Top Hunting Places in Kiryas Joel, New York

May 31, 2025

Kiryas Joel, a village in Orange County, New York, is best known for its distinctive cultural community and suburban setting. While hunting within the village boundaries is strictly prohibited, the surrounding region offers abundant opportunities for hunters of all skill levels. Located near the Hudson Highlands, Harriman State Park, and a variety of public and private lands, Kiryas Joel is strategically located near some of the top hunting areas in the Hudson Valley. From hunting trophy white-tailed deer to pursuing wild turkeys or small game, hunters based in Kiryas Joel have access to several of New York’s most scenic and game-rich areas.

Top Public Hunting Areas Near Kiryas Joel

1. Stewart State Forest (New Windsor/Montgomery)

Just 30 minutes from Kiryas Joel, Stewart State Forest is a premier destination for big and small game hunters. With over 6,700 acres of mixed habitat—including wetlands, meadows, and dense hardwood forests—it offers excellent year-round hunting potential.

Game Species: White-tailed deer, turkey, rabbits, squirrels, waterfowl
Best Time to Hunt: November during the rut; May for spring turkey
Permit Required: NYS hunting license; no special access pass needed
Access Points: Multiple parking lots, trailheads, and field entrances

Stewart Forest also provides accessible areas for disabled hunters, making it a popular and inclusive location in the region.

2. Black Rock Forest (Cornwall)

Located less than 40 minutes from Kiryas Joel, Black Rock Forest offers seasonal hunting access in designated areas by permit only. This 3,870-acre preserve includes rugged hills, streams, and dense woods ideal for stealthy bowhunting.

Game Species: Deer, turkey, small game
Hunting Method: Archery only
Permit System: Limited permits issued; apply in advance via the Black Rock Forest Consortium

The challenging terrain and limited hunting pressure make Black Rock Forest ideal for those seeking a remote, immersive experience.

3. Highland Lakes State Park (Chester, NY)

One of the closest options to Kiryas Joel, Highland Lakes State Park allows hunting during regulated seasons. Though less developed than other parks, its natural woodlands and open spaces are known for attracting turkey and deer.

Species: Deer, turkey, squirrel
Access: Unmarked trails; pack lightly and bring a compass or GPS
Ideal For: Early morning bowhunts and scouting days

4. Harriman State Park (Designated Zones Only)

Located just south of Kiryas Joel, Harriman State Park is New York's second-largest state park, and while most areas are off-limits to hunters, certain adjacent WMAs and buffer zones allow regulated hunting with a valid license.

Species: Whitetail deer, wild turkey
Tip: Contact NYS DEC for detailed maps of permissible hunting areas
Terrain: Rocky ridges, mixed forests, and open glades

Private Lands and Leased Access Near Kiryas Joel

1. Orange County Lease Lands

Numerous farms and private woodlots in Orange County offer seasonal or annual leases for exclusive hunting rights. These properties often feature agricultural food sources, edge habitat, and minimal hunting pressure.

Species: Trophy whitetail deer, coyote, turkey
Booking: Check platforms like Base Camp Leasing or contact local realtors
Benefit: Custom stands, trail cams, and prep work are often included

2. Hunt Clubs in Hudson Valley

Private clubs around Monroe, Chester, and Goshen provide organized hunting with land management programs, pheasant releases, and member-only access.

Game Available: Deer, turkey, pheasant
Extra Perks: Rifle ranges, archery courses, and clubhouse amenities

Top Game Species to Hunt Near Kiryas Joel

White-Tailed Deer

The Hudson Valley is one of New York’s top deer-producing areas, known for healthy populations and the occasional trophy buck. Surrounding forests offer ample cover and feeding areas.

Season: Archery (Oct), Gun (Nov–Dec), Muzzleloader (Dec)
Hunting Style: Tree stands near natural pinch points or trails

Wild Turkey

Turkey hunting thrives in open forests and farmland edges. Gobblers are active in spring and responsive to calls when scouting is thorough.

Season: Spring (May) and Fall (October)
Best Gear: Box call, full-body decoys, camo blind

Small Game

The woods and fields surrounding Kiryas Joel host abundant small game, making it a great place to introduce younger hunters or hone skills in the off-season.

Species: Squirrel, rabbit, grouse
Firearm Recommendation: .22 rifle or 20-gauge shotgun
Season: October–February

Waterfowl

Stewart State Forest includes wetlands that attract ducks and geese during migration. While not a major hotspot, select ponds and impoundments offer good success rates for patient hunters.

Species: Mallard, black duck, wood duck
Tools of the Trade: Chest waders, spinning-wing decoys, calls

Licenses and Legal Requirements

To hunt near Kiryas Joel legally, you must carry:

NYS Hunting License
Big Game Tags (if pursuing deer or bear)
Turkey Permit (for spring/fall seasons)
Muzzleloader or Archery Certificate (if applicable)
Back Tag (must be worn while hunting)

You can purchase licenses online via the DEC website or at authorized license issuing agents in Orange County.

Essential Gear for Hudson Valley Hunting

Soft Rifle or Bow Case: For legal and safe firearm transport
Scent Control System: Crucial for hunting pressured bucks
Climbing Stand or Ground Blind: Adaptable to public land terrain
GPS Mapping Tool or App: Use OnX Hunt to avoid private property boundaries
Layered Clothing: Morning temps often drop below freezing during peak seasons

Why Kiryas Joel Makes a Smart Hunting Hub

30–45 minute drive to multiple state forests and WMAs
Access to rugged, mature forests and low-pressure hunting lands
Close proximity to big game-rich zones without needing to travel upstate
Great for bowhunters and solo hunters seeking peaceful, wooded terrain

While the village itself is not a hunting destination, Kiryas Joel’s location gives hunters fast access to some of the most varied terrain in the lower Hudson Valley—ideal for weekend hunts, scouting days, or season-long pursuits.

Conclusion

Kiryas Joel, New York, may not seem like a hunting hub at first glance, but it’s surrounded by an abundance of prime public and private hunting lands that cater to big game hunters, turkey chasers, and small game enthusiasts alike. Within 30 to 45 minutes, you can be perched in a stand watching a ridge line or calling ducks into a hidden pond. With the right permits, gear, and preparation, Kiryas Joel offers hunters a quiet but highly effective base for a successful season in the Hudson Valley.