 76,871 acres.
What zone and WMU is Lake George Wild Forest?
The DEC WMU layer gives 5G (Northern Zone).
When does the regular deer season open on Lake George Wild Forest?
Oct 24 to Dec 6, 2026 for the regular Season in WMUs 5G, 5H, 5J.
Lake George Wild Forest: what to double-check
Boundaries on the ground beat any web page; watch for posted areas on Lake George Wild Forest.
Sources: DEC lake george 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: fishhawk (CC BY 2.0); GlacierNPS (Public domain); Tony Webster (CC BY-SA 2.0); Fyn Kynd (CC BY 2.0).