Fort Drum Land Use

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     Hunting on Fort Dum, NY used to be as easy as simply buying a hunting license and finding a location suitable for a successful hunt. Overtime though, regulations have changed requiring the successful completion of a Hunter Education or Bow Hunter Education course in order to purchase a hunting license. Due to the government layoffs, shutdowns, and budget cuts, manpower has been reduced requiring Wildlife Conservation Officers to rely on websites and digital technology to educate individuals on the changes and regulations required in order to legally hunt and access federal lands on and surrounding military installations. This guide will prove as a resource to anyone looking to access the federal lands and training areas of Fort Drum, NY for hunting or fishing. There are a few steps to be followed and they will be outlined below.

1.      Recreation Access Pass

     In order to access the training areas of the installation for outdoor recreation purposes, individuals must obtain a recreation access pass by visiting the following website fortdrum.isportsman.net. From here it is as easy as looking to the left side of the page for the link to “Get Recreation Access Pass” and following the instructions. The access pass is free and takes only minutes to fill out the form and print the pass. An automated number is provided with the printed form to utilize when checking in and finding out which training areas are available for public use and not being utilized presently for military training.

2.      Hunter Education

     Hunting in any state requires proof of a Hunter or Bow hunter Education Course completion. A new outdoor sportsman in New York will need to find a course offered in their local area by accessing the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) website at http://www.dec.ny.gov. One third of the way down on the left side of the page is a link to “Sportsman Education.” By following this link, access to upcoming hunting and trapping courses are available by zip code or geographic locations throughout the state based on distance from home. The courses are free as part of an educational tool used by the state to encourage safe and enjoyable use of the flora and fauna throughout the state.

3.      Hunting License

     Hunting licenses are available at any of the local businesses selling outdoors and hunting equipment.

4.      Check-In

     Before embarking on a trip to the various ranges, a phone call to Range Control’s automated number is required. After having completed the Recreation Access Pass form and printing it in step 1 at fortdrum.isportsman.net, utilize the number located on the instruction form to call with the permit access number that is provided. Check in must be accomplished each 24 hour period the installation training areas are accessed with no checkout procedure required.

     By following these simple steps, anyone can easily access and enjoy the outdoors and wildlife located on Fort Drum. Any additional questions about land use and permits or regulations on or around Fort Drum can be answered at www.fortdrum.isportsman.net and http://www.dec.ny.gov.