Only 100 years ago Long island was a hunter's paradise with plentiful harvests of everything from deer and wild turkeys to migrating waterfowl. While most hunting these days is for a good parking spot at the mall, there are still a few remaining enclaves available to those who prefer to stalk their own meals rather than go to Stop & Shop.
Check with the DEC for permit information and season dates and understand all safety rules and issues before heading into a hunting area. Once you are set with the proper knowledge and paperwork, here are some nearby places to get away from suburbia and travel back in
time:
Rocky Point Natural Resources Management Area: With its 5,800 acres crawling with wildlife, it's one of the top public hunting spaces on Long Island. Reservations are needed for the hunting beats, but they are free. Bowhunters prowl the woods for whitetail deer from October to the end of December, and the shotgun hunters get their chance in January.
Fire Island National Seashore: Long Island's location puts it directly in the path of many migrating waterfowl species, and this is one of the finest spots to hunker down behind a blind and pick one out.
Otis Pike Preserve and Peconic Headwaters Natural Resources Management
Area: With the Peconic River flowing through it, this area offers hunting opportunities in the air as well as on the ground. Crow, pheasant and waterfowl are plentiful while hunters can also target deer, rabbit and other small game.
View the complete list.
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