Deer Management Program

Cornell Plantations relies on the assistance of dedicated volunteers, stewards, and other conservation partners to preserve, maintain, and restore natural communities and locally rare plant habitat within the Finger Lakes region.

Plantations is seeking responsible sportsmen to maintain or reduce deer populations through our sanctioned hunting program.

This is not only an opportunity to help preserve the integrity of these unique habitats, it is a privilege that is earned and maintained.

This year, sixteen natural areas encompassing 1700 acres will be open for deer hunting opportunities.

All hunters are expected to follow all Cornell Plantations and Department of Environmental Conservation rules and regulations and, to conduct themselves in a safe and ethical manner. Hunters that meet these criteria will remain eligible for annual renewals.

Natural Area Visitors

Visitors please note that all Plantations' Natural Areas with firarm deer hunting programs are closed for public use during the firearm deer season. Natural Areas are open to the public during the archery deer season.

Natural Areas with Deer Management Programs include:
(to view map, click on site name)

7H Wildlife Management Unit
Edwards Lake Cliffs #
McDaniels (Townley Swamp)

7J Wildlife Management Unit

Eames Bog (Mud Creek)
McLean Bog #

7R Wildlife Management Unit

Allen Tract (Cayuta Lake)
Bald Hill
Carter Creek (Connecticut Hill)
Coy Glen #
Dunlop Meadow
Fisher
Lick Brook *
Ringwood #
Slaterville 600 (Hammond Hill)
Polson (Snyder Hill)
South Hill Swamp * #
Tarr-Young

Sites identified with an (*) are restricted to archery only hunting. Unless otherwise noted, all listed sites are open to both archery and firearm hunting opportunities.

Sites identified with a (#) have free DEC Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) tags for eligible hunters, by request to Plantations. Hunters are expected to use purchased tags before requesting a DMAP tag. Priority will be given to hunters who have harvested deer in preceeding years. DMAP tag recipients must mail in a Report Card to DEC and must report their DMAP tag harvest to Plantations. Users must also agree to abide by the following conditions. DMAP tags are:

to be used only at the assigned site
valid for antlerless deer only
limited to two tags per hunter per year
must not be sold or transferred

To request a DMAP tag, contact Todd Bittner.

Prospective hunters with questions about hunting at Edwards, Eames Bog, or McLean Bog should contact Plantations' Natural Areas Director, Todd Bittner, directly.

For site specific and program information on hunting activity and harvest, visit our deer management program summary for 2008 - 2009 here.

Individuals interested in archery hunting at Plantations' Etna, Monkey Run, Turkey Hill, Bluegrass Lanes, Upper Cascadilla, Mitchell Street Hawthorn Thicket, or Fall Creek Natural Areas should visit and apply through the Cornell Earn-A-Buck Deer Management Program website to hunt these sites.

For more information on Plantations' sites, visit our Natural Areas Profiles.

Sorry, applications for Cornell Plantations hunting permits are no longer being accepted for 2009.

For approved permit holders only: Reserve hunting sites and dates with our new on-line reservation system (sorry, this site is presently closed).

Information on DEC Land adjacent to Plantations Natural Areas.

Hammond Hill State Forest (Slaterville 600)
Connecticut Hill Wildlife Mgmt. Area (Carter Creek)
Shindagin Hollow State Forest (Bald Hill)