Public Hunting Areas on Long Island
Public hunting opportunities are provided by DEC on state owned land and through cooperative agreements with state and county parks (permit required). Programs exist to assist new hunters in finding hunting opportunities.
Suffolk County Department of Parks, Recreation, and Conservation (631-854-4949) offers waterfowl and deer hunting programs in some of its parks. The county waterfowl program at South Haven County Park is especially geared toward the novice waterfowler. The National Park Service (631-281-3010) permits waterfowl hunting from the Fire Island National Seashore.
Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge is located on the south shore of Long Island in Suffolk County. This area offers deer and youth turkey hunting opportunities. State and refuge permits are required. For current information on seasons, permits, maps and regulations, contact: Refuge Manager, Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge, 340 Smith Road, Shirley, NY 11967; (631) 286-0485 or visit Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge's website.
Special access permits are required for all controlled hunting areas. Individuals should obtain landowner permission prior to hunting on private property. Private lands are often posted; however, with some work, open areas can be found.
Sporting Licenses can be purchased online.
A free 3-year Managed Land Access Permit is required. Visit DEC's nForm page if you need information on how to obtain a NY.gov account, which is required for these permits.
2024 Spring Turkey Season Information for Hunting on DEC Managed Lands in WMU 1C
Season Dates: May 1st through May 31st.
Hunting Hours: One half hour before sunrise until noon.
Manner of Taking: Hunters may hunt with a shotgun loaded with shot no larger than number 2 and no smaller than number 9, or with a bow. Hunters may not use crossbows, rifles, or handguns.
Valid License & Tags: Hunters must have a valid New York State hunting license and a turkey permit to participate in the hunt.
Spring Turkey Season Bag Limit for WMU 1C:
A permittee may take:
- No more than one bearded turkey per day; and
- No more than one bearded turkey in WMU 1C
Visit DEC's Turkey Hunting Regulations page for more information on regulations.
The demand for spring turkey hunting on DEC-managed lands makes it necessary for hunters to follow specific procedures to ensure an equal hunting opportunity for all.
Step 1: Enter drawing for DEC-managed lands
To hunt for spring turkey on DEC-managed lands, you must enter a drawing. All entries must be received by midnight on March 20, 2024.
To enter the drawing, hunters must complete the Long Island State Lands Spring Turkey Drawing Registration Form.