DMAP enables hunters and wildlife biologists to help landowners and resource managers implement site-specific deer management on their lands. DEC issues a special permit with a determined number of antlerless deer tags for use only on the specific property(s) during the open deer hunting season. Landowners and land managers may apply for DMAP to reduce deer damage to agricultural crops or managed forests, to protect sensitive ecological areas, reduce deer impacts within a municipality, or to practice custom deer management.
Hunting on DMAP Properties
Hunters make DMAP successful. When hunting on a DMAP property, hunters must follow specific rules:
- DMAP tags are valid only on the lands specified on the application. Possession of these DMAP tags on lands other than those listed on the application is prohibited.
- DMAP tags are valid for antlerless deer only (having no antlers or antlers less than 3 inches long).
- DMAP tags may be used in any open season with the appropriate implement. All laws and regulations pertaining to season dates, hunting hours, tagging requirements, transportation, and possession remain in effect.
- All hunters utilizing DMAP tags must also possess a valid big game license and appropriate hunting privileges for the season in which the tag(s) are being used.
- Check with the DMAP permit holder on the number of DMAP tags that may be used per hunter. Generally, no more than 2 DMAP tags may be used per hunter per year per DMAP permit. Depending on WMU level deer management objectives, DEC may authorize up to 4 DMAP tags per hunter per year per DMAP permit.
- Hunters may participate on multiple DMAP permits.
- A hunter may fill 2 DMAP tags (or 4 if specified on the permit) on each of multiple separate DMAP permits.
- Hunters must report their DMAP deer harvest to DEC and the permit holder. DMAP permit holders are responsible to submit an annual report to DEC. If hunters do not provide the necessary information to the permit holder, it may result in the landowner not be approved for subsequent DMAP permits.
DMAP on State Lands - Opportunities for Hunters
To help mitigate deer impacts on some state lands, DEC has enrolled several state land parcels in the DMAP program. Hunters must apply to participate; see the information listed below. Tag availability is limited.
Bully Hill State Forest
Location: Allegany County, WMU 9P
Purpose: improve forest regeneration
Maps and information about Bully Hill State Forest
Application to hunt using DMAP: Bully Hill State Forest DMAP (PDF)
Doodletown Wildlife Management Area
Location: Columbia County, WMU 4Z
Purpose: improve forest regeneration
Maps and information about Doodletown WMA
Application to hunt using DMAP: DMAP tags will be available to individuals with a valid state hunting license on a first-come, first-served basis at a DEC booth in the Ancram Town Hall parking lot, 1416 County Rd 7, Ancram NY 12502 on September 23 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. Any remaining tags will be availble for pick up at the DEC Region 4 Headquarters, located at 1130 North Westcott Road, Schenectady, NY 12306 on October 4 from 9 am until 4:30 pm. For more information or to inquire about remaining tags, please call the Region 4 Wildlife Office at 518-357-2158.
