Hunting in upstate NY

[Anonymous]

I've got a query for you folks who hunt upstate NY... basically, what is the hunting opportunity there like? I know it's far different than here but what is a reasonable season for a die hard hunter/outdoorsman look like?

My employer has asked me to consider a position there; it wouldn't be a vastly better job but it would give me the opportunity to explore an area of the country I've never spent much time in.

If there's anyone who'd know- they'd be on here.

 

[DrMike]

I know there was whitetail hunting when I lived in NY (Tuckahoe, while attending med school in the Bronx). One thing is certain--it ain't AK! Whitetail hunting used to be reasonably good. Bet Scotty could give you the lowdown on hunting in NY, as could Rol_P or Charlie-NY.

 

[Rol_P]

The state is divided into basically three regions, northern zone which includes the Adirondacks with rough hunting and lower density deer herds, Southern zone which is more woods and farm land but also includes the Catskill Mts. And Long Island, which I believe is all archery only.

Areas that I hunted in the '60s (that's 1960's) have been developed and old farmers that I befriended have moved to assisted living facilities or passed away and farms sold.

For a die hard hunter there is land to hunt, public, hunting club land, or some farmers will welcome hunters... Deer tend to eat crops and lost crops are lost cash.

Good people like NYDan welcome responsible hunters who are willing to invest some time helping around the farm..

NY is very diverse. Where would you be located? You would definitely see more daylight during the winter... That is the only positive aspect that comes to mind..

 

[Anonymous]

NY is very diverse. Where would you be located? You would definitely see more daylight during the winter... That is the only positive aspect that comes to mind..

I would be in Watertown and Ft. Drum so the Adirondacks would be to the east.

Is there any wilderness area hunting? Places where a guy can pack in for a few days and leave crowds behind? The Adirondacks seem to have that reputation, but the reality might be very different. Most of my E. Coast hunting was in Tennessee, almost all on private land and small farms in the Appalachians.

 

[truck driver]

There are also areas that are shot gun only.
While driving around NY I found a lot of friendly people and the farmers are usually friendly after you get to know them. My experience with the Watertown area is limited to delivering feed to farmers and a short stay back in the 1970's training at Fort Drum while in the military. It can be hot as heck in the summer and colder than heck in the winter. I remember one time while training and on bivouacked when the tide came in (area below or right at sea level ) and actually washed guys out of their tents sleeping on air mattresses. :lol: I had made a hammock between two trees and stayed dry. They also get a lot of lake effect snow and white outs you won't believe. This is just my experience while traveling threw and I also saw lots of deer between Albany and Watertown. Canada is not that far away either so you also have some hunting options there.
I had been invited to do crop damage work for one of the vineyards above Buffalo but couldn't get back and it was shot gun only for fire arms and I don't know what the regs are around Watertown.

 

[bbearhntr]

You would definitely see more daylight during the winter... That is the only positive aspect that comes to mind..

I've never hunted NY. I visited my aunt and uncle a couple times, 25 yrs ago, and remember it being scenic but I don't think it can be mentioned in the same breath as the one time I was in Alaska to hunt. Given a choice I would need a SERIOUS promotion to even consider moving from Alaska to NY for work. However consideration to family may trump my own selfish Hunting desires so please take my rant with a few grains of salt. I'm sure you are more capable of making a rational decision than I am though.

 

[gerry]

Pretty sure there are no Dall sheep, caribou or grizzlies there not to mention the fishing........

 

[Vince]

I'd be leery of bringing my toys to New York.
Might want to keep them in a free country and only take disposable toys, hint, hint.

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[sask boy]

I am not sure about NY, but man I know that it would take a big time raise to get me to think about leaving a place like Alaska. Now that is just my opinion and that is from a flatlander from the Canadian prairies :wink:.

Blessings,
Dan

 

[Anonymous]

Hmmm.... I may have to think about this some more.

The job would be good.... not sure it would be that good.

Family matters would be the primary driver, not so much about hunting but if there's some quality hunting to be found that's a bonus. At some point in the future getting close to family in TN will become important.. not sure NY is close enough to move the needle.

 

[Vince]

Why would one want to leave Paradise?

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[Silent Sam]

I grew up in Upstate NY and won't be going back. There are lots of deer and lots of regulations. The only wilderness you'll likely find is in the Adirondacks but deer density is relatively low there.

 

[Rol_P]

New York take 2... New York City controls State politics which is not good. The governor and Michael Bloomberg, among others are after our guns.

The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation refused to issue a permit to hold the National Hunting and Fishing Day event at Region 8 Headquarters in Avon NY this year.

Only two things keep me in NY, family and a working wife..

 

[SJB358]

I'll throw a sorta wrench into the works. Dan and Rol bring up great points. I said I'd probably not move back and may not love there forever but my whole family lives within about 15 minutes of one another so I do have some draw to get my kids back around the family more as I look to retire. My family lives East of Albany and we live in the farm Northern Catskills and Southern Adirondacks. Beautiful country and there is plenty of opportunity to hike into the Adirondacks and Catskills to hunt deer and bear. We have a good population of deer and turkey in our hills as well. I've not struggled to get access to good hunting grounds and there are huge pieces of state land that are into untouched if you hike about 1/2 mile off the road. I don't agree with the politics but upstate NY is very beautiful country.

 

[tim629]

I currently live about 45min from Ft. Drum and moved here from PA.

-cost of living is greater in NY than PA... both probably much better than AK's cost
-politics as mentioned are a joke
-land taxes vary a lot depending upon the town, 5-10miles can make the difference in $2,000-3000/year on similar properties
-cold winters, warm summers, but nothing like what you are leaving more than likely
-airport in watertown to get you to TN quickly if you desired
-coyote hunting is a big thing in the area I live in, lots of guys that are laid off in the winter spend the time hunting
-seems to be lots of good fishing (by east coast standards)

as far as what kind of season for hunter/outdoorsman: i would say pretty close to 365. I believe big game is only a couple of months for deer/bear, but lots of fishing, hiking, snowmobeiling, horseback riding, and four wheeling

I personally don't think it's a terrible place to live, not my number #1 state/location but I have a good job and a good wife so I guess i'm here for a while.

 

[truck driver]

What time I spent driving around the state I loved and would live there in a NY minute if not for the politics but MD is almost as bad and heavier populated, I liked it so much I have spent my last two vacations in the western portion of the state around the finger lakes and east of Buffalo. Lots of history about the berth of our great Nation there also. The only area I don't like is from Albany to NY City, once you get north and west of I-84and Albany your good to go.

 

[SJB358]

I currently live about 45min from Ft. Drum and moved here from PA.

-cost of living is greater in NY than PA... both probably much better than AK's cost
-politics as mentioned are a joke
-land taxes vary a lot depending upon the town, 5-10miles can make the difference in $2,000-3000/year on similar properties
-cold winters, warm summers, but nothing like what you are leaving more than likely
-airport in watertown to get you to TN quickly if you desired
-coyote hunting is a big thing in the area I live in, lots of guys that are laid off in the winter spend the time hunting
-seems to be lots of good fishing (by east coast standards)

as far as what kind of season for hunter/outdoorsman: i would say pretty close to 365. I believe big game is only a couple of months for deer/bear, but lots of fishing, hiking, snowmobeiling, horseback riding, and four wheeling

I personally don't think it's a terrible place to live, not my number #1 state/location but I have a good job and a good wife so I guess i'm here for a while.

Great points Tim. Well said.

Surprisingly enough NY is a decent state for military and retired military so I am a little jaded on that part.

 

[rodell]

I grew up in the "southern zone", hunting whitetails, turkey, groundhogs and the like. Great summers, dreary winters. Even though it is home, I wouldn't go back on a permanent basis.

For a limited time, though, it would be ok. Things are a lot more reasonable around Ft. Drum than other, more populated areas. The Adirondacks do provide a lot of outdoor recreation and hunting opportunity. You can certainly get away from the crowds if you so desire.

 

[NYDAN]

Hodgeman,

I am sorry that I am so late this posting. I live in the southern zone (only a few miles from northern PA) and the hunting for deer, migratory birds, turkey, and coyotes is pretty good. There are many mountable whitetails taken in this area. However, finding a place to hunt SAFELY can be a challenge. Most private land is posted. Most state land is overrun with idiots in orange. However, there are opportunities if one looks.

NYS has high taxes and the state wide politics are controlled by the left. However, most rural communities are right leaning.

If you are interested in more detailed info send me a PM and I can try to fill you in.

If I didn't own the old family homestead, I would move away.

 

[Vince]

Hodgeman,

I am sorry that I am so late this posting. I live in the southern zone (only a few miles from northern PA) and the hunting for deer, migratory birds, turkey, and coyotes is pretty good. There are many mountable whitetails taken in this area. However, finding a place to hunt SAFELY can be a challenge. Most private land is posted. Most state land is overrun with idiots in orange. However, there are opportunities if one looks.

NYS has high taxes and the state wide politics are controlled by the left. However, most rural communities are right leaning.

If you are interested in more detailed info send me a PM and I can try to fill you in.

If I didn't own the old family homestead, I would move away.

The last sentence sums it up.

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