Your Guide to Hunting in the Catskills
Hunting is a huge draw to the Great Western Catskills. There is nothing like waking up to the crisp morning air and venturing into the woods in pursuit of a trophy buck. While over 85% of people hunt on private land, there are options for visitors who are looking to fill their freezer with turkey, venison or other game for the winter ahead.
Photo courtesy of Catskill Casts and Coverts
BEFORE YOU GO:
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) offers a great resource page for all the things you need to know before heading into the woods. In New York State, it is necessary to obtain a hunting license and take specific hunter education courses before obtaining a license. The various hunting seasons are outlined clearly each year by the DEC. It is imperative that you hunt for the appropriate animal in the appropriate season. Following the current hunting regulations is not only important for safety but it is the law. Read up ahead of time so you can enjoy your hunt.
WHAT TO HUNT:
Hunting season is underway in New York State! Outlined are the dates for the upcoming season. Make sure to double-check with the DEC website here before venturing into the woods.
Bowhunting Deer Season: October 1st-December 16th, December 26th-January 1st
Regular Firearms Deer Season: November 16th-January 1st
Muzzleloading Deer Season: December 8th-December 16th, December 26th-January 1st
Blackbear Hunting Season: September 6th-December 16th
Fall Turkey Season: October 18th-October 31st
Ruffed Grouse Hunting: October 1st-February 28th
Cottontail Rabbit Hunting: October 1st-February 28th
Pheasant Hunting: October 1st-February 28th
Varying Hare Hunting: October 1st-February 28th
WHERE TO HUNT:
While the majority of hunters have access to private land, there is a lot of public use land available to visitors. The DEC provides thorough information on where to hunt. New York City Watershed Lands provide hunting access as well as Wildlife Management Areas. Some access points require permits for hunting access while others do not.
Bear Spring Mountain Wildlife Management Area
Located in Walton, Colchester, and Hancock in Delaware County
Wolf Hollow Wildlife Management Area
Located in Andes, NY in Delaware County
New York City Watershed Lands
Many locations in Delaware County
WHERE TO STAY:
Delaware County is very hunter friendly but might we suggest some stays that will truly make you and your hunting crew feel right at home. Browse the highlighted few below or visit our sportsman lodging section for more.
Photo courtesy of Pepacton Cabins
Downsville Motel
(607) 363-7740
6964 River Road
Downsville, NY 13755
Dream Catcher Lodge
(607) 467-4900
383 River Road
Deposit, NY 13754
Old School House Inn
(607) 363-7814
28218 NY-206
Downsville, NY 13755
Pepacton Cabins
(607) 363-2094
348 Hood Lane
Downsville, NY 13755
West Branch Angler Resort
(607) 467-5525
150 Faulkener Road
Hancock, NY 13783
Browse all lodging options on our website.
WHERE TO EAT:
These are a few great places to eat or grab food that don’t require you to change out of your hunting gear.
Photo of the Old Schoolhouse Inn courtesy of Yelp
The Andes Hotel
(845) 676-4408
10 Main Street
Andes, NY 13731
Dana’s Place
103 Main Street
Andes, NY 13731
Honest Eddie’s Taproom
(607) 637-7100
137 East Front Street
Hancock, NY 13783
Old Schoolhouse Inn
(607) 363-7814
28218 NY-206
Downsville, NY 13755
Tremperskill Country Store
(845) 676-3244
1024 County Road 1
Andes, NY 13731
Explore more dining options in Delaware County on our website.
WHERE TO BUY GEAR:
There are a number of sports stores in the Great Western Catskills that will help you get set up for your hunt or help you out with gear you may have left at home. Don’t forget to bring home a locally made and Catskill themed keepsake for your loved ones from Catskill Outpost in Stamford.
Photo courtesy of Al’s Sports Store
Al’s Sport Store
(607) 363-7740
6964 River Road
Downsville, NY 13755
Catskill Outpost (for souvenirs!)
(607) 214-4166
13 Harper Street
Stamford, NY 12167
E.R.’s Gun Sales and Repairs
(607) 643-3367
4515 Dryden Road
Walton, NY 13856
George’s Gun Shop
(607) 588-7653
1368 Jump Brook Road
Grand Gorge, NY 12434
Joe’s Sports Center
(607) 437-7797
34603 NY-23
Grand Gorge, NY 12434
Marino’s Outdoor World
(607) 637-3573
95 East Front Street
Hancock, NY 13785
Northhill Outdoors LLC
(845) 586-3006
916 Main Street
Margaretville, NY 12455
FIND A GUIDE:
There are many guide services available in the Great Western Catskills. Look through our Guides & Services to find a guide that suits your interest.
Photo courtesy of Catskill Casts and Coverts
Delaware County is home to great hunting, a friendly hunting community and great places to stay. The restaurants and bars are ready to welcome you and your hunting crew after a long day in the woods. We hope you find just what you are looking for to plan your hunting season in the Great Western Catskills.
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Each article written on Great Western Catskills may be time or season dependent. While the event may have past, articles may be archived on our site. Please make sure to check the dates of every article and check with the business or attraction to make sure the dates or offerings have not changed.