Top Hunting Places in Freeport, New York

May 30, 2025

Freeport, New York, located on the South Shore of Long Island, is best known for its waterfront charm, vibrant marinas, and rich maritime culture. But for dedicated hunters, Freeport serves as a strategic coastal hub to access some of the best public and private hunting lands in Nassau and Suffolk Counties. While the village itself isn’t home to hunting grounds due to its urban density, it offers close proximity to well-managed lands that support a wide variety of game—from white-tailed deer and wild turkey to waterfowl and small game.

Top Hunting Areas Near Freeport, NY

1. Rocky Point Natural Resources Management Area (Suffolk County)

Approximately an hour's drive east of Freeport, Rocky Point NRMA is one of the most popular hunting destinations on Long Island. Managed by the NYS DEC, this 5,000-acre parcel offers archery-only deer hunting, preserving a quiet and controlled environment.

Game Species: White-tailed deer, wild turkey, squirrels, rabbits
Hunting Season: October through December (deer); May (spring turkey)
Access: Requires a Managed Land Access Permit in addition to a NYS hunting license
Tip: Early morning tree stand placement along natural funnels increases success rates

2. Otis Pike Preserve – Calverton

Otis Pike is a vast and rugged area located just 60–75 minutes from Freeport. It’s a prime destination for hunters looking for large tracts of uninterrupted forest and fields.

Game Species: Deer, turkey, small game
Key Features: Diverse habitat, from pine barrens to hardwood ridges
Tactics: Still-hunting and stand-hunting both prove effective here
Ideal Use: Multi-day hunts benefit from scouting beforehand

3. David A. Sarnoff Preserve

Located near Riverhead, this lesser-known location offers excellent archery opportunities in a more secluded setting. It’s open during specific hunting windows and has light hunting pressure compared to nearby WMAs.

Target Species: Deer, turkey, woodcock
Best For: Bowhunters seeking remote zones away from crowds
Pro Tip: Pack light and use GPS—the interior terrain can be disorienting

4. Waterfowl Hunting on South Shore Bays

Freeport’s proximity to the Great South Bay makes it an excellent jumping-off point for waterfowl hunting. Duck and goose hunting is seasonally permitted in tidal zones and salt marshes under specific regulations.

Species: Black duck, mallards, scaup, brant, and Canada goose
Season: October through January (varies by species and zone)
Required: NYS hunting license, HIP registration, federal duck stamp
Tips: Use layout blinds and boat-based decoy spreads to hunt shoreline pockets

Private Hunting Clubs & Leased Access Near Freeport

1. Peconic River Sportsman’s Club (Manorville)

Among the most prestigious hunting clubs on Long Island, Peconic River SC offers a full-service experience for upland game, deer, and waterfowl hunters. It’s a 75-minute drive from Freeport and features:

Private Stocked Pheasant Fields
Whitetail Deer Zones
Sporting Clays and Dog Training Grounds
Guided Packages Available

Membership is limited and spots fill up quickly, especially during the fall.

2. Long Island Waterfowl Guides

For those without a boat or experience navigating tidal zones, professional guides based in Freeport and surrounding towns offer fully-outfitted waterfowl trips. These include decoys, blinds, and location scouting.

Best Areas: Jones Beach Inlet, Freeport creeks, Fire Island
Success Rate: High during cold fronts and migration peaks
Booking: Seasonal packages or single-day hunts

What You Can Hunt Near Freeport

White-Tailed Deer

While deer hunting is limited to archery on Long Island, the population is healthy and well-managed, particularly in Suffolk County. Hunters can find excellent bucks in remote patches of DEC-managed land.

Season: Archery only (October–December)
Tactic: Tree stand placement on travel routes or near food plots

Wild Turkey

Eastern Long Island supports a growing wild turkey population, and spring gobbler hunts have gained popularity in recent years.

Season: Spring (May), Fall (October)
Strategy: Box or diaphragm calls; set up along edge habitat at dawn

Waterfowl

Freeport provides direct access to brackish marshes and inlets that attract migratory birds along the Atlantic Flyway. It’s one of the top regions on Long Island for diving and dabbling ducks.

Peak Times: After a cold snap or nor’easter in late November
Gear Required: Waders, duck calls, spread of at least 12–18 decoys

Small Game

Though not as commonly targeted as deer or ducks, rabbits, squirrels, and pheasants are present in many public zones and private leases.

Season: October–February
Best Location: Stocked areas in Otis Pike and Rocky Point
Shotgun Suggested: 20 or 12 gauge with #6 or #7.5 shot

License Requirements for Freeport-Based Hunters

All hunters in the Freeport area must possess:

NYS Hunting License (resident or non-resident)
Managed Land Access Permit for Rocky Point, Otis Pike, and similar properties
Federal Duck Stamp & HIP Registration for waterfowl
Back Tag (must be worn while hunting)
Archery or Muzzleloader Certification, where applicable

Licenses and permits can be obtained at local sporting goods stores, Freeport Village Hall, or online via the DEC website.

Best Gear for Hunting Near Freeport

Soft Rifle or Bow Case: Required for transport and essential for treestand access
Waders and Waterproof Clothing: Crucial for marsh hunts
Climbing Tree Stand: Perfect for mobile bowhunting
Camo with Blaze Orange Cap: Required on certain public lands
OnX or HuntStand App: Helps navigate regulated zones and boundaries

Why Freeport Is a Hidden Gem for Hunters

Though not a traditional hunting town, Freeport’s location offers a unique mix of quick access to both waterfowl and land game opportunities. From inshore duck blinds to archery-only trophy bucks, it’s the ideal base for weekend hunters and seasoned sportsmen alike.

Easy Drive to Suffolk Public Lands
Boat Ramps and Guide Services Available
Pheasant Stocking Areas Within 60–90 Minutes
Local Supportive Outfitters and Processing Services

Conclusion

Freeport, New York, may be a bustling seaside village, but it provides access to some of the most diverse and rewarding hunting experiences on Long Island. Whether you're chasing whitetails in the woods of Otis Pike or setting decoys along a South Shore creek at sunrise, Freeport provides everything you need to pursue your passion—within an hour’s reach. The access, biodiversity, and community support make this an underrated but highly effective hunting hub.