Hunting NYS State Land/Parks in the Finger Lakes

[BrownA5]

Years ago I had access to hunt land in the Finger Lakes.  That has since dried up and so am now looking toward hunting state land/parks in the Finger Lakes region.  Any of my fellow Trad ganger's have any thoughts/suggestions/experiences they can share?  Thanks!

[no]

there is a ton of state land up there, just go to the DEC website region 7 I believe.

[Cyclic-Rivers]

I've heard peopel hunting Letchworth state forest.

[Bobaru]

Depends on where you are in the NY Finger Lakes region.  I live in Canandaigua.  Seems to me that Hi Tor is pretty good down in Naples.  I see lots of deer there. A little known fact is that Yates County produces more deer per square mile than any other county in the state.  Most people look at total deer, and forget that Yates is small in square miles.

I've always wanted to hunt the Finger Lakes National Forest south of Ovid. I'll bet its pretty good, but I don't need to drive that far.  On the north of that, it butts against farm fields.  The "forest" contains much grazing land.  That area is pretty flat.  Then, as you go south, there are some hills.  Again they border on farm land toward Seneca Lake.  I always thought those hills would be good to catch deer returning to sleep after eating at night in farmer fields.  

I ruined two cars over the years:  the first south of Honeoye which is now all public.  The second was ruined just two years ago near Sampson State park.  I'm pretty sure there was deer hair in the metal (    ).  Anyway, you can hunt there also.

Hope that helps.

PM me if you want to talk further.

[DHR]

Just the mention of the finger lakes makes me nostalgic.  It's where I grew up, learned to hunt, and in alot of ways it's still home.  I love hunting in the west but theres no question the country between keuka and canandaigua lake is still my favorite place in the world to hunt deer.

[Bobaru]

DHR:  same with my buddy who now lives in Virginia.  But, he was smart - he bought a lifetime license before he left.  So, he comes back every other year and shoots my deer out of my treestand.  (Not to worry: I returned the favor last year).

[fmscan]

Also I have heard that some of the state parks allow bowhunting. And you could bowhunt during gun season cuz some do not allow gun hunting. I guess it is quite good. I used to hunt Connecticut Hill area south of Watkins Glen and it was good...but that was a long time ago.

[kevsuperg]

lots of state lands up and down the finger lakes, depends where you want to go.  are you looking anywhere specific. there are 11 finger lakes ya know..  i am near syracuse , my back door opens up to 3500 acres of WMA.  you can park in my drive way.

[BrownA5]

Guys, I appreciate the comments and input.  I live just south of Ithaca so many of these areas that you have mentioned are within reach.  Bobaru, you mentioned the Fingers Lakes National Forest.  I too have often thought that would be a great place to hunt but just have not made it there to scout.

kevsuperg, sounds like you have all the benefits (lots of places to hunt) and because someone else owns it you don't have to pay the taxes or up keep!

[Doc Nock]

When I worked for Clarkson Univ, they inherited 2 tater farms down that way.

Beautiful log cabin on one of the farms, and it was covered up in deer!

Alas, didn't stay in that employment long and never been back, but it is a beautiful area. Don't remember even where, but the next valley over had the "black sand" where they grew big ole Vadallia onions! Wonderful places down that way..or "up" now living in PA.

[2Blade]

Treman Park State Land is litteraly in my backyard, I cut my teeth hunting deer on pieces of the State and Private lands. Where im at in Ithaca (Enfield to be exact) its very steep gullys swamp and Hemlock forest. Ive seen some BIG swamp runners in my short bowhunting hunting this terrain its demanding but beautiful and challngeing to hunt. I love it!

[BrownA5]

I have been looking at Treman Park as a possibility.  My daughter gets married there in a few weeks.  I would love to talk with you just to get an idea how you got started.

[BrownA5]

Thanks Doc.  I have never been to Clarkson University or the country right around it.  I have spent quite a bit of time around Black Lake and the Thousand Islands area.