Top Hunting Places in Binghamton, New York

May 29, 2025

Located in Broome County along the Chenango and Susquehanna Rivers, Binghamton, New York serves as a prime launching point for hunters exploring the fertile hunting landscapes of New York's Southern Tier region. With its close proximity to vast wildlife management areas (WMAs), state forests, and game-rich woodlands, Binghamton is the ideal hub for both locals and traveling hunters seeking a variety of species and terrains. Whether you're a seasoned big game hunter or a first-time small game enthusiast, the areas surrounding Binghamton deliver a rich, rewarding experience throughout the hunting season.

Top Public Hunting Areas Near Binghamton

1. Whitney Point Multiple Use Area

Just 20 miles north of Binghamton, Whitney Point MUA is one of the region’s top hunting zones, offering more than 4,500 acres of fields, forests, and wetlands. This area surrounds the Whitney Point Reservoir, creating a prime spot for waterfowl and whitetail.

Game Species: Deer, ducks, geese, wild turkey, pheasant, rabbit
Habitat: Floodplains, hardwood forests, marshes, and open fields
Best Use: Waterfowl blinds along the reservoir; stand hunting for deer
Bonus: Pheasant stocking in fall

Hunters appreciate the diversity of species and the abundance of entry points throughout the MUA, allowing for flexible strategies.

2. State Game Lands – Hawkins Pond State Forest

Located in the town of Windsor just southeast of Binghamton, Hawkins Pond State Forest features over 1,500 acres of mixed hardwood and conifer forests. It’s especially popular among bowhunters and early-season rifle hunters.

Game Available: Whitetail deer, wild turkey, grouse
Key Terrain Features: Steep ridges, dense undergrowth, and mature timber
Tip: Best suited for mobile hunters with climbing stands

3. Triangle State Forest

Another hidden gem close to Binghamton, Triangle State Forest offers secluded terrain and low hunter pressure. The area is rugged, with plenty of natural funnels and bedding areas, making it a great spot for trophy deer.

Target Species: Deer, squirrels, turkey
Proximity: Approx. 25 minutes northeast of the city
Access: Free with valid NYS hunting license

4. Chenango Valley State Park (Archery-Only Hunts)

For hunters seeking convenience, Chenango Valley State Park just 15 minutes from downtown Binghamton, allows limited archery-only hunting seasons for whitetail deer.

Advantages: Easy access, maintained trails, and safety zones
Caution: Hunting permitted only during specific dates—check DEC rules
Ideal For: Beginners and urban archers seeking a quick hunt

Private Land and Guided Opportunities

1. Southern Tier Whitetails – Private Hunt Leases

Located throughout Broome and neighboring counties, Southern Tier Whitetails offers leased access to private farms with prime habitat and limited pressure. Managed food plots and trail cameras provide an edge for serious hunters.

Game Species: Whitetail deer, bear, coyote
Lease Options: Weekly, seasonal, or annual leases
Booking Tip: Best plots fill up by late summer

2. Professional Guides in Broome County

Several licensed guides in the Binghamton area offer whitetail, bear, and turkey hunting on both private and public lands. They provide pre-scouted locations, tracking services, and even overnight packages.

Best For: Out-of-state hunters or those new to the area
Added Value: Field dressing, transport, and trophy caping (removal of hide and preparation) available

What Can You Hunt Near Binghamton?

White-Tailed Deer

The Southern Tier boasts one of the densest deer populations in New York. With a mix of open farmland and mature woods, hunters can expect to see multiple deer per outing during peak rut.

Season: Archery (Oct), Regular Gun (Nov–Dec), Muzzleloader (Dec)
Recommended Strategy: Use trail cameras and hunt travel corridors between bedding and feeding areas

Wild Turkey

Turkey hunting in Broome County is exceptionally strong, particularly in areas with rolling hills and pasture edges.

Best Season: Spring (May) and Fall (October)
Tactics: Box calls and decoys in early morning setups

Black Bear

Though less common, black bear can be found in remote sections of state forests surrounding Binghamton.

Permit Required: Must add bear tag to your NYS license
Tip: Focus on acorn-rich ridges in October

Waterfowl

Whitney Point Reservoir and surrounding wetlands are hotspots for migrating ducks and geese.

Best Time: Late October through December
Best Gear: Layout blinds, decoys, and waterproof gear

Small Game

Great for new hunters and those introducing kids to the sport. Rabbits, squirrels, and grouse are plentiful in early fall.

Best Areas: Triangle and Hawkins Pond forests
Tools: .22 rifle or small-gauge shotgun

Hunting Licenses and Legal Requirements in New York

Before heading out into the woods, make sure you’re legally licensed and familiar with regional hunting regulations:

Required: NYS hunting license (resident or non-resident)
Tags Needed: Big game tags for deer and bear, turkey permits, HIP registration for waterfowl
Back Tag Rule: Must be worn visibly on your back

Licenses can be obtained online via the DEC website or locally at:

Town Clerk offices
Gander Outdoors, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and local gun shops

Top Gear Recommendations for Southern Tier Hunting

Soft Rifle Case: Essential for transporting your firearm securely between public areas
Climbing Stand or Ground Blind: Versatile and effective for wooded terrain
Camo Layers: Weather in Binghamton can fluctuate—pack breathable, waterproof gear
Scent Control Spray: Crucial in high-pressure areas
Mapping App or GPS: Terrain is rugged—offline maps help navigate effectively

Why Binghamton is an Ideal Base for Hunters

Access to Over 10,000 Acres of Public Hunting Land Within 30 Minutes
Affordable Lodging and Food for Multi-Day Hunts
Proximity to Outfitters, Archery Shops, and Processing Stations
Balanced Mix of Big Game, Waterfowl, and Upland Species

Binghamton’s central location in the Southern Tier provides easy access to a wide range of habitats, making it an excellent year-round hunting destination.

Conclusion

From hardwood ridges in Hawkins Pond to duck blinds on Whitney Point Reservoir, the area surrounding Binghamton, New York, delivers world-class hunting opportunities across multiple species. Whether you're tracking a late-season buck, calling in a spring gobbler, or teaching your kids how to hunt squirrels, this region offers some of the most accessible and game-rich environments in the Northeast.