Canastota

[Just Lucky]

I am at training for work the next 3 days.

I was wondering if anyone knows of any  land in the area I could explore in my free time and attempt to muzzle load for a deer.

I see some county land on google maps but not sure if hunting is allowed. Thanks

[Robhuntandfish]

I have a lease just outside of stota but two guys are already hunting it this week or I'd say lets go!  (course havent seen a deer there since opening day).  I am headed to a spot i have permission to bow hunt in another spot this week as well 

But if you bow hunt - verona beach state park is open for Bow only.  Have to stop and get a permit (which is just a form you fill out and leave in your vehicle - they dont even take a copy) and they also give you a map.  There is a ton of land across the road from the park.  And i have seen pics of a 10 point taken out of there this year.  There is some pheasant hunters out there , but off of Popalton road to the right headed from across the park they dont go into. And also off of Sterling road.  

When they give you a map - check out the red trail - My hunting buddies wife works there and she said when they run that trail with daily checks they see lots of deer. 

But it is bow only    

[Just Lucky]

2 hours ago, Robhuntandfish said:

I have a lease just outside of stota but two guys are already hunting it this week or I'd say lets go!  (course havent seen a deer there since opening day).  I am headed to a spot i have permission to bow hunt in another spot this week as well 

But if you bow hunt - verona beach state park is open for Bow only.  Have to stop and get a permit (which is just a form you fill out and leave in your vehicle - they dont even take a copy) and they also give you a map.  There is a ton of land across the road from the park.  And i have seen pics of a 10 point taken out of there this year.  There is some pheasant hunters out there , but off of Popalton road to the right headed from across the park they dont go into. And also off of Sterling road.  

When they give you a map - check out the red trail - My hunting buddies wife works there and she said when they run that trail with daily checks they see lots of deer. 

But it is bow only    

Thanks. I do bow hunt but I did not bring my bow only my muzzle loader.

[loworange88]

If you drive about 20-30 minutes over the hill and head towards Morrisville, there are some plots of state land, Nelson Swamp, and Stoney Pond.

[Just Lucky]

27 minutes ago, loworange88 said:

If you drive about 20-30 minutes over the hill and head towards Morrisville, there are some plots of state land, Nelson Swamp, and Stoney Pond.

Thanks, I didn't see any special regulations on dec website.  Do you know if there are any

[remi1100]

Erieville about 20-30 min south of you.... lot of land down therr

[loworange88]

5 minutes ago, Just Lucky said:

Thanks, I didn't see any special regulations on dec website.  Do you know if there are any

I dont think so.  I've rifle hunted Nelson Swamp with no issues in the past.   Have not yet tried Stoney Pond.

[Robhuntandfish]

ive hiked and fished stoney pond a few times.  Theres a lot of trails around up there as it gets a lot of horse riders as well.  Jones rd has some parking spots to hunt.  There are some wierd almost random spots that pop up that are posted as it is such a weird boundry line.  

[land 1]

cicero swamp stand land is about 15mins away to the west

[Just Lucky]

Thanks for the info guys. Went and looked at stoney pond tonight. Only had about an hour of light but found several fresh tracks in the snow. Found a spot to sit. Gonna give it a try in the am before training.

[Robhuntandfish]

A pic of stoney pond in the summer.GF camps there every year. 

Good luck!  Lots of deer in Madison county.