The NYC DEP allows deer, bear, turkey and small game hunting on designated City Water Supply lands and as provided by New York State regulations. DEP is no longer issuing Hunting Tags for hunting on City Water Supply Lands. Hunters must possess the appropriate, valid New York State hunting license and a valid Access Permit to hunt on designated hunting areas on City Water Supply Lands. DEP Access Permits are not required on Public Access Areas.

I have hunted some of the DEP lands and they really are worth a look. Not having to have a second hunting tag specifically for DEP lands is great news because it means less hassle for hunters wishing to hunt these lands.

"Hunting on Water Supply lands begins each fall on September 1, the first day of squirrel hunting season, and ends at the close of spring turkey season on May
31."

All applicable New York State hunting regulations and laws are in effect on Water Supply hunting areas, including weapons restrictions, species restrictions and hunting seasons for the allowed game. Designated hunting areas are available for bow, shotgun, rifle, and handgun and muzzleloader hunting where permitted by New York State regulations. Other restrictions may exist on Water Supply hunting areas. Hunters are responsible for familiarizing themselves with the List of Recreation Areas and Use Designations which may include special hunting conditions, recreation area maps, and call the local DEP office for the area of interest to obtain more information.

In Putnam County the DEP has worked together with the QDMA to put into effect some quality deer management rules. These rules help protect younger bucks and encourage the harvest of does. The program was put in place after a careful analysis of the deer herd by DEP biologists and local QDMA members. If you're looking for a mature buck and you're willing to hike off the beaten path, you might just find that big buck you're looking for.