Wildlife refuge expands hunting across Wallkill River into Orange County, N.Y.

SUSSEX — Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge is expanding its hunting program to include 160 acres of land located in Orange County, New York, on the north side of Oil City Road bordering the Wallkill River.

This refuge tract will be open for deer, black bear, turkey, small game (squirrel/rabbit only), and migratory birds. The refuge will also expand hunting on the New Jersey tracts to include small game (squirrel/rabbit only) and black bear, in addition to the traditional deer, turkey, and migratory bird seasons.

All changes are effective March 31, 2016. Special regulations apply.

Hunters must purchase a Wallkill River NWR Hunt Permit prior to hunting or scouting on the refuge, in addition to all applicable state licenses. The permit is valid for both the New Jersey and New York refuge tracts.

Refuge permits go on sale April 1, 2016, and are valid through March 31, 2017. To purchase a permit, visit www.wallkillriverpermits.com. Hunters without Internet access may apply via phone by contacting the sales vendor, Accela Corporation, directly at (70) 994-4194. Payment may also be made by check or money order mailed to Accela Corporation, P.O. Box 1092, McLean, Va. 22101.

The Wallkill River NWR hunting program is administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in cooperation with the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife and the New York Department of Environmental Conservation. Hunting is permitted in accordance with all applicable state and federal regulations and is subject to special regulations. Hunters should consult the N.J. or N.Y. Hunting Digests and become familiar with refuge-specific hunting regulations.

Please visit www.wallkillriverpermits.com for refuge hunting regulations and maps. For more information about the refuge, visit the website at http://www.fws.gov/refuge/wallkill_river/ or call (973) 702-7266, Ext. 10.