Public land hunting in the Whiteface Region
If you’re looking for a hunting or trapping adventure, the Whiteface Region is your destination. The region is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including whitetail deer, turkey, and other small game and furbearers. From the Ausable River valley right up to the shadow of Whiteface Mountain in Wilmington, there are thousands of acres of public land available for hunters to pursue their next trophy.
Adirondack Turkey Hunting
One of the more popular seasons in the area is turkey hunting season. Turkey hunting across the Adirondacks is growing, and here in the Whiteface Region, the story is the same. Bird numbers are up. Each year they're showing up in areas where they've never been seen before. The spring season kicks off with a popular youth hunt (for 12-15 year olds) in late April, followed by a regular season that runs the entirety of May. The fall turkey season takes place in the first half of October when the Adirondack mountains are ripe with colorful fall foliage. Because Adirondack turkey hunting is a relatively new game in town, hunting pressure is generally low. This low pressure tends to make the gobblers very cooperative and receptive to calling, so bring along your favorite box, friction, or mouth call and let 'em have it.
Hunting Whitetail Deer
Deer hunting has long been a popular pastime in the Adirondacks. With its rugged terrain and dense forests, the region provides an ideal habitat for whitetail deer. Whether you’re an experienced hunter or just starting out, there are plenty of opportunities to bag your next trophy.
Small Game Hunting
The Adirondacks offer great opportunities for small game fowl pursuits like grouse hunting. There’s great tradition and ethic here for hound hunting, and small game like woodcock, pheasants, and rabbits are great for running your dog. The Whiteface Region has rather large wilderness areas, like the Sentinel Range Wilderness Area, which has only a handful of trails and plenty of land to roam and not see any sign of humans. It's a reason this area is one of the best places to hunt in the Adirondacks. Consider hiring a local hunting guide and be sure to check the NYSDEC hunting season dates and regulations before you go.
Leave No Trace and Love Your ADK Pledge
The magic of the Adirondacks is the result of previous generations taking a long view and protecting the mountains, lakes, and rivers within the Blue Line. That tradition continues today as we support and encourage everyone to practice Leave No Trace ethics, which help protect the lands and waters of the Adirondacks.
