Deer Hunting Areas

The charts below indicate which areas are included in the programs described below. Please note: Site maps for each hunting area are provided on the reservation pages for each specific site.

Archery and Crossbow Only

These sites are restricted to archery and crossbow only hunting. Unless otherwise noted, all listed sites are open to archery, crossbow, and firearm hunting opportunities.

Deer Management Program harvest data, 2014-2022

Ithaca Deer Management Focus Area (DMFA)

Hunters that wish to participate in the Deer Management Focus Area Program (DMFA) on Cornell Deer Management Program properties within the DMFA zone must also possess a Cornell Deer Management Program Permit.  Note that a DEC issued DMFA Permit is NOT a Cornell issued Permit. Hunters attempting to hunt Cornell properties during the DMFA January season without a Cornell issued permit will be prosecuted. For more information on the DMFA program visit the DEC webpage, including dates, rules of the program and how to apply, visit https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/82382.html.

Sites Recommended for non-ambulatory hunters

Dunlop Meadow

F9

Locator Maps

Click the links below for hunting program locator maps:

Mobile Map - currently unavailable while being updated

Tompkins County DMFA boundary and Cornell Deer Management sites

On-line Deer Management System

We are now using our Deer Management System (DMS) for: application, reservations, and reporting. Approximately 2-3 weeks after completing the permit application and passing the test, you will be notified of your approval for the Cornell Deer Management Program via email. You then will be required to create an online account for our Deer Management System to print out your permit, maps, manage all hunting reservations, and report hunting and harvest activity. Hunters must make reservations for specifics sites and days through the Deer Management System to hunt. Reservations must also be removed if hunters are not able to hunt on the reserved day. Repeated failure to remove unused reservations will result in the hunting permit being revoked.

More about the DMS:

• Rewards and incentives: We will again be providing an incentive component: returning, veteran hunters that have harvested an antlerless deer in the prior year will be allowed to make reservations for 7 days in advance the day’s date.  All other hunters will be allowed to make reservations for 3 days in advance of the day’s date.
• Hunting Activity and Harvest Reporting: All hunters must report harvest and hunting activity within three days after hunting for each reservation. You will not be able to make additional reservations until reporting activity is completed. Completing hunting activity and harvest reports for unfilled/non-hunted reservations is also required. Hunters with outstanding reports after the hunting season closes risk losing the privilege to participate in the program.
• Limited use of ATVs: are allowed at F9 only. Hunters using ATVs at F9 must follow the rules posted for their use on the F9 reservation page.
• New hunting map available: A link will be available on the site reservation pages.

Restricted Sites

Prospective hunters with questions about hunting at “restricted sites” or “restricted parking areas” such as Eames Bog Lot #1, Ellis Hollow Wetlands, Ringwood Lot #4, and Coy Glen Lot #4 should contact cudeerhunting [at] cornell.edu (cudeerhunting[at]cornell[dot]edu). Note that for this year McLean Bogs, Bandler Family Forest, and Edwards Restricted Sites are already full and are closed to additional enrollment.

Natural Areas

For more information on Cornell Botanic Gardens’ preserves, visit our on-campus and off-campus natural areas pages.

Additional Hunter Resources

Note: Cornell Botanic Gardens is providing the following information for the benefit of our hunters, and makes no claim of responsibility for the quality or reliability of services by third parties.

NYS firearm law

Become familiar with your responsibilities here

Venison Donation

If you are interested in donating venison to those in need, local Venison Donation Coalition Butchers are:

• Mountainside Outdoor Supply  Homer, NY (607-749-5714)
• Jon’s Custom Meats  Moravia, NY (315-497-0849)
• Ty’s Deer & Custom Meat Processing  Scipio Center, NY (315-364-8266)

Other nearby non-VDC Butchers are:
Tim & Beth Ceurter Richford, NY (607-657-8007)

Local DEC Environmental Conservation Officers

Osman Eisenberg (607) 564-9458
Jeff Krueger (607) 227-9584
ECO Emergency Dispatch Number (844) DEC-ECOS or (844) 332-3287

DEC Land adjacent to Botanic Gardens Natural Areas

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

Support for Educational Partners

primitivepursuits [at] cornell.edu (Primitive Pursuits), a local non-profit, is looking for donations of raw deerskins to support adult and youth hide tanning classes. If you are interested in supporting this effort, you can donate your hide to Primitive Pursuits by emailing their staff  for more information.

Program Contact Information

(607) 255-4362; cudeerhunting [at] cornell.edu (cudeerhunting[at]cornell[dot]edu)

Note this number is not a staffed line, but messages will be checked regularly.