SULLIVAN COUNTY – Deer Management Permits (DMPs) provide hunters opportunity to harvest additional antlerless deer. DEC adjusts the number of DMPs that are available to hunters in each Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) to meet deer management objectives. From August through October 1, hunters may apply for two DMPs within the same or two different WMUs depending on availability (PDF). The probability of being selected to receive a DMP is based on the number of DMPs available, and the number of hunters expected to apply in a particular WMU, but the chances of being selected are the same throughout the entire application period. Hunters don’t need to rush to apply. 

Hunters may also transfer or receive up to two DMPs from other hunters and any leftover DMPs become available again through license issuing agents beginning November 1. In WMUs 1C, 3S, 4J and 8C hunters can receive an unlimited number of replacement Bonus DMPs after reporting that a DMP was filled. DMPs are available in all WMUs where deer hunting occurs, except portions of the Adirondacks and Tug Hill where the legislature has prohibited antlerless harvest with DMPs.

For 2025, DEC is seeking the assistance of hunters to harvest more antlerless deer in the following WMUs: 1C, 3M, 3P, 3R, 3S, 6P, 7F, 7H, 7J, 7R, 8A, 8C, 8F, 8G, 8J, 8N, 8R, 8S, 9A, 9F, and 9G. The chances of hunters receiving a DMP in these WMUs is high for both residents and non-residents.  

When hunters harvest antlerless (primarily female) deer they help keep NY’s deer population healthy. Female deer are the primary component of the deer population that drives population growth and must be managed to ensure deer populations do not become overabundant. When deer populations exceed habitat carrying capacity, each deer is less likely to be able to meet its daily and seasonal nutritional requirements. As a result, deer can become food and nutrient limited and may have smaller body sizes, smaller antlers, and have fewer fawns. Do your part to help steward NY’s deer herd by applying for DMPs and harvesting at least one antlerless deer this coming hunting season.