Cornell Plantations Deer Hunting Rules and Regulations

All hunting activities must be conducted in accordance with the conditions stated on the approved permit. The permit is specific to the hunter and may not be used by or assigned to any other individual.
The hunter shall comply with all state and local laws and ordinances governing hunting activities, including obtaining required licenses and permits.
Only white-tailed deer may be hunted. All other hunting is prohibited.
If you harvest a buck, you will be required to harvest an antlerless deer within two years to maintain eligibility in future years.
Hunters must record and submit daily hunting activity at the conclusion of the hunting season. The report is to be completed on-line at www.cornellplantations.org/deer. Hunters are encouraged to track your activity using this deer harvest report form. Individuals that fail to report hunting activity and harvest will be ineligible for future permits.
To keep on good terms with our neighbors - do not enter a neighbor’s property to track deer without their permission.
Tree stands containing screw in steps or any bark piercing stand equipment is prohibited. Permenant ladder and climbing stands are permitted, and must be removed at the conclusion of the hunting season. Small tree limbs (< 1 inch diameter) may be trimmed to set up the stand. Stands must be tagged with hunters name.
Legal firearms and muzzleloaders may be used in designated firearm hunting areas during the firearms and muzzleloader deer seasons, respectively. Click here for NYSDEC big game legal hunting implements. Crossbow hunting is permitted during the regular firearm and muzzleloader seasons at all sites, including archery only sites during the firearm seasons. Click here for NYSDEC crossbow hunting information.
While rifle hunting is legal in Schuyler County, it is PROHIBITED in Plantations Natural Areas.
Hunters must hike into and out of the natural area. Vehicles are prohibited.
Note that other users may be using the natural areas. Please treat other users with courtesy. Several sites have public access and trails. Please check your map to familiarize yourself with these locations.
Guest hunters are not allowed. If you have a friend that you want to hunt, have them fill out an application. If they are well-qualified they may be granted a permit.
Children and spouses of hunters: The hunter may allow no more than one of his/her own minor children and a spouse to accompany the hunter on the Natural Area. The child must be at least 14 years of age, have all licenses or permits required to hunt under State law, and must have completed a course in hunting safety. Children at least 12 years old and meeting DEC’s eligibility requirements in the Junior Bowhunting Program are also eligible. The hunter agrees to take full responsibility for the child, to keep the child within sight and reach, and to directly supervise the child at all times.
Hunters are required to take appropriate DEC hunter safety courses.
Vehicle parking: Parking areas are identified on each respective site hunting map.
No fires, camping, or littering.
Volunteer service at the preserve is encouraged and appreciated! We need your help, and we think stewardship by hunters is good for all.
Be careful. These preserves have many volunteers and visitors that walk and work off trail.
All hunters are encouraged to wear a blaze orange hat and vest when hunting with firearms or bow and arrow during the firearm deer hunting seasons.
You must notify Plantations if you are unable to hunt. This will allow us to provide hunting opportunities for other hunters and accomplish the goal of deer population control.
The University reserves the right to revoke this permit at any time. This permit must be presented upon demand to any University official or Law Enforcement officer. Permitted hunters agree to waive and release Cornell University of any and all claims for bodily injury while on this land. In addition, the hunter will be responsible for any and all damage done to the property should this occur and agrees to hold and save Cornell University harmless from claims of third persons which may arise from hunting activities on University property. It is also agreed to, that the hunter will reimburse the University for any costs, including attorney fees, which it may incur in connection with any action arising from his hunting activities on the university property.
Drugs, alcohol and poor sportsmanship will not be tolerated.
Failure to comply with any of the above rules will result in a warning or immediate termination of hunting privileges. Blatant disregard for Plantations Deer Hunting Rules and Regulations will result in permanent loss of hunting privileges on Cornell University lands.