NY Hunting Season: Experience the Ultimate Hunting Excursion at The Preserve
On 3,000 pristine acres of Madison County in Central New York, you'll find The Preserve, an exceptional private hunting property owned and operated by Oneida Indian Nation Outfitters.
The land is a hunter’s dream. Dense cover and a forest thick with age-old hardwoods gives way to streams, ponds and riparian zones teeming with wildlife and a thriving habitat for trophy red stag, big buck whitetail and game birds.
Reserved exclusively for guided hunting guests of The Preserve, here you’ll find New York’s ultimate hunting experience, including:
- Trophy-quality game
- Private land access
- Expert guides with outstanding skill and knowledge of game and location
- Upscale and comfortable accommodations
- Plenty of activities for non-hunting guests
Even better, you’ll be able to enjoy the hunt fully rested. No “roughing it” is necessary when you stay at one of the five hotels at Turning Stone Resort Casino. All transportation to The Preserve is included.
NY hunting seasons: a comprehensive overview
When is hunting season in New York State?
The Preserve is exclusively on Oneida Indian Nation sovereign land. Expert guides will handle your firearms sighting, safety training and skills assessment. If guests are bringing their own firearms, guides can secure them in the property’s gun safe.
The dates for hunting seasons in New York vary by region of the state, sex of the game and hunting weapons employed. Hunters are required to complete the NY Hunter Education course (aka Hunter Safety course) if using a rifle, muzzle-loader, crossbow or bow and arrow.
Enjoy the best of big buck hunting season in NY
Book an exclusive, fully guided excursion
While it’s one of the largest private hunting preserves in the Northeast, The Preserve is also among the most exclusive. Because we book a select number of hunts per season, you’ll feel like you nearly have The Preserve to yourself. You, that is, and some of the finest red stag and whitetail deer in New York.
At The Preserve, you can choose your style of hunting: spot-and-stalk, hunting from a blind or safari style. During your fully guided hunts, we will assist you in tracking, recovering and extracting your game.
The Preserve’s guides are not only experienced hunters, they’re also your hosts for your stay, handling everything including your check-in, meals, transportation to and from the hunting grounds, equipment rental and arrangements for full finishing services on request.
Plan now for peak New York State whitetail and red stag hunting season
Deer hunting season at The Preserve is based on our region’s whitetail and red stag seasons:
- Whitetail hunt season is open from October to late December, with November being peak season.
- Red stag hunt season at The Preserve runs from mid-September to the end of January. Here you'll find the finest selection of trophy red stag anywhere in the country.
Hunting red stags
Also known as red deer, red stags are one of the biggest deer species, similar to elk. Their impressive size and majestic antlers make for an awe-inspiring sight. From hearing their powerful roars to observing their complex rutting behavior, a red stag hunt is an unforgettable experience you’ll enjoy with just a few fellow guests.
Know before you go
Deer season varies by Wildlife Management Area in New York and changes every year. For most up-to-date information, always check out NY State Department of Environmental Conservation website for areas, approved weapons and limits.
Reserve early for the best red stag or whitetail hunts
With so many repeat guests year after year, early reservations are recommended. Call today for a truly memorable sportsman’s weekend. We look forward to welcoming you.
Canada goose and duck hunting in NY: what you need to know
At The Preserve, New York duck and goose season is a dynamic and heart-pounding waterfowl adventure. From early pre-dawn hours of setting strategies to learning to call waterfowl effectively in the field, hunters are in for a rewarding and memorable time on these exclusive hunting weekend trips.
Mallards are the most common and widespread ducks in this part of New York, but you’ll also find wood ducks, pintails, American black ducks, mergansers and sea ducks.
With your guide, you’ll learn all about the calls and decoys, flight patterns, timing, shot sizes, and the best hunting location for ducks and geese.
- Duck hunting season and Canada goose season both run from September 1 – December 30.
Book duck or goose hunting trips
Central New York’s turkey hunting season: your guide
Eastern Wild Turkeys are known for being cautious and difficult to lure close. With our guides, you can test and improve your prowess in luring prize Tom turkeys.
In New York, Spring Turkey hunting combines the breeding behavior of turkey in the fresh spring greens hunting grounds, making it a wonderful time to roam The Preserve.
Our turkey stock includes hundreds of birds. With your privileged access to turkey hunting season at The Preserve, here you have two seasons to choose from:
- Turkey Spring Dates are May 1 – May 31
- Turkey Fall Dates run from October 1 – November 15
Planning your NY hunting adventure at The Preserve
What to expect during your stay
- Check-in and orientation: Hunting weekends at The Preserve begin with a 2:00 p.m. check-in at Turning Stone Resort Casino the day prior to the hunt. Your guide will pick you up at the resort and provide transportation to The Preserve.
- Once on site, your guides will ensure you have the best hunt experience by assisting with firearms sighting, safety instructions and skills assessment.
- Your guide serves as your concierge throughout the weekend, from meeting you at the valet station to helping arrange dinner reservations during your stay.
- Hunters can rent firearms and ammunition at The Preserve or, if bringing your own, we can secure yours in our gun safe. After the assessment and training, your guide will escort you back from The Preserve back to the resort.
- Hunt day breakfast and transportation:
- Hunt days begin at 5am with breakfast at the 24-hour Emerald Restaurant at Turning Stone Resort Casino.
- After breakfast, a guide will provide private transport to your hunting location at The Preserve.
- A custom-designed hunt for any level: Guides will structure based on participants' experience level and abilities. For deer hunters, guides also lead the tracking of the desired class of deer and verify that it falls within the appropriate class. Hunters who have a successful first day may opt to hunt a doe or purchase a hunt for a second buck, subject to availability.
- Lunch: Lunch featuring some of Turning Stone Resort Casino’s favorite menu items is provided at the private Hunter's Cabin at The Preserve. Afterward, your guide will lead you back out to your hunting location.
- Tracking and recovery: Expert guides will assist in tracking, recovery and field-dressing.
- Optional taxidermy services: Oneida Indian Nation Outfitters can also coordinate taxidermy services upon request for an additional fee.
Please see additional important information and what to expect on The Preserve’s website.
Enjoy access to the private cabin on property at The Preserve
Another unique aspect of your excursion is The Preserve's private Hunter’s Cabin on property, which you have use of during your hunt. This serves as the staging area for hunters, a place to warm up after a brisk morning in the stands or even catch a quick nap after an early start. It's also where lunch will be served, with choices from a Taste of Turning Stone menu, offering favorites from the resort's most popular restaurants.
Beyond the Hunt: Indulge in World-Class Amenities
Award-Winning accommodations at Turning Stone Resort Casino
While The Preserve itself is an exceptional place to hunt, this sportsman's excursion also offers an exceptional place to stay. Turning Stone Resort Casino takes home the trophy as New York's most-awarded resort. From our 4-Diamond, AAA four-star suites at The Lodge to the pet-friendly Sandstone Hollow Inn, Turning Stone Resort Casino offers some of the best lodging for hunters in all of Central New York.
With world-class gaming options, an award-winning spa, four-season golf and award-winning restaurants, this AAA Four-Diamond property offers an abundance of things to do. Plus, with 20+ restaurant and dining venues on property, your choices are endless. Grab a cold beer from local breweries at our lively Upstate Tavern, where American classics take a New York twist and no reservations are needed.
Or head up to the penthouse floor for a panoramic view at TS Steakhouse, where craft cocktails or an award-winning wine list welcomes you to the table. On the menu, enjoy a refreshing new take on steakhouse classics like chilled lobster cocktail, a bone-in ribeye with your choice of four scratch-made sauces or seared duck in season.
Reserve an exclusive hunt at The Preserve today
Few hunting experiences rival what awaits you at The Preserve – namely, some of the most pristine habitats and world-class hunting in the country. But remember, excursions to The Preserve are a beloved tradition for many of our returning guests — so availability can go quickly. Reserve your exclusive sportsman’s adventure early.
For available dates or to reserve your hunting excursion at The Preserve, please call 315.225.9748. For Turning Stone Resort Casino, please call 800.771.7711 or explore accommodations online. We look forward to welcoming you for this extraordinary experience.
1200x627.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
