Top Hunting Places in Hempstead, New York

May 28, 2025

Nestled in the heart of Nassau County on Long Island, Hempstead, New York may not be the first name that comes to mind when discussing top hunting destinations. However, seasoned hunters know that this region serves as a strategic hub for accessing some of the best public and private hunting grounds nearby. With proximity to wildlife management areas and protected lands, Hempstead becomes the ideal base for hunters seeking both convenience and prime game opportunities.

Best Nearby Public Hunting Areas Near Hempstead

1. Rocky Point Pine Barrens State Forest

Located just over an hour’s drive from Hempstead, Rocky Point Pine Barrens in Suffolk County offers thousands of acres of dense woodlands and pine forests ideal for deer and small game hunting. The area is managed by the NYS DEC and features designated hunting zones with archery and muzzleloader options during specific seasons.

Game Species: White-tailed deer, turkey, rabbits, and pheasant
Permits Required: NYS DEC hunting license, Managed Land Access Permit
Best Time to Hunt: Late October through mid-December for deer

2. Otis Pike Preserve – Calverton

A part of the Long Island Pine Barrens Preserve, Otis Pike offers over 5,000 acres of rugged terrain filled with brushland and hardwoods. It’s one of the few accessible spots near Hempstead where bowhunting thrives, especially during the early deer season.

Game Species: Whitetail deer, squirrels, wild turkeys
Unique Features: Tranquil, low-pressure hunting environment
Tips: Arrive early for tree stand setups—spots fill up fast on weekends

3. David A. Sarnoff Preserve

Another accessible gem near Hempstead, this preserve allows hunting during specific seasons and requires close attention to posted signage and DEC regulations. While often overlooked, this area offers surprising success rates for small game and archery hunters.

Game Species: Rabbits, raccoons, woodcock
Ideal Season: October through early February
Pro Tip: Use lightweight gear—terrain can be marshy in spots

Top Private Hunting Clubs and Leased Lands

1. Peconic River Sportsman's Club

Membership-based and highly exclusive, Peconic River Sportsman's Club offers a premium experience for those serious about upland game and waterfowl hunting. Located about 90 minutes from Hempstead, the club maintains controlled hunting environments and well-stocked pheasant fields.

Game Available: Pheasants, quail, ducks, whitetail deer
Additional Activities: Fishing, skeet shooting, dog training grounds
Membership Fees: Varies—contact club for annual dues and seasonal rates

2. Long Island Whitetails LLC

For hunters focused on trophy bucks, Long Island Whitetails manages multiple private tracts of land and provides guided hunts tailored to deer season. Their properties are discreetly located throughout Suffolk County, allowing for maximum privacy and mature herd management.

Game Focus: Trophy whitetail deer
Guided Packages: Half-day to multi-day hunts with accommodation options
Booking Window: Fills early in the year—advanced reservations are a must

Hunting Regulations and Licensing in Hempstead

All hunting activities in or around Hempstead require a valid New York State hunting license, which varies by residency status and target species. The NYS DEC offers:

Big Game Licenses for deer and bear
Small Game Licenses for rabbits, squirrels, birds
Trapping and Bowhunting Endorsements

Where to Get Licensed Near Hempstead:

Town of Hempstead Conservation and Waterways Dept.
Local sporting goods stores like Dick’s Sporting Goods (Freeport, NY)
Online through NYS DEC’s portal

Always review the latest NYS Hunting Regulations Guide for updated season dates, bag limits and weapon restrictions.

Best Game to Hunt Near Hempstead (Village)

White-Tailed Deer

Long Island is known for its healthy deer population, especially in managed preserves and protected lands. The archery season typically begins in early October and continues through January in some WMUs.

Eastern Wild Turkey

Though less common than deer, turkey hunting has grown in popularity. Spring season in May is your best bet.

Waterfowl

Hempstead’s proximity to the South Shore makes it a great base for duck and goose hunters targeting migratory birds in coastal marshes and impoundments.

Small Game and Upland Birds

Whether it’s squirrel, rabbit, or stock-released pheasants, Long Island’s varied terrain supports a wide array of small game hunting adventures.

Top Gear Recommendations for Hunting Near Hempstead

Invest in gear that’s lightweight and waterproof due to Long Island’s fluctuating late-fall conditions:

Soft Rifle Case: Choose a durable, padded rifle case for public land hikes
Waterproof Boots: Essential for marshy preserves like Otis Pike
Climbing Tree Stand: Ideal for deer hunting in dense woodlands
Trail Cameras: Great for scouting in less-trafficked zones

Tips for Planning Your Trip

Scout Early: Visit potential hunting zones off-season for best trail knowledge
Arrive at Dawn: Public lands fill quickly—get there before sunrise
Check Wind Direction: Long Island breezes shift often—adjust stand location accordingly
Use Local Butchers: Several game processors in Nassau and Suffolk counties serve hunters, especially during deer season

Why Hempstead Makes a Strategic Hunting Base

While the village of Hempstead itself is residential, its central location on Long Island makes it a strategic hub for hunters who want access to both western and eastern game lands without venturing too far from amenities, lodging, or outfitting stores.

Close to LIRR stations and major highways
Access to licensed guides and hunting shops
Mild climate allows for extended hunting window

Conclusion

For hunters looking to combine accessibility, diversity of game, and manageable terrain, Hempstead (village), New York, provides a surprising number of advantages. Whether you're pursuing big game on public preserves or booking a high-end guided experience, the area stands out as a practical and rewarding starting point for Long Island hunting adventures.