Top Hunting Places in Long Beach, New York

May 31, 2025

Long Beach, New York, located on the southern coast of Nassau County, is famed for its oceanfront living and boardwalk charm. While it’s not a hunting destination in itself, Long Beach serves as a strategic coastal base for hunters who want to access Long Island’s premier public hunting areas. Within an hour’s drive, hunters can find exceptional opportunities for archery deer hunting, wild turkey, pheasants, waterfowl, and small game. For those willing to travel slightly east, Long Beach opens the door to some of the most rewarding and controlled hunting environments on Long Island.

Top Hunting Areas Near Long Beach, NY

1. Rocky Point Natural Resources Management Area

Located about 70 minutes from Long Beach, Rocky Point NRMA in Suffolk County is one of the largest and best-managed hunting areas on Long Island. Spanning over 5,000 acres, this archery-only hunting area is a hotspot for deer, turkey, and small game.

Game Species: White-tailed deer, wild turkey, rabbit, squirrel
Access: Requires NYS hunting license and Managed Land Access Permit (MLAP)
Season: October to December (deer); May (spring turkey)
Terrain: Dense pine forests, sandy trails, brushy cover

This location is ideal for bowhunters seeking a peaceful, fair-chase environment with low hunter density.

2. Otis Pike Preserve (Calverton)

One of the most well-known hunting areas on Long Island, Otis Pike Preserve lies roughly 75 minutes east of Long Beach. It features a diverse mix of pine barrens, open fields, and thick woodlands, all open for archery hunting only.

Species Available: Deer, turkey, stocked pheasant, squirrel
Best Season: Fall deer season, spring turkey season
Required: MLAP + NYS hunting license
Hunting Tip: Early scouting pays off—access points are limited and fill up fast during weekends

3. Sarnoff Preserve (Riverhead Area)

Just east of Otis Pike, the David A. Sarnoff Preserve is lesser known but offers quality hunting for those seeking a quieter experience. This preserve has fewer trails and requires strong navigation skills, but the rewards include decent deer and turkey action.

Best For: Solo bowhunters looking for low-traffic grounds
Gear Tip: Bring a GPS mapping tool—terrain is unmarked in many areas
Species: Deer, turkey, rabbit

4. South Shore Marshes and Bays (Waterfowl Hunting)

Being located directly on the coast, Long Beach hunters can access world-class waterfowl zones in the tidal marshes and inlets of the South Shore, including Hempstead Bay, Reynolds Channel, and the Jones Beach area.

Target Birds: Mallard, black duck, scaup, brant, Canada goose
Season: October to January (varies by species)
Licenses Needed: NYS hunting license, HIP registration, federal duck stamp
Equipment: Kayak or small boat, decoys, layout blind

This region is part of the Atlantic Flyway, and on the right day, offers limit-pulling hunts for experienced waterfowlers.

Private Clubs and Guided Opportunities Near Long Beach

1. Peconic River Sportsman’s Club (Manorville)

For those willing to invest in a high-end experience, Peconic River Sportsman’s Club offers private hunting for upland birds, deer, and waterfowl on managed lands. Located about 80 minutes from Long Beach, it’s a top-tier destination for elite hunters.

Amenities: Dog-friendly fields, trap range, private shooting lanes
Game Species: Stocked pheasant, deer, quail
Membership: Required – inquire for fees and guest access

2. South Shore Waterfowl Guides

Numerous guides and charter services operate near Long Beach and Freeport, offering fully-outfitted duck and goose hunts in bays, marshes, and off-shore blinds.

Best Zones: Jones Beach Inlet, Baldwin Bay, Middle Bay
Included: Decoys, layout blinds, scouting reports
Ideal For: New hunters or those without a boat

Top Game Species Accessible from Long Beach

White-Tailed Deer

Available in archery-only zones such as Rocky Point and Otis Pike, Long Island deer populations are healthy and growing due to controlled hunting pressure.

Season: October through December
Tactics: Stand hunting along travel corridors or edges
Pro Tip: Use scent control and arrive early—competition is highest on weekends

Wild Turkey

With increasing populations, turkeys are found throughout Suffolk County, especially in open areas with forest edge and pasture.

Seasons: Spring (May), Fall (October)
Tools: Box or diaphragm calls and hen decoys
Best Areas: Otis Pike, Sarnoff, Rocky Point

Waterfowl

Long Beach’s location along the Atlantic Flyway makes it a top choice for diver and puddle duck hunting, especially during cold fronts.

Species: Scaup, mallard, black duck, merganser
Season: Mid-October to late January
Must-Have Gear: Waders, calls, 12-gauge shotgun with steel shot

Small Game and Upland Birds

While not as popular as deer or duck hunting, squirrels, rabbits, and stocked pheasants offer action-packed hunts, especially for new hunters.

Best Location: Pheasant stocking zones at Otis Pike and Rocky Point
Season: October through February
Recommended Gun: 20-gauge or .22 LR for squirrels

Licensing & Regulations for Long Beach Hunters

To hunt legally on Long Island, you’ll need the following:

New York State Hunting License
Managed Land Access Permit (MLAP) for DEC lands
Federal Duck Stamp & HIP Registration (for waterfowl)
Archery/Muzzleloader Certificate (if applicable)
Back Tag worn visibly

Purchase licenses at local sporting goods stores or via the DEC licensing portal.

Essential Hunting Gear Recommendations

Soft Bow or Rifle Case: Legal requirement for transporting weapons
Portable Tree Stand: Best suited for Otis Pike and Rocky Point
Chest Waders: Essential for duck hunters navigating marshes
Camo Clothing & Blaze Orange Cap: Required for small game
OnX Hunt or HuntStand App: Navigate public lands and mark hotspots

Why Long Beach is a Surprisingly Strong Hunting Base

Within 90 minutes of Long Island’s best hunting lands
Immediate access to tidal marshes for waterfowl hunting
Close proximity to guides, boat launches, and gear shops
Ideal for bowhunters, duck hunters, and weekend warriors

Though it’s an urban beach town, Long Beach allows hunters to enjoy coastal living while hunting nearby, taking advantage of Long Island’s diverse game without needing to travel upstate.

Conclusion

Long Beach, New York, may be better known for waves and boardwalks, but it holds hidden value for those who know where to look. With fast access to archery-only deer zones, marshland waterfowl havens, and pheasant-stocked preserves, hunters living in or near Long Beach can enjoy the best of both worlds—modern convenience and untamed nature. If you’re willing to rise early and venture east, your next successful hunt is just a short drive away.