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What hunters need to know about Neversink River Unique Area
Rules, WMU 3K season dates, maps and neighbors for a unique area in Sullivan County.
Photo: Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) (CC BY 2.0)
Getting to Neversink River Unique Area
Parking, trailheads and gates near Neversink River Unique Area
- Parking areaParking · 2.1 mi from the centreDirections
- Wolf Brook Road South Parking LotParking · 2.7 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 2.9 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 3.2 mi from the centreDirections
- Wolf Brook Road North Parking LotParking · 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.
What Neversink River Unique Area is
Neversink River Unique Area is a DEC unique area in Sullivan County. The DEC page names Thompson as the town it falls in. It is a Region 3 property, in the lower Hudson Valley. Size: 6,583 acres (DEC Lands layer ACRES). None of the other 11 unique areas is larger. Management direction comes from the Neversink River unit plan.
From the DEC page for Neversink River Unique Area: Hunting is allowed in the Neversink River Unique Area during appropriate seasons. Hunting is a traditional use which is encouraged on State Forest land. The eastern wild turkey is hunted in spring and fall. Furbearers, including beaver, fisher and coyote are harvested annually.
From DEC neversink river unique area; acreage DEC Lands layer ACRES (sum of the matched facility polygons); checked October 27, 2026.
Nearby
Places to hunt and shoot around Neversink River Unique Area
Neversink River Unique Area hunting rules for 2026-27
The DEC rules for using state forest land, applied to Neversink River Unique Area:
- Cutting or damaging trees on Neversink River Unique Area is prohibited, which rules out screw-in steps and cleared lanes.
- A portable stand or blind that does not injure the tree may stay up during the season if it carries your name and address or license number, and it comes down when the season ends.
- Neversink River Unique Area is not a place to leave equipment: cameras and gear go home with you.
- Keep trucks on the maintained roads; an ATV needs a designated trail.
- A camping permit applies when the stay or group size calls for it.
Neversink River Unique Area special rules
- Hiking, cross-country skiing, canoeing, hunting, fishing (artificial lures only), trapping and mountain bicycle riding are allowed.
Statewide rules that follow you onto Neversink River Unique Area
- 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 neversink river unique area, DEC state land use rules, DEC Places to Hunt, 2026-27 DEC guide; checked October 27, 2026.
What is open on Neversink River Unique Area, and when
This calendar is cut down to Neversink River Unique Area: its WMU (3K), 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 | WMU 3K | Oct 1, 2026 | Nov 20, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Youth deer weekend | WMU 3K | Oct 10, 2026 | Oct 12, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Regular Season | WMU 3K | Nov 21, 2026 | Dec 13, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Late Bowhunting | WMU 3K | Dec 14, 2026 | Dec 22, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Late Muzzleloading | WMU 3K | Dec 14, 2026 | Dec 22, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Late Bowhunting (holidays) | WMU 3K | Dec 26, 2026 | Jan 1, 2027 | |
| White-tailed deer | Late Muzzleloading (holidays) | WMU 3K | Dec 26, 2026 | Jan 1, 2027 | |
| Black bear | Early Firearms Season | WMU 3K | Sep 12, 2026 | Sep 27, 2026 | |
| Black bear | Early Bowhunting | WMU 3K | Oct 1, 2026 | Nov 20, 2026 | |
| Black bear | Youth Firearms Bear Hunt | WMU 3K | Oct 10, 2026 | Oct 12, 2026 | |
| Black bear | Regular Season | WMU 3K | Nov 21, 2026 | Dec 13, 2026 | |
| Black bear | Late Bowhunting | WMU 3K | Dec 14, 2026 | Dec 22, 2026 | |
| Black bear | Late Muzzleloading | WMU 3K | Dec 14, 2026 | Dec 22, 2026 | |
| Wild turkey | Fall Season | WMU 3K | Oct 17, 2026 | Oct 30, 2026 | |
| Wild turkey | Youth Spring Turkey Hunt | WMU 3K | Apr 24, 2027 | Apr 25, 2027 | |
| Wild turkey | Spring Season | WMU 3K | May 1, 2027 | May 31, 2027 | |
| Pheasant | Youth Pheasant Hunt | WMU 3K | Sep 26, 2026 | Sep 27, 2026 | |
| Pheasant | Regular (either sex) | WMU 3K | Oct 1, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | |
| Ruffed grouse | Hunting | WMU 3K | Oct 1, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | |
| Woodcock | Hunting | WMU 3K | Oct 1, 2026 | Nov 14, 2026 | |
| Cottontail | Hunting | WMU 3K | Oct 1, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | |
| Snowshoe hare | Hunting | WMU 3K | Dec 14, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | |
| Gray squirrel | Hunting | WMU 3K | Sep 1, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | |
| Black squirrel | Hunting | WMU 3K | Sep 1, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | |
| Fox squirrel | Hunting | WMU 3K | 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 | South goose area | Sep 1, 2026 | Sep 25, 2026 | |
| Canada goose | Regular season | South goose area | Oct 24, 2026 | Jan 11, 2027 | |
| 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 3K | Sep 1, 2026 | Nov 9, 2026 | |
| Rails | Hunting | WMU 3K | Sep 1, 2026 | Nov 9, 2026 | |
| Gallinule | Hunting | WMU 3K | Sep 1, 2026 | Nov 9, 2026 | |
| Crow | Hunting | WMU 3K | Sep 1, 2026 | Mar 31, 2027 | |
| Coyote | Hunting | WMU 3K | Oct 1, 2026 | Mar 28, 2027 | |
| Raccoon | Hunting | WMU 3K | Oct 25, 2026 | Feb 15, 2027 | |
| Red fox | Hunting | WMU 3K | Oct 25, 2026 | Feb 15, 2027 | |
| Gray fox | Hunting | WMU 3K | Oct 25, 2026 | Feb 15, 2027 | |
| Bobcat | Hunting | WMU 3K | Oct 25, 2026 | Feb 15, 2027 | |
| Skunk | Hunting | WMU 3K | Oct 25, 2026 | Feb 15, 2027 | |
| Opossum | Hunting | WMU 3K | Oct 25, 2026 | Feb 15, 2027 | |
| Weasel | Hunting | WMU 3K | 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.
Neversink River Unique Area: WMU 3K numbers
Deer, bear and turkey rules here follow WMU 3K, 381 square miles in the Southern Zone covering parts of Sullivan and Orange. For 3K, DEC aims to issue 1,400 DMPs in 2026; success averages 20.4% and residents' first-DMP odds are high. Hold off on small bucks in 3K: the 3-point rule applies. The bear area for 3K is Southern Zone. Fall turkey in 3K: Oct. 17-30.
| WMU | Zone | DMP target | DMP success | Resident odds | Antler rule | Deer weapons | Bear | Fall turkey |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3K | Southern | 1,400 | 20.4% | high | Yes | All | Southern Zone | Oct. 17-30 |
Calculated deer take, 3K
In 2022, 3K produced 1,573 deer by DEC's estimate (936 in 2016).
| Season | Total take | Bucks 1.5+ |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 936 | 783 |
| 2017 | 992 | 720 |
| 2018 | 1,028 | 767 |
| 2019 | 946 | 709 |
| 2020 | 1,358 | 862 |
| 2021 | 1,214 | 887 |
| 2022 | 1,573 | 1,029 |
Bear harvest in 3K for 2025 was 60, or 15.7 per 100 square miles.
The bear objective DEC lists for 3K is to reduce 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.
Neversink River Unique Area game species
Expect wild turkey, coyote and furbearers on Neversink River Unique Area.
Species from DEC neversink river unique area; dates from the 2026-27 DEC guide; checked October 27, 2026.
Maps and parking around Neversink River Unique Area
DEC lists 5 parking or access points for Neversink River Unique Area.
| Where to park | Link |
|---|---|
| Hatchery Road Trailhead: 41.5687, -74.6734 | Get there |
| Eden Road Parking Lot: 41.5193, -74.6496 | Get there |
| Katrina Falls Road Parking Lot: 41.5832, -74.6220 | Get there |
| Hiram Jones Road Parking Lot: 41.5936, -74.6326 | Get there |
| Cold Spring Road Parking Lot: 41.5543, -74.6816 | Get there |
Map in print form: Neversink River Unique Area Map
Parking points and maps from DEC neversink river unique area; checked October 27, 2026.
Neversink River Unique Area and the public land around it
10 public places within 40 miles are pinned around Neversink River Unique Area, starting with Wolf Brook Multiple Use Area. Combined: 15,028 acres.
| Area | Category | Acreage | WMU | Distance | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wolf Brook | Multiple use area | 559 | 3K | 3.1 mi | northeast |
| Sullivan | Detached parcel | 361 | 3H, 3K | 3.5 mi | southeast |
| Bashakill | WMA | 3,090 | 3M | 6.1 mi | east |
| Gobbler's Knob | State forest | 304 | 3M | 6.2 mi | southeast |
| Graham Mountain | State forest | 163 | 3M | 7.7 mi | southeast |
| Mongaup Valley | WMA | 6,416 | 3K | 8.1 mi | west |
| Cherry Island | WMA | 14 | 3K | 11 mi | southwest |
| Wurtsboro Ridge | State forest | 1,137 | 3M | 11 mi | east |
| Huckleberry Ridge | State forest | 1,948 | 3M | 11 mi | south |
| Hickok Brook | Multiple use area | 1,036 | 3K | 13 mi | west |
Points: DEC Lands layer (polygon centroid of the largest part). Straight-line distances. Statewide public land map.
Harvest numbers for the towns under Neversink River Unique Area
Thompson logged 227 deer in 2019; DEC stopped publishing town tables after that season.
| Town | County | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | Bucks, 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thompson | Sullivan | 170 | 194 | 208 | 203 | 227 | 170 |
Recent bear reports from the same towns: Thompson (2020) 22, Thompson (2021) 22, Thompson (2022) 16.
The 2025 deer take for Sullivan County was 4,872.
| Year | Deer | Adult males | Adult females |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 4,371 | 2,768 | 1,359 |
| 2022 | 4,740 | 3,108 | 1,332 |
| 2023 | 4,689 | 2,863 | 1,226 |
| 2024 | 5,254 | 3,148 | 1,691 |
| 2025 | 4,872 | 2,906 | 1,550 |
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.
Neversink River Unique Area: nearby towns and services
Bridgeville sits 6.0 mi from Neversink River Unique Area, the shortest hop to a town.
| Town | County | Miles off | People | Public acres, 10 mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgeville | Sullivan | 6.0 mi | – | 13,521 |
| Monticello | Sullivan | 7.8 mi | 7,228 | 10,058 |
| Wurtsboro | Sullivan | 8.4 mi | 1,086 | 14,492 |
| Sparrow Bush | Orange | 10 mi | – | 8,191 |
Open the county guide for Neversink River Unique Area: Sullivan County.
Neversink River Unique Area: businesses close by
Sullivan County is home to 13 DEC-licensed guides (see DEC's guide list). DEC licensed guides
Neversink River Unique Area: 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.
Neversink River Unique Area: nearest firing lines
For hunters on Neversink River Unique Area, the nearest public range is Coyne Park Rifle and Pistol Range in Westchester County (59 miles). Nearby rod and gun clubs fill the remaining cards.
From DEC, the operators’ pages and directory listings, checked October 27, 2026.
Neversink River Unique Area: 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 Neversink River Unique Area and match the Albany table within four minutes.
| Date | Season point | Sunrise | Sunset | Deer, bear | Migratory |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 27, 2026 | Northern bow opener | 6:50 a.m. | 6:50 p.m. | 6:20 a.m. to 7:20 p.m. | 6:20 a.m. to 6:50 p.m. |
| Oct 1, 2026 | Southern bow opener | 6:54 a.m. | 6:43 p.m. | 6:24 a.m. to 7:13 p.m. | 6:24 a.m. to 6:43 p.m. |
| Oct 24, 2026 | Northern regular opener | 7:20 a.m. | 6:06 p.m. | 6:50 a.m. to 6:36 p.m. | 6:50 a.m. to 6:06 p.m. |
| Nov 21, 2026 | Southern regular opener | 6:55 a.m. | 4:36 p.m. | 6:25 a.m. to 5:06 p.m. | 6:25 a.m. to 4:36 p.m. |
| Dec 14, 2026 | Southern late season | 7:18 a.m. | 4:29 p.m. | 6:48 a.m. to 4:59 p.m. | 6:48 a.m. to 4:29 p.m. |
| Jan 1, 2027 | Late season close | 7:26 a.m. | 4:38 p.m. | 6:56 a.m. to 5:08 p.m. | 6:56 a.m. to 4:38 p.m. |
| May 1, 2027 | Spring turkey opener | 5:57 a.m. | 7:55 p.m. | 5:27 a.m. to 8:25 p.m. | 5:27 a.m. to 7:55 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.
Neversink River Unique Area in pictures
Neversink River Unique Area questions, answered from the record
What is the bowhunting window on Neversink River Unique Area?
Archery runs Oct 1 to Nov 20, 2026 to start.
Can I get a Deer Management Permit for Neversink River Unique Area?
Yes: WMU 3K has a 2026 target of 1,400 DMPs, and resident first-permit odds are high.
What species go with Neversink River Unique Area?
You will find wild turkey, coyote and furbearers on the list.
When does turkey season open on Neversink River Unique Area?
Yes: May 1 to May 31, 2027, mornings only.
What are the bear dates for Neversink River Unique Area?
WMU 3K is open for bears Nov 21 to Dec 13, 2026.
How far is Neversink River Unique Area from a town?
Bridgeville is 6.0 mi away.
Can I leave a tree stand on Neversink River Unique Area?
Yes, a portable one that harms no tree, labeled with your name and address or license or DEC ID, removed at season end.
Does the orange law apply on Neversink River Unique Area?
During firearm deer and bear hunting, for you and anyone with you.
Is Neversink River Unique Area open to public hunting?
It is public DEC land: carry your hunting license and follow the season dates.
What does Neversink River Unique Area measure?
The record lists 6,583 acres.
What zone and WMU is Neversink River Unique Area?
The DEC WMU layer gives 3K (Southern Zone).
When does the regular deer season open on Neversink River Unique Area?
Nov 21 to Dec 13, 2026 for the regular Season in WMU 3K.
Neversink River Unique Area: what to double-check
Boundaries on the ground beat any web page; watch for posted areas on Neversink River Unique Area.
Sources: DEC neversink river unique area · DEC · DEC GIS · DEC; regulations from the 2026-27 New York Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide. Checked October 27, 2026.
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