Tioga County produces some of the top whitetail deer, wild turkey and small game in New York State.  We also offer numerous hunting on professionally managed, and private, wildlife hunting preserves.  In terms of statistical trends, however, there's little doubt that the happening place in the region is Tioga County, where hunters killed 12.8 deer per square mile in 2001. The countywide harvest of 6,660 deer included 2,632 bucks.

Turkey:  The turkey hunting season in New York opens around the first of May. Hunting enthusiasts claim 10:00 a.m. to be the best time to bag your bird.  Although New York does not require blaze orange hunting gear for turkey hunting, it is a safety precaution to wear the hat.

Deer:  Tioga County is one of New York State's top producing whitetail deer areas. Our large, healthy deer population is due to the excellent habitat found here. Large tracks of state land and readily accessible private land provide excellent whitetail deer hunting opportunities.

Small Game:  Small game is considered to be rabbits, squirrels, gamebirds (pheasant, grouse, quail), turkey, etc. Seasons vary depending on the animal. Rabbits are from Oct-Feb, squirrel is Sept-Feb, turkey is Oct-Nov and in the spring (bearded birds only), May.  For specific dates, see DEC's website at www.dec.state.ny.us