A Hunter's Paradise
Seneca County is situated in the middle of the Atlantic Flyway and has unsurpassed waterfowl hunting including Canada Geese. Deer are farm fed and can tip the scale at more than 200 pounds. The same abundance of food has also been responsible for antler growth, which places county-grown whitetails in the New York State Big Buck record book.
Looking for a place to hunt?
Seneca County has approximately 21,250 acres of public lands open to hunting. Hunting licenses are available at all town clerk offices and most sporting goods stores in the county.
Public Lands Open to Hunting
Cayuga Lake Wildlife Management Area
Town of Seneca Falls — is located immediately south of Montezuma Refuge off Route 89. The Cayuga-Seneca Canal runs through this management area. Largely wetlands most suited for waterfowl hunting (315) 568-8013.
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Canoga Wildlife Management Area
Town of Fayette — is located off Route 89 immediately north of Village of Canoga. Approximately 100 acres. Open hunting allowed with deer and waterfowl being the major focus. Boundary lines are irregular. Contact Region 8 DEC for a map of the management area (585)226-5464.
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Finger Lakes National Forest
Towns of Lodi and Covert — is a checkerboard of public lands best reached from County Route 137 south of the Village of Lodi. There are some 16,000 acres between Seneca and Schuyler Counties of multi-use federal lands open to hunting for small and big game. Habitat is mixed hardwoods, pasture and conifer stands. Select areas are managed for upland birds. Wild turkey and deer hunting are the most popular species on this public land, but serious bird hunters will find both grouse and pheasant. Camping is permitted in the Finger Lakes National Forest. A map of the area may be picked up at the National Forest Headquarters, 5218 State Route 414, Hector, NY 14841 or call (607) 546-4470.
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Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge
Town of Tyre — is located off Routes 5 and 20 east of Seneca Falls. Hunting by permit only for waterfowl and deer. Hunting dates are set by the refuge within the state seasons. Contact Montezuma at (315) 568-5987
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Northern Montezuma Wetlands Complex
Town of Tyre — is approximately 8,000 acres adjacent to the northern end of Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge. Open hunting during respective seasons. Hunters must use designated parking lots. Special permits are not required. Upland game, waterfowl and deer are readily available. A detailed map of the area may be obtained from the Wetlands Complex office (315) 365-2134.
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Sampson State Park
Town of Romulus — is located off Route 96A. Approximately 1,000 acres are open to deer hunting by permit only. The free permits are issued on a daily basis from the park office. Small game and waterfowl hunting are open by permit after the close of big game season. Camping is available at the park until November 15. For details call the park office (315) 585-6392.
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Willard Wildlife Management Area
Town of Ovid — located off Route 132 south of the Hamlet of Willard is approximately 158 acres of fields, woods and an abandoned orchard. Open hunting for deer, pheasants, squirrels and rabbits. For a map of the area contact DEC Bureau of Wildlife (585) 226-5464.
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