Hunters can mail or drop off applications at DEC Lands and Forest Office in West Almond
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced today that the DEC Forestry Office in West Almond, New York, will have Deer Management Assistance Permits (DMAPs) available for use this hunting season on Bully Hill State Forest in Allegany County. These permits can only be used by hunters to harvest antlerless deer on Bully Hill State Forest. Individuals with a valid state hunting license are eligible to apply.Bully Hill State Forest consists of approximately 3,506 acres of sustainably managed forest in the towns of Almond and Birdsall in Allegany County. Persistent over-browsing from high numbers of deer has negatively impacted forest regeneration at Bully Hill State Forest. As a result, desirable tree species and herbaceous plants are lacking or severely deformed across much of the forest understory. DEC Foresters have determined that additional hunting opportunities, in combination with forest management activities, will help to ensure that forest vegetation can be regenerated.
"The goal of the DMAP program within Bully Hill State Forest is to create a healthier and more biologically diverse forest ecosystem," said DEC Regional Director Abby Snyder. "By focusing additional hunting in a targeted area for an extended amount of time, the forest will have an opportunity for tree regeneration to grow above the browse height of deer. This is a great opportunity for hunters to take an additional deer while also helping with forest management."
The DMAP application for Bully Hill State Forest is available on DEC's website. To apply for the program, hunters can mail in or drop off applications at the West Almond DEC Forestry Office located at 2524 County Route 2A, Almond, NY 14804. Applicants are encouraged to call 585-466-3241 in advance prior to application drop off, as this field office has limited hours.
DMAP tags will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Hunters that fill a tag may apply for a second tag, also available on a first-come, first-served basis. Tags will be mailed to the mailing address provided on the application. For further information about the program, contact the West Almond Forestry office at 585-466-3241.
