Hunting - USMA-West Point

HUNTING AT WEST POINT

Purchase your hunting permit here on WestPoint.iSportsman.Net. An individual looking to purchase a hunting permit must first create an iSportsman account which must then be approved by a West Point iSportsman administrator. Finally, as a new user, the individual must complete the mandatory safety brief (an annual requirement). Once the user has created an account and completed the mandatory safety brief, the user may purchase a permit on iSportsman via credit card. In-person permit sales at West Point have been discontinued.

ELIGIBILITY

West Point controls and vets prospective users in order to prevent interference with the military mission, to ensure safety and sustainability, and to prevent an overexploitation of natural resources. As such, West Point only permits users to hunt who meet specific criteria to qualifty under one of a number of different eligible customer types. For information on customer types and definitions, new users should see the New Users page HERE. prior to creating an account.

ACCESS

1. REGISTER YOUR ACCOUNT - New users registers a new account HERE and awaits an administrator to vet and approve it. Approval of the new account gives the user a Background validation, which for most users will expire after a few years and require reapproval.

2. REVIEW SAFETY BRIEF - Once an account has been approved a user will be notified by e-mail. The user thens log on to his/her account and completes a mandatory safety brief (an annual requirement) giving the user a Safety Brief validation, good for one year.

3. PURCHASE YOUR PERMIT - A user in good standing with both a Background and Safety Brief validation may purchase a permit if that user does not already have an active copy of. Users attempting to buy hunting permits should select correct permit. (see below)

PERMITS

1. ANNUAL HUNTING PERMIT: one year hunting permit for West Point good for 365 days from date of purchase. With this permit, a permitee may hunt big game, small game, upland bird, and waterfowl.

2. ANNUAL SPORTSMAN PERMIT: one year hunting/fishing permit for West Point good for 365 days from date of purchase. With this permit, permitees may hunt big game, small game, upland bird, and waterfowl as well as fish.

3. MONTHLY HUNT/FISH PERMIT: one month hunting/fishing permit for West Point good for 30 days from date of purchase. With this permit, permitees may hunt big game, small game, upland bird, and waterfowl as well as fish.

4. WEEKLY HUNT/FISH PERMIT: one week hunting/fishing permit for West Point good for 7 days from date of purchase. With this permit, permitees may hunt big game, small game, upland bird, and waterfowl as well as fish.

5. DAILY HUNT/FISH PERMIT: one day hunting/fishing permit for West Point good only on the date of purchase. With this permit, permitees may hunt big game, small game, upland bird, and waterfowl as well as fish.

NOTE: All permitees must have proper New York licenses and harvest tags. All federal, state, and local West Point regulations regarding season dates, bag limits, harvest report, and all other restrictions apply.

See USMA Regulation 215-5 and annual Hunting Season Notice for local West Point rules and regulations. See NYSDEC website for state rules and regulations.

GUESTS & WALKERS

GUEST HUNTERS

GUEST - a guest is an individual in good standing that can accompany a sponsor and participate in the same activity as the sponsor. A guest hunter must have a valid NYS hunting license and the sponsor must have both a valid NYS hunting license, West Point permit, and West Point guest pass. Guests must be checked in/out with sponsor remain in the same hunting area as sponsor.

- Guests cannot hunt on Regular Firearms Big Game Season Opening Day nor can they hunt in On-Post/Cantonment Areas J2 Bow, J3 Bow, J4 Bow, or J5 Bow.

Authorized hunters in good standing may sponsor a guest to accompany and participate in the same activity via the purchase of a guest pass. West Point offers two guest passes

1. ANNUAL GUEST PASS: one year guest pass for West Point good for 365 days from date of purchase. With this permit, a permitee may participate in same hunting or fishing activity as sponsor.

2. DAILY GUEST PASS: one day guest pass for West Point good for only on the date of purchase. With this permit, a permitee may participate in same hunting or fishing activity as sponsor.

A guest pass is issued to guest sponsor (permitee), not the guest. A sponsor can bring two guests or one guest and one walker. Guests may not bring their own guests or walkers.

A guest pass is considered invalid if the primary hunting permit of the guest sponsor expires. Guest passes will be considered valid again if sponsor purchases new permit.

NON-HUNTING WALKERS

WALKER - is an unarmed, unpermitted individual in good standing that can accompany a sponsor and does not participate in the same activity as the sponsor. A walker may not contribute in any way to the harvesting of game. Activities like driving, etc. as well as direct harvesting of game by walkers are not permitted. Walkers do not need NYS licenses nor does a walker's sponsor need to have a guest pass. Walkers must be checked in/out with sponsor and must remain within five meters of the sponsor at all times.

A sponsored permitee may bring, at most, one walker while hunting. If a sponsor has a valid guest pass he may also bring at most one guest in addition to the walker.

GENERAL PUBLIC HUNTERS

Users that do not fit in to any of the other eleven Customer Types available at West Point, may qualify to hunt big game under restricted conditions at West Point as General Public hunters. See Customer Type definitions on New User Page HERE for more information.

ACCOUNTS: New General Public users may register for an account during the registration period of October and November. All other times of the year, General Public user account applications are deleted. Older General Public user accounts hold over from year to year.

PERMITS: West Point offers 30-35 General Public Hunting permits yearly on a first-come, first-served basis.General Public users may only hunt big game and may not hunt small game, waterfowl, upland birds, nor trap, fish, or collect firewood on their own at West Point.

GENERAL PUBLIC HUNTING PERMIT: restricted, five-day Regular Big Game Season at West Point good for ONLY any five days hunting (except Opening Day) during the Regular Firearms Big Game Season in year of purchase. With this permit, a General Public hunter may hunt ONLY big game (deer and bear and coyote) until the permitee has either harvested one deer of either sex or exhausted all five days alotted under the conditions of the permit. General Public hunters may not hunt Opening Day and must report to Hunt Control to check in no earlier than 07:00 a.m. for the first week. After the first week, General Public hunters may check in at 05:00 a.m. like other hunters. General Public hunters may not bring guests. Area restrictions also apply.

CHECK-IN/CHECK-OUT

FOR ALL HUNTING PERMITS

Check-In on iSportsman Before Entering Area: All permitees and guests/walkers will check in on iSportsman prior to entering Training Area. Users must be in the field within one hour of checking in or must otherwise check out of the area on iSportsman.
Check-Out, Check-In on iSportsman when Changing Areas: All permitees changing from one training area to another must first check out of the area they are exiting on iSportsman and then check in to the new area they are entering.
Check-Out on iSportsman After Exiting Area: All permitees and guests/walkers will check out on iSportsman when exiting Training Area. Users must be checked out within one hour of exiting the area.

* All hunters and their guests and walkers doing any hunting related activities from walking, scouting, setting up stands/blinds or cameras, etc to the actual pursuit of game must check in and check out on iSportsman.

* EXCEPTION - OPENING DAY OF REGULAR FIREARMS BIG GAME SEASON: On Opening Day of Regular Firearms Big Game Season, the iSportsman system is usually down. On this day all hunters check-in and check-out in person at Hunt Control.

ACTIVITY HOURS & AVAILABILITY

BIG GAME SEASON

HUNTING HOURS: HALF HOUR BEFORE SUNRISE - HALF HOUR AFTER SUNSET *

CHECK IN/CHECK OUT HOURS: 0500 TO HOUR AFTER SUNSET*

Hunting hours for regular big game season are sunrise to sunset*. Hunters may check into an area to hunt via iSportsman and enter the woods to hunt at 0500 at the earliest but must be be out of an area and check out of the area via iSportsman by an hour after sunset.

* Regular big game season hunting hours apply to all hunters during big game season, not just hunters of big game, with following exceptions: Waterfowl hunters may hunt half hour before sunrise. (See Hunting Memo)

NON BIG GAME SEASON

HUNTING HOURS: 0400 - 2359*

CHECK IN/CHECK OUT HOURS: 0400 - 2359

Hunting hours for non-big game season are 0500-2359 (see Hunting Memo). Hunters may checking out an area for hunting via iSportsman as early as 0400 (but no earlier) and but must be both out of the field and checked out of area via iSportsman by 2359.

* Hunting Hours as described in Hunting Memo apply. Hunting for most species is limited to from sunrise to sunset. Exceptions include waterfowl (half hour before sunrise to sunset), spring turkey (see Hunting Memo), and night coyote, fox, raccoon hunting (0400-2359)

REMEMBER:

* Hunters have one hour limit between checking into an area on iSportsman and being out in said area. Similarly hunters have one hour limit between leaving an area and checking out of an area on iSportsman.

* Indefinite holding of an area not being used is unethical and against West Point regulations. Hunters must use the area they check into ocheck out. Failure to comply will result in possible suspension of all permits/passes and fish/game privileges at West Point without refund.

LOCATION AND ACCESS

AVAILABILITY - As a miltary installation, mission related activities and safety take precedence at West Point. Areas are often closed due training, range fire, and inclement conditions. To see areas status today/tomorrow, see Areas HERE or Interactive Map HERE.

GATES & KEYS - Access to some areas may be restricted due to locked gates e.g. Cranberry Pond, adjacent to areas downrange of artillery, is often closed. Range Control has discontinued its policy of lending keys to hunters/anglers. Locked gates will remain locked.

ROADS - for 2WD passenger-type privately owned vehicles is described variably by road as excellent, good, fair, and poor. In most cases pickup trucks and 4WD vehicles with high ground clearance should have little difficulty in reaching the areas during dry road conditions.

STOCKING

PHEASANT - Ring-necked pheasant are annually stocked in October at six to eight different sites throughout the reservation. Interested hunters should consult the annual pheasant stocking notice for more information.

UNAUTHORIZED STOCKING/PLANTING IS PROHIBITED: No individual shall stock, move, or release fish (incl bait) or wildlife, incl eggs without permission at West Point. Unauthorized release of fish and game is against federal, state, and local regulations.

TYPES OF HUNTING AVAILABLE

Hunters can pursue a wide variety of game on the West Point Military Reservation. Hunting can be broken down into four basic types: Except for General Public hunting permits, each hunting permit allows each of the following.

1. BIG GAME HUNTING - includes pursuit of deer and bear. Coyotes are sometimes considered part of this group. In other parts of the country, turkey are sometimes considered big game. For the purposes of West Point iSportsman, turkey are grouped in upland bird hunting.

2. SMALL GAME HUNTING - includes the pursuit of cottontail rabbits, gray squirrels, red fox, gray fox, raccoon, skunk, opossum, bobcat, and other non-big game mammals. Coyotes are sometimes considered part of this group.

3. UPLAND BIRD HUNTING - includes the pursuit of turkey, ring-necked pheasant (stocked), ruffed grouse, woodcock, and chukkar partridge (formerly stocked). Crow are lumped into this group for the purposes of West Point iSportsman.

4. WATERFOWL HUNTING - includes the pursuit of wood ducks, Canada geese, mallard ducks, black ducks, bufflehead, teals, mergansers, and other waterfowl game.

In 2020, the iSportsman system was updated so all non-General Public hunters select one of these options when they check in. When hunters check out and report their harvest, the game list is ordered based on type of hunting selected at check-in.

RULES & REGULATIONS

GENERAL RULES & REGULATIONS FOR ALL HUNTING ACTIVITIES

USMA Reg 215-5: This page does not contain all regulations. Consult USMA Reg. 215-5 for a complete listing. USMA Reg 215-5 is currently undergoing revision, updating. When completed, the latest version will be posted. Until then, consult 2011 version.
Annual Hunting Notice: West Point's annual Hunting Notice lists hunting season dates and bag limits. State laws govern game seasons, bag limits and permitted hunting implements unless West Point applies further restrictions.
Hunting or Hunting/Fishing Only: Permitees are permitted only to participate in activities indicated on permit. For annual Hunting permits, this permits only hunting. For Sportsman or Hunt/Fish permits, this permits only hunting and fishing.
Required Paperwork: All permitees will have 1) West Point Permit, 2) West Point vehicle pass (printed with permit), 3) NYS License. West Point permits and NYS license will be kept on person while afield. Vehicle Passes will be left face up on front dashboard.

SAFETY

Wear Hunter Orange: All big game, small game hunters, and trappers will wear at least 100 square inches (visible from all sides) of blaze orange at all times. Waterfowl and spring turkey hunters can remove at rest, but must wear in during walk in/out.
Firing Near Roads: No weapon may be discharged within 50 feet of a major roadways that intersect or adjoin the reservation (Route 6, Route 9W, Route 293, Route 218, Mine Torne Rd, Smith Clove Rd, Mineral Springs Rd, & Stony Lonesome Rd).
Firing Near Buildings: New York State Law and West Point regulations prohibit shooting a bow or firearm within 500 feet of an occupied building. Waterfowl hunters are exempt from this provided they shoot away from buildings.
PFD/Life Vests: All boaters must have a U.S. Coast-Guard approved personal flotation device for each passenger. If Outdoor Recreation boats are stationed at the pond, it is noted. Boat passes are available at the Round Pond Recreation Office.

HUNTING MAP AND AREA REGULATIONS

Hunting Map: Hunters should use the current West Point Hunting map and not previous hunting maps nor any training map as a reference for boundaries and regulations. As of January 2021, the current version of the West Point Hunting Map is the 2019 version.
Hunting Area Capacities: Obey the hunter capacities for each of the areas. The area quotas were designed to spread people out so that a hunter is less likely to crowd upon another hunter using the area.
Hunting Area Boundaries: Hunting shall only occur inside of established hunting areas. Individuals who check in to an area must remain in that area and not enter another area without first checking out of the original area and checking into new area.
Hunting Area Implement Regulations: Hunters shall only use the allowed implements as indicated on current version of West Point Hunting Map. As of January 2021, the current version of the West Point Hunting Map is the 2019 version.
- [Regular] Hunting Areas: areas delineated by green and white boundaries on Hunting Map, allow the use of all legal firearms including rifles, shotgun, muzzleloaders, bow, and crossbow.
- Waterfowl Areas: areas delineated by yellow and black boundaries on Hunting Map, allow the pursuit of waterfowl only and allow only the use of shotgun.
- Bow Hunting: areas delineated by red and white boundaries on Hunting Map, allow only the use of bows (compound, recurve, & long bows). Crossbows are not permitted in Bow Areas, except via written disabled hunter exemption.

OTHER GENERAL RULES & REGULATIONS

Do No Harm: The permitee shall not damage live vegetation, wildlife, roads, road infrastructure, cultural resources or other federal assetts. Permit holders will be held liable for any damage.
Carry In, Carry Out: Permitees may not litter. All trash and refuse shall be removed from West Point. Nor may permitees leave equipment or clothing in the field, temporarily or permanently. Everything carried in must be carried out.
Other Individuals: Hunting permits apply only to permitee. Permits may not be transferred. If the permitee is also in possession of a valid guest pass, a licensed guest may participate in the same activity as the guest pass holder i.e. permitee/sponsor.

Driving & Parking: Permitees shall not drive faster than 20 MPH on range roads at West Point and shall not drive faster than 10 MPH when passing troops. NO VEHICLES SHALL LEAVE OR BLOCK RANGE ROADS OR GATES (OPENED OR CLOSED).
Towing, Recovery, & Repair: West Point will not aid in any towing, recovery, or repair of vehicles. Good judgment and caution is encouraged when driving and parking anywhere at West Point, especially on range roads. Use of a winch is permissible.
Take Permit Afield, Display Vehicle Pass: All permitees going afield should have a printed or electronic copy of the firewood permit on his/her person and shall place paper copy of Vehicle Pass (printed out with permit) on driver's side windshield of vehicle.
Check-In on iSportation Before Entering Area: All permitees and guests/walkers will check in on iSportsman prior to entering Training Area. Users must be in the field within one hour of checking in or must otherwise check out of the area on iSportsman.
Check-Out, Check-In on iSportsman when Changing Areas: All permitees changing from one training area to another must first check out of the area they are exiting on iSportsman and then check in to the new area they are entering.
Check-Out on iSportsman After Exiting Area: All permitees and guests/walkers will check out on iSportsman when exiting Training Area. Users must be checked out within one hour of exiting the area.

BIG GAME HUNTING

Mandatory Harvest Check - Big Game Regular Season: During the Regular Season, all deer/bear harvested at West Point must be brought to Hunt Control & Harvest Station for Mandatory Harvest Check, processing by Natural Resource Branch staff.
Tree Stands: Permanent tree stands are prohibited at West Point. Use of spikes or screw in steps or anything that damages trees or is nailed to a tree is also prohibited. Portable tree & ladder stands are permitted but must be labeled and removed by April 1st.
Youth Hunting - Big Game Archery Season: Children ages 14-15 may hunt deer/bear during the special archery season if a licensed adult archery big game hunter accompanies them.
Youth Hunting - Big Game Regular Season: Children ages 14-15 may hunt deer/bear during the Regular Season provided they have 1) junior license, 2) joined by a "youth mentor", 21 y/o+ licensed hunter with 3+ years experience.
Youth Hunting - Special Youth Firearms Season: Children ages 14-15 may hunt deer/bear during a special two-day firearms Season, usually in Early October. West Point allows youth to harvest one deer of either sex with proper tags.
Hunting Pheasant Stocking Areas: In October & early November, to prevent conflict and to give stocked birds best chance of being harvested, it is requested that Early Bow big game hunters avoid fields where pheasant are stocked.
Antler Point Restriction (APR): In 2019 in response to hunter interest, West Point implemented a three-on-one-side antler point restriction across roughly seventy-five percent of the installation. This remains in effect. See HERE for more info.
Deer Management Assistance Permit (DMAP) Tags: In 2021 as part of an initiative to achieve various landscape and QDM objectives, West Point is offering DMAP Tags for harvest of antlerless deer in select areas of the installation. See HERE for more info.

SMALL GAME HUNTING

Youth Hunting - Small Game Seasons: Children ages 12-15 may hunt small game if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who is also licensed to hunt small game.
Night Furberarer Hunting - Allowed Weapons & Bait: For regulations on allowable night time hunting weapons and bait, refer to NYSDEC Furbearer Hunting Guidelines.
Night Furbearer Hunting - Allowed Assisting Implements: Spotlight, night vision, thermal and laser devices are permitted. All NYSDEC regulations apply.
Night Furbearer Hunting - Midnight: hunters may be automatically checked out of system by iSportsman after midnight and should check back in if remaining in field.

UPLAND BIRD HUNTING

Youth Hunting - Spring Youth Turkey Hunt: Children ages 12-15 may turkey during special two-day season, usually in late April. Youth may harvest one bearded bird during this season, take a second bearded bird during regular spring turkey season.
Spring Turkey Hunting Hours: All spring turkey hunters will stop hunting by 12:00 p.m. Hunters in Areas J2 Bow and J3 Bow will stop hunting by 09:00 a.m. and be checked out of their area by 10:00 a.m.
Spring Turkey Hunters & Hunter Orange: Spring turkey hunters at rest are exempt from hunter orange requirement (marking position /w flagging is recommended), but must comply when moving.
Fall Turkey Hunters & Hunter Orange: Since fall turkey season falls in line with other hunting seasons, fall turkey hunters are to comply with hunter orange requirement whether at rest or moving.

WATERFOWL HUNTING

Waterfowl Only Hunting Areas: Many of the lakes and ponds that ducks and geese frequent at West Point thunting is permitted on are designated Waterfowl (WF) areas and may be checked into, if available. Only shotguns are permitted here..
Waterfowl Hunting In Other Areas: To hunt for waterfowl in wetland areas not in Waterfowl (WF) hunting areas but in other hunting areas, hunters may access these areas by signing out the hunting area that they are within.
Lead Shot Banned, Non-toxic Non-lead Shot Only: Only non-toxic (non-lead) shot may be possessed and used when hunting and/or shooting at waterfowl.
Migratory Bird Species Hunting: (incl ducks, geese etc.): Required in all 50 U.S. States, migratory bird hunters must register /w Harvest Information Program (HIP) before first hunt. See NYSDEC info on HIP HERE or call 1 (888) 427-5447.
Duck Blinds: Duck blinds are allowed but may only be made from natural materials found at hunting location and must be taken down/removed by March 1st of each year.
PFD/Life Vests: All boaters must have a U.S. Coast-Guard approved personal flotation device for each passenger. If Outdoor Recreation boats are stationed at the pond, it is noted. Boat passes are available at the Round Pond Recreation Office.

HARVEST/TAKE REPORTING

Mandatory iSportsman Harvest Report: All hunting harvests must be reported at check out via iSportsman. The exception to this is Regular Big Game Season Opening Day when iSportsman is down when all harvests should be reported upon at Hunt Control.
Mandatory Harvest Check - Big Game Regular Season: During the Regular Season, all deer/bear harvested at West Point must be brought to Hunt Control & Harvest Station for Mandatory Harvest Check, processing by Natural Resource Branch staff.

TAGGING

New York and West Point regulations require all successful deer, bear, and turkey hunters to fill out the carcass tag immediately. Unfortunately, every year hunters unknowingly commit violations by not properly filling out their tags. The fines can vary every year.

Be sure to carry to a pen. (Tags filled in pencil not legal). Keep the pen next to your body in cold weather so that the ink will not freeze.
On deer/turkey carcass tags, the month/date must be cut out or marked out. Month on one side, dates (in numbers) on another.
Finally, there are several blocks on tags which successful hunters frequently either leave blank or fill incorrectly For West Point:
- COUNTY of KILL: West Point is in Orange County. Constitution Island is in Putnam County.
- TOWN of KILL: Township. West Point, use Highlands, Woodbury, or Cornwall. For Constitution Island: Phillipstown.
- NEAREST VILLAGE: Use "West Point".
- WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT UNIT: West Point, West of Hudson River - WMU is 3P. Constitution Island, WMU is 3N.

Be sure that all areas are filled correctly. The New York Regulation Guide you receive when you buy your license also explains how to fill out your tags. If there is still confusion, contact the Natural Resources Branch for answers to any remaining questions.

NEW YORK STATE HUNTING LICENSES

All hunters must have a New York hunting license and a West Point hunting permit to hunt at West Point. West Point discontinued the in-person sale of NYS Hunting Licenses over five years ago.

Hunters looking to purchase NYS Hunting License may do so online via the NYSDECAL System HERE, via telephone at 1 (845) 866-933-2257, at local town offices or sporting goods retailers.

To purchase a license, you need a previous license issued by any state or Canadian province if recognized by New York State or proof of completion of a Hunter Education Safety course from any state.

To hunt deer and bear with a bow you will also need to have proof of completion of a Bow Hunter Education & Safety course from New York State.

Military personnel stationed in New York qualify for resident licenses. A New York driver's license or a copy of your assignment orders will satisfy the proof of residency requirement. Cadets from other states as full-time students also qualify for New York resident licenses.

Please note: NYS fishing licenses purchased online are instantly valid, hunting licenses/tags purchased online or by phone, require a wait of up to 14 business days to receive your licenses/tags by mail before going hunting. To get licenses/tags instantly, purchase them in person.

OTHER HUNTING INFORMATION

Harvests

Nearby Public Hunting Places

*** NOTE REGARDING ALL INFORMATION ON THIS WEBSITE ***

All hunting, trapping, and fishing on West Point must be in accordance with New York State regulations and West Point regulations as stated in USMA Regulation 215-5. All information posted here is meant to supplement New York State regulations as set by the NYSDEC and West Point Regulations as stated in USMA Regulation 215-5. No information posted here should be interpreted as authorizing individuals to otherwise violate New York State regulations or West Point regulations as stated In USMA Regulation 215-5. If any clarification is necessary, please contact the Natural Resource Branch Office.

1. REGISTER YOUR ACCOUNT - New users registers a new account HERE and awaits an administrator to vet and approve it. Approval of the new account gives the user a Background validation, which for most users will expire after a few years and require reapproval.

2. REVIEW SAFETY BRIEF - Once an account has been approved a user will be notified by e-mail. The user thens log on to his/her account and completes a mandatory safety brief (an annual requirement) giving the user a Safety Brief validation, good for one year.

3. PURCHASE YOUR PERMIT - A user in good standing with both a Background and Safety Brief validation may purchase a permit if that user does not already have an active copy of. Users attempting to buy hunting permits should select correct permit. (see below)

1. ANNUAL HUNTING PERMIT: one year hunting permit for West Point good for 365 days from date of purchase. With this permit, a permitee may hunt big game, small game, upland bird, and waterfowl.

2. ANNUAL SPORTSMAN PERMIT​: one year hunting/fishing permit for West Point good for 365 days from date of purchase. With this permit, permitees may hunt big game, small game, upland bird, and waterfowl as well as fish.

3. MONTHLY HUNT/FISH PERMIT​: one month hunting/fishing permit for West Point good for 30 days from date of purchase. With this permit, permitees may hunt big game, small game, upland bird, and waterfowl as well as fish.

4. WEEKLY HUNT/FISH PERMIT​: one week hunting/fishing permit for West Point good for 7 days from date of purchase. With this permit, permitees may hunt big game, small game, upland bird, and waterfowl as well as fish.

5. DAILY HUNT/FISH PERMIT​: one day hunting/fishing permit for West Point good only on the date of purchase. With this permit, permitees may hunt big game, small game, upland bird, and waterfowl as well as fish.

NOTE: All permitees must have proper New York licenses and harvest tags. All federal, state, and local West Point regulations regarding season dates, bag limits, harvest report, and all other restrictions apply.

See USMA Regulation 215-5 and annual Hunting Season Notice for local West Point rules and regulations. See NYSDEC website for state rules and regulations.

GUESTS & WALKERS

- Guests cannot hunt on Regular Firearms Big Game Season Opening Day nor can they hunt in On-Post/Cantonment Areas J2 Bow, J3 Bow, J4 Bow, or J5 Bow.

Authorized hunters in good standing may sponsor a guest to accompany and participate in the same activity via the purchase of a guest pass. West Point offers two guest passes

1. ANNUAL GUEST PASS: one year guest pass for West Point good for 365 days from date of purchase. With this permit, a permitee may participate in same hunting or fishing activity as sponsor.

2. DAILY GUEST PASS​: one day guest pass for West Point good for only on the date of purchase. With this permit, a permitee may participate in same hunting or fishing activity as sponsor.

A sponsored permitee may bring, at most, one walker while hunting. If a sponsor has a valid guest pass he may also bring at most one guest in addition to the walker.

GENERAL PUBLIC HUNTERS

Check-In on iSportsman Before Entering Area: All permitees and guests/walkers will check in on iSportsman prior to entering Training Area. Users must be in the field within one hour of checking in or must otherwise check out of the area on iSportsman.

Check-Out, Check-In on iSportsman when Changing Areas: All permitees changing from one training area to another must first check out of the area they are exiting on iSportsman and then check in to the new area they are entering.

Check-Out on iSportsman After Exiting Area: All permitees and guests/walkers will check out on iSportsman when exiting Training Area. Users must be checked out within one hour of exiting the area.

* All hunters and their guests and walkers doing any hunting related activities from walking, scouting, setting up stands/blinds or cameras, etc to the actual pursuit of game must check in and check out on iSportsman.

* EXCEPTION - OPENING DAY OF REGULAR FIREARMS BIG GAME SEASON: On Opening Day of Regular Firearms Big Game Season, the iSportsman system is usually down. On this day all hunters check-in and check-out in person at Hunt Control.

ACTIVITY HOURS & AVAILABILITY

LOCATION AND ACCESS

STOCKING

TYPES OF HUNTING AVAILABLE

USMA Reg 215-5: This page does not contain all regulations. Consult USMA Reg. 215-5 for a complete listing. USMA Reg 215-5 is currently undergoing revision, updating. When completed, the latest version will be posted. Until then, consult 2011 version.

Annual Hunting Notice:​ West Point's annual Hunting Notice lists hunting season dates and bag limits. State laws govern game seasons, bag limits and permitted hunting implements unless West Point applies further restrictions.

Hunting or Hunting/Fishing Only: Permitees are permitted only to participate in activities indicated on permit. For annual Hunting permits, this permits only hunting. For Sportsman or Hunt/Fish permits, this permits only hunting and fishing.

Required Paperwork: All permitees will have 1) West Point Permit, 2) West Point vehicle pass (printed with permit), 3) NYS License. West Point permits and NYS license will be kept on person while afield. Vehicle Passes will be left face up on front dashboard.

Wear Hunter Orange:​ All big game, small game hunters, and trappers will wear at least 100 square inches (visible from all sides) of blaze orange at all times. Waterfowl and spring turkey hunters can remove at rest, but must wear in during walk in/out.

Firing Near Roads:​ No weapon may be discharged within 50 feet of a major roadways that intersect or adjoin the reservation (Route 6, Route 9W, Route 293, Route 218, Mine Torne Rd, Smith Clove Rd, Mineral Springs Rd, & Stony Lonesome Rd).

Firing Near Buildings:​ New York State Law and West Point regulations prohibit shooting a bow or firearm within 500 feet of an occupied building. Waterfowl hunters are exempt from this provided they shoot away from buildings.

PFD/Life Vests: All boaters must have a U.S. Coast-Guard approved personal flotation device for each passenger. If Outdoor Recreation boats are stationed at the pond, it is noted. Boat passes are available at the Round Pond Recreation Office.

Hunting Map: Hunters should use the current West Point Hunting map and not previous hunting maps nor any training map as a reference for boundaries and regulations. As of January 2021, the current version of the West Point Hunting Map is the 2019 version.

Hunting Area Capacities: Obey the hunter capacities for each of the areas. The area quotas were designed to spread people out so that a hunter is less likely to crowd upon another hunter using the area.

Hunting Area Boundaries: Hunting shall only occur inside of established hunting areas. Individuals who check in to an area must remain in that area and not enter another area without first checking out of the original area and checking into new area.

Hunting Area Implement Regulations: Hunters shall only use the allowed implements as indicated on current version of West Point Hunting Map. As of January 2021, the current version of the West Point Hunting Map is the 2019 version.

[Regular] Hunting Areas: areas delineated by green and white boundaries on Hunting Map, allow the use of all legal firearms including rifles, shotgun, muzzleloaders, bow, and crossbow.

Waterfowl Areas: areas delineated by yellow and black boundaries on Hunting Map, allow the pursuit of waterfowl only and allow only the use of shotgun.

Bow Hunting: areas delineated by red and white boundaries on Hunting Map, allow only the use of bows (compound, recurve, & long bows). Crossbows are not permitted in Bow Areas, except via written disabled hunter exemption.

Do No Harm: The permitee shall not damage live vegetation, wildlife, roads, road infrastructure, cultural resources or other federal assetts. Permit holders will be held liable for any damage.

Carry In, Carry Out: Permitees may not litter. All trash and refuse shall be removed from West Point. Nor may permitees leave equipment or clothing in the field, temporarily or permanently. Everything carried in must be carried out.

Other Individuals: Hunting permits apply only to permitee. Permits may not be transferred. If the permitee is also in possession of a valid guest pass, a licensed guest may participate in the same activity as the guest pass holder i.e. permitee/sponsor.

Driving & Parking: Permitees shall not drive faster than 20 MPH on range roads at West Point and shall not drive faster than 10 MPH when passing troops. NO VEHICLES SHALL LEAVE OR BLOCK RANGE ROADS OR GATES (OPENED OR CLOSED).

Towing, Recovery, & Repair: West Point will not aid in any towing, recovery, or repair of vehicles. Good judgment and caution is encouraged when driving and parking anywhere at West Point, especially on range roads. Use of a winch is permissible.

Take Permit Afield, Display Vehicle Pass: All permitees going afield should have a printed or electronic copy of the firewood permit on his/her person and shall place paper copy of Vehicle Pass (printed out with permit) on driver's side windshield of vehicle.

Check-In on iSportation Before Entering Area: All permitees and guests/walkers will check in on iSportsman prior to entering Training Area. Users must be in the field within one hour of checking in or must otherwise check out of the area on iSportsman.

Check-Out, Check-In on iSportsman when Changing Areas: All permitees changing from one training area to another must first check out of the area they are exiting on iSportsman and then check in to the new area they are entering.

Check-Out on iSportsman After Exiting Area: All permitees and guests/walkers will check out on iSportsman when exiting Training Area. Users must be checked out within one hour of exiting the area.

Mandatory Harvest Check - Big Game Regular Season​: During the Regular Season, all deer/bear harvested at West Point must be brought to Hunt Control & Harvest Station for Mandatory Harvest Check, processing by Natural Resource Branch staff.

Tree Stands: Permanent tree stands are prohibited at West Point. Use of spikes or screw in steps or anything that damages trees or is nailed to a tree is also prohibited. Portable tree & ladder stands are permitted but must be labeled and removed by April 1st.

Youth Hunting - Big Game Archery Season:​ Children ages 14-15 may hunt deer/bear during the special archery season if a licensed adult archery big game hunter accompanies them.

Youth Hunting - Big Game Regular Season: Children ages 14-15 may hunt deer/bear during the Regular Season provided they have 1) junior license, 2) joined by a "youth mentor", 21 y/o+ licensed hunter with 3+ years experience.

Youth Hunting - Special Youth Firearms Season:​ Children ages 14-15 may hunt deer/bear during a special two-day firearms Season, usually in Early October. West Point allows youth to harvest one deer of either sex with proper tags.

Hunting Pheasant Stocking Areas: In October & early November, to prevent conflict and to give stocked birds best chance of being harvested, it is requested that Early Bow big game hunters avoid fields where pheasant are stocked.

Antler Point Restriction​ (APR): In 2019 in response to hunter interest, West Point implemented a three-on-one-side antler point restriction across roughly seventy-five percent of the installation. This remains in effect. See HERE for more info.

Deer Management Assistance Permit (DMAP) Tags: In 2021 as part of an initiative to achieve various landscape and QDM objectives, West Point is offering DMAP Tags for harvest of antlerless deer in select areas of the installation. See HERE for more info.

Youth Hunting - Small Game Seasons: Children ages 12-15 may hunt small game if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who is also licensed to hunt small game.

Night Furberarer Hunting - Allowed Weapons & Bait: For regulations on allowable night time hunting weapons and bait, refer to NYSDEC Furbearer Hunting Guidelines.

Night Furbearer Hunting - Allowed Assisting Implements: Spotlight, night vision, thermal and laser devices are permitted. All NYSDEC regulations apply.

Night Furbearer Hunting - Midnight: hunters may be automatically checked out of system by iSportsman after midnight and should check back in if remaining in field.

Youth Hunting - Spring Youth Turkey Hunt: Children ages 12-15 may turkey during special two-day season, usually in late April. Youth may harvest one bearded bird during this season, take a second bearded bird during regular spring turkey season.

Spring Turkey Hunting Hours: All spring turkey hunters will stop hunting by 12:00 p.m. Hunters in Areas J2 Bow and J3 Bow will stop hunting by 09:00 a.m. and be checked out of their area by 10:00 a.m.

Spring Turkey Hunters & Hunter Orange: Spring turkey hunters at rest are exempt from hunter orange requirement (marking position /w flagging is recommended), but must comply when moving.

Fall Turkey Hunters & Hunter Orange: Since fall turkey season falls in line with other hunting seasons, fall turkey hunters are to comply with hunter orange requirement whether at rest or moving.

Waterfowl Only Hunting Area​s​: Many of the lakes and ponds that ducks and geese frequent at West Point thunting is permitted on are designated Waterfowl (WF) areas and may be checked into, if available. Only shotguns are permitted here..

Waterfowl Hunting In Other Areas: To hunt for waterfowl in wetland areas not in Waterfowl (WF) hunting areas but in other hunting areas, hunters may access these areas by signing out the hunting area that they are within.

Lead Shot Banned, Non-toxic Non-lead Shot Only:​ Only non-toxic (non-lead) shot may be possessed and used when hunting and/or shooting at waterfowl.

Migratory Bird Species Hunting​: (incl ducks, geese etc.): Required in all 50 U.S. States, migratory bird hunters must register /w Harvest Information Program (HIP) before first hunt. See NYSDEC info on HIP HERE or call 1 (888) 427-5447. ​

Duck Blinds: Duck blinds are allowed but may only be made from natural materials found at hunting location and must be taken down/removed by March 1st of each year.

PFD/Life Vests: All boaters must have a U.S. Coast-Guard approved personal flotation device for each passenger. If Outdoor Recreation boats are stationed at the pond, it is noted. Boat passes are available at the Round Pond Recreation Office.

Mandatory iSportsman Harvest Report​: All hunting harvests must be reported at check out via iSportsman. The exception to this is Regular Big Game Season Opening Day when iSportsman is down when all harvests should be reported upon at Hunt Control.

Mandatory Harvest Check - Big Game Regular Season​: During the Regular Season, all deer/bear harvested at West Point must be brought to Hunt Control & Harvest Station for Mandatory Harvest Check, processing by Natural Resource Branch staff.

TAGGING

Be sure to carry to a pen. (Tags filled in pencil not legal). Keep the pen next to your body in cold weather so that the ink will not freeze.

On deer/turkey carcass tags, the month/date must be cut out or marked out. Month on one side, dates (in numbers) on another.

Finally, there are several blocks on tags which successful hunters frequently either leave blank or fill incorrectly For West Point:

COUNTY of KILL: West Point is in Orange County. Constitution Island is in Putnam County.

TOWN of KILL: Township. West Point, use Highlands, Woodbury, or Cornwall. For Constitution Island: Phillipstown.

2. ANNUAL SPORTSMAN PERMIT: one year hunting/fishing permit for West Point good for 365 days from date of purchase. With this permit, permitees may hunt big game, small game, upland bird, and waterfowl as well as fish.

3. MONTHLY HUNT/FISH PERMIT: one month hunting/fishing permit for West Point good for 30 days from date of purchase. With this permit, permitees may hunt big game, small game, upland bird, and waterfowl as well as fish.

4. WEEKLY HUNT/FISH PERMIT: one week hunting/fishing permit for West Point good for 7 days from date of purchase. With this permit, permitees may hunt big game, small game, upland bird, and waterfowl as well as fish.

5. DAILY HUNT/FISH PERMIT: one day hunting/fishing permit for West Point good only on the date of purchase. With this permit, permitees may hunt big game, small game, upland bird, and waterfowl as well as fish.

2. DAILY GUEST PASS: one day guest pass for West Point good for only on the date of purchase. With this permit, a permitee may participate in same hunting or fishing activity as sponsor.

Annual Hunting Notice: West Point's annual Hunting Notice lists hunting season dates and bag limits. State laws govern game seasons, bag limits and permitted hunting implements unless West Point applies further restrictions.

Wear Hunter Orange: All big game, small game hunters, and trappers will wear at least 100 square inches (visible from all sides) of blaze orange at all times. Waterfowl and spring turkey hunters can remove at rest, but must wear in during walk in/out.

Firing Near Roads: No weapon may be discharged within 50 feet of a major roadways that intersect or adjoin the reservation (Route 6, Route 9W, Route 293, Route 218, Mine Torne Rd, Smith Clove Rd, Mineral Springs Rd, & Stony Lonesome Rd).

Firing Near Buildings: New York State Law and West Point regulations prohibit shooting a bow or firearm within 500 feet of an occupied building. Waterfowl hunters are exempt from this provided they shoot away from buildings.

Mandatory Harvest Check - Big Game Regular Season: During the Regular Season, all deer/bear harvested at West Point must be brought to Hunt Control & Harvest Station for Mandatory Harvest Check, processing by Natural Resource Branch staff.

Youth Hunting - Big Game Archery Season: Children ages 14-15 may hunt deer/bear during the special archery season if a licensed adult archery big game hunter accompanies them.

Youth Hunting - Special Youth Firearms Season: Children ages 14-15 may hunt deer/bear during a special two-day firearms Season, usually in Early October. West Point allows youth to harvest one deer of either sex with proper tags.

Antler Point Restriction (APR): In 2019 in response to hunter interest, West Point implemented a three-on-one-side antler point restriction across roughly seventy-five percent of the installation. This remains in effect. See HERE for more info.

Waterfowl Only Hunting Areas: Many of the lakes and ponds that ducks and geese frequent at West Point thunting is permitted on are designated Waterfowl (WF) areas and may be checked into, if available. Only shotguns are permitted here..

Lead Shot Banned, Non-toxic Non-lead Shot Only: Only non-toxic (non-lead) shot may be possessed and used when hunting and/or shooting at waterfowl.

Migratory Bird Species Hunting: (incl ducks, geese etc.): Required in all 50 U.S. States, migratory bird hunters must register /w Harvest Information Program (HIP) before first hunt. See NYSDEC info on HIP HERE or call 1 (888) 427-5447.

Mandatory iSportsman Harvest Report: All hunting harvests must be reported at check out via iSportsman. The exception to this is Regular Big Game Season Opening Day when iSportsman is down when all harvests should be reported upon at Hunt Control.

Mandatory Harvest Check - Big Game Regular Season: During the Regular Season, all deer/bear harvested at West Point must be brought to Hunt Control & Harvest Station for Mandatory Harvest Check, processing by Natural Resource Branch staff.