David VB

In 1980 there were 3500 to 4000 hunters registered. Armies of Orange and walking in 1.5 miles was required. Now there are only about 1600 registered, and it is very quiet. Still they don't walk in very far. High density at the roads and easy access points.

I wonder how far back I have these for? Here is 2009:

From this source: http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/wildlife_pdf/deerforecastr9.pdf Recreational hunting is a primary use for Allegany State Park, which comprises most of WMU 9S. This unit has the most public land available in western New York, being almost entirely forested with a good combination of hardwood and mixed forest. A few larger water bodies exist within this unit, including the Allegany Reservoir. Ample opportunities for hunting exist, but separate hunting permits must be secured from New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation for hunting within the Park. Though a separate permit is required, the process is relatively fast and easy, so do not be discouraged. The large wooded tracts and limited road access within WMU 9S are unique in western New York and attract hunters attempting to take a deer in a more wilderness-like environment. With adequate scouting, hunters can locate travel corridors through this heavily forested, mountainous terrain. Hunting near beaver flows or near an abandoned apple orchard (a hidden treasure) can be quite productive. Locating hard mast crops can also be very useful later into the season. The population of deer in this unit remains well below the objective level, and harvests may be as affected by hunter effort within the Park as by overall population levels. That about sums up hunting in the park. Use the maps, find the beaver meadows, hike to the top and find the hard mast ( White Oak, Red Oak, Hickoyr Nuts, Beech Nuts,...) or find the abandoned apple orchards. The entire place was logged off, so there are many old RR grades left over to follow. The permit is no big deal, it is on line, fill it out and carry with you. https://parks.ny.gov/parks/attachments/AlleganyRedHouseArea2017-18HuntingGuidelinesPermitApplication.pdf

Here is the forecast for DMU 9s. Pretty dismal outlook. in 1978 or so we were told that they were taking about 7 bucks per sqmi.

I have hunted in Allegany State Park since 1975. The ability to wander and hunt over most of it with it's big woods feel and mountainous terrain are why I have kept coming back. Cabins to stay in are also a plus as they make affordable hunting camps. I have seen the deer hunting change dramatically, from seeing 40 or more deer on opening day to hardly hearing a shot like last year. The changes to allow Sunday hunting, and the use of rifles and pistols have brought the park up to par with the rest of NYS. If this thread is active I will post more. Any interest?