Hunters will soon have a chance to help manage deer populations in Columbia County through a special tag program aimed at protecting forest habitat.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced that Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) tags will be available starting October 8 for use at Doodletown Wildlife Management Area (WMA). The tags are for harvesting antlerless deer only.
The Doodletown WMA spans more than 1,000 acres in the towns of Ancram, Taghkanic, and Gallatin. Officials say the area is home to several species that depend on young forest growth, including the New England cottontail, which is listed as a species of special concern in New York.
“Hunters can play an important role in advancing forest regeneration and protecting the ecological integrity of the Doodletown WMA,” said DEC Region 4 Director Sean Mahar.
Tags will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis to hunters with valid state licenses at the Ancram Town Hall parking lot (1416 County Rd 7) from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. on October 8. Any remaining tags can be picked up later at the DEC Region 4 headquarters in Schenectady by calling (518) 357-2154.
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