[Rozman62]

I also hunt the Finger Lake region and find the state lands get hammered but subside into the season. (Mt Washington State Forest) Overall there is enough deer per sq mi to get your deer on state land in Western NY. Head into the woods well before light and hope the incoming hunters move the deer to you. Some people see no sense in going in the woods when it is dark out. I have always disagreed with that. You can position yourself to increase the odds. I have 800 acres of private land to hunt but I share it with 6 other guys. Keep knocking on doors and be persistent. Take time to offer the landowner help with yardwork,etc and you should score private land access soon.

 

[Rozman62]

Good luck to you and stay safe. DEC is allowing rifles in Steubin County this year so it's a different ballgame now. You do not see many deer during hunting season in NH because the deer population is on the low side. (I got a 100# doe on 11/3-opening day muzzleloader) It is a real treat for me to go hunt Western NY to increase my chances. I have a buddy who has a camp up near Lake Placid so I may change it up a bit and go up into the Adirondacks next season. The deer/sq mi is low but the racks are big.