Top Hunting Place in White Plains, New York

Located just 30 miles north of Manhattan, White Plains, New York, offers hunters a strategic launch point into some of the best-managed game lands in the Lower Hudson Valley. Despite its suburban setting, the area provides access to a wide range of public hunting grounds, controlled-access parks, and private land leases, making it an appealing destination for both new and experienced hunters. This guide will explore the top hunting locations near White Plains, which game species are available, gear recommendations, and expert tips to ensure your next outing is productive and legal.

Top Public Hunting Areas Near White Plains, NY

1. Blue Mountain Reservation – Peekskill, NY

Only about 30 minutes from White Plains, Blue Mountain Reservation in Westchester County is a hidden treasure for bowhunters. While firearm hunting is not permitted, this 1,538-acre forested park offers archery-only hunting for white-tailed deer through the county’s Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP).

Key Features:

• Bowhunting only
  
• Managed access with hunting permits
  
• Well-maintained trails and defined zones
  
• Ideal for stealth hunters and treestand setups
  

Game Species:

• White-tailed deer
  
• Wild turkey (limited sightings)
  

2. Ward Pound Ridge Reservation – Cross River, NY

Westchester’s largest park, Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, spans over 4,300 acres and offers a controlled archery-only hunting season, typically from October through December.

Highlights:

• One of the most scenic and expansive parks in the region
  
• Requires pre-registration and a limited number of permits
  
• Excellent deer activity due to habitat management
  

Why Hunters Like It:

• Controlled access minimizes pressure
  
• Historical success rates are high among local bowhunters
  
• Located just 40 minutes northeast of White Plains
  

3. East Hudson Highlands Wildlife Management Area

Located in Putnam County, roughly 45 minutes north of White Plains, this WMA is ideal for more seasoned hunters who don’t mind rugged terrain and longer hikes.

Available Game:

• White-tailed deer
  
• Wild turkey
  
• Ruffed grouse
  
• Gray squirrel
  

Terrain Notes:

• Mixed hardwood forest and rocky ridgelines
  
• Requires solid navigation tools like GPS or OnX Hunt
  
• Offers both firearm and archery seasons, per DEC regulations

Private Land Hunting and Leasing Opportunities

Westchester County has a strong network of private landowners and hunting clubs offering seasonal leases and day-use access. Leasing private property near White Plains can offer better deer movement, lower pressure, and enhanced success rates.

Recommended Platforms for Hunting Leases:

• Hunting Lease Network
  
• Base Camp Leasing
  
• Local Outfitters with land management services
  

Benefits of Private Hunting:

• Access to pre-scouted stand locations
  
• Use of trail cameras and bait (where permitted)
  
• Controlled access and fewer hunters per acre
  

Popular Game Species in the White Plains Region

White-Tailed Deer

Deer thrive in the forest edges, meadows, and marshland zones north of White Plains. Suburban sprawl and limited hunting pressure make deer population management essential, which is why county programs support regulated hunting.

Best Months:

• Early Archery: October
  
• Peak Rut: Early to mid-November
  
• Late Archery: December
  

Tactics:

• Morning hunts near bedding areas
  
• Midday travel corridors during rut
  
• Use of mock scrapes and trail cams to pattern movement
  

Eastern Wild Turkey

While not as heavily concentrated as deer, turkeys are present in most large public forest tracts surrounding Westchester County.

Hunting Strategy:

• Locate roost trees during pre-dawn hours
  
• Set up on ridgelines and field edges
  
• Use diaphragm and box calls mid-morning
  

Small Game and Furbearers

Though limited in urbanized areas, rabbits, squirrels, raccoons, and the occasional fox are present in permitted public zones, especially within East Hudson WMA and Croton Watershed lands (with permission).

Hunting License and Permit Requirements

To legally hunt near White Plains or anywhere in New York State, you must carry a valid NYS hunting license along with specific tags or privileges based on species and season.

Essentials:

• NYS Hunting License (16+)
  
• Bowhunting privilege for archery hunts
  
• Turkey Tags for spring/fall seasons
  
• Muzzleloader privilege if using black powder
  

Mandatory Safety Courses:

• Hunter Education Certificate
  
• Bowhunter Education Course (if hunting with a bow)
  

Visit the New York State DEC License Page for the latest info and to apply online.

Recommended Gear for White Plains Hunting Terrain

Hunting near White Plains often means traveling into forested hills and ridge systems that demand agility, stealth, and strategic planning.

Essential Gear Checklist:

• Quiet soft rifle case or bow case
  
• Lightweight climbing treestand or saddle setup
  
• Thermal base layers (late season gets cold)
  
• Rangefinder for slope-angle corrections
  
• Blaze orange vest (during gun season or required zones)
  
• Scent elimination sprays and wind checkers
  

Top Hunting Retailers Near White Plains

1. Accurate Arms & Ammo – Mount Vernon, NY

• Close to White Plains, offering ammo, optics, and shooting supplies
  

2. Bob’s Gun & Tackle – Hastings-on-Hudson, NY

• Known for hunting apparel and bowhunting gear
  

3. FS9 Tactical – Online

• Specializes in tactical-grade soft rifle cases, bags, and rugged field gear perfect for mobile hunting
  

Seasonal Overview – When to Hunt What

 

Local Tips for White Plains Area Hunters

• Apply early for limited access programs like Ward Pound Ridge and Blue Mountain
  
• Scout mid-week to avoid weekend crowds
  
• Use aerial maps and apps to plan terrain-based tactics
  
• Always confirm regulations for each park or reservation—some restrict weapons, hours, or even specific gear
  
• Report harvests online through the NYS DEC Game Harvest Reporting System

Conclusion

White Plains, NY may be close to the big city, but it's also your gateway to some of the most controlled, productive, and ethical hunting in the Lower Hudson Valley. From the managed archery-only zones at Blue Mountain to the vast wilderness tracts of East Hudson WMA, there’s something for every hunter—whether you're bowhunting for your first buck or seeking a spring gobbler in the hills. The key is preparation, knowing the terrain, and following all licensing and permit protocols.