Top Hunting Place in Niagara Falls, New York

May 29, 2025

Niagara Falls, New York, is widely known for its stunning natural landmarks and tourism—but beyond the roar of the falls lies access to some of the most fertile hunting territories in Western New York. The surrounding Niagara County region offers a mix of state lands, wildlife management areas, and agricultural landscapes that support healthy populations of deer, turkey, and small game. Whether you're a local or traveling hunter, Niagara Falls serves as a strategic base for outdoor adventures during all seasons.

Top Public Hunting Areas Near Niagara Falls

1. Tonawanda Wildlife Management Area (WMA)

Just 35 minutes from downtown Niagara Falls, Tonawanda WMA spans over 5,500 acres of wetlands, woods, and meadows. It is one of the largest and most biodiverse hunting areas in the region.

Game Species: White-tailed deer, ducks, geese, turkey, and rabbits
Habitat Type: Wetlands, flooded timber, open fields
Best Time to Hunt: Waterfowl in late fall; deer and turkey during early morning hours
Access: Free with NYS hunting license

Waterfowl hunters will especially love Tonawanda during migration season—it’s part of the Atlantic Flyway, offering exceptional duck and goose hunting action.

2. Oak Orchard Wildlife Management Area

Located about an hour east of Niagara Falls, Oak Orchard WMA stretches across Orleans and Genesee Counties and features a blend of hardwood forests, open wetlands, and brushy upland terrain.

Game Species: Deer, turkey, pheasants, waterfowl, and squirrels
Unique Feature: Stocked pheasant areas with NYSDEC support
Best Use: Archery and shotgun seasons

Oak Orchard is also ideal for first-time hunters, offering plenty of parking, maintained trails, and clearly marked zones.

3. Joseph Davis State Park

Only 15 minutes north of Niagara Falls in Lewiston, Joseph Davis State Park offers regulated seasonal hunting in a more compact, accessible setting.

Target Species: Deer (bowhunting only), turkey, small game
Ideal For: Quick morning or evening hunts without a long commute
Notes: Park permits may be required in addition to a NYS license

This location is great for urban hunters looking to squeeze in a few hours of bowhunting without leaving Niagara County.

Private Land Opportunities and Hunt Clubs

1. Western New York Deer Camp Leases

Several private landowners and clubs in Niagara and Erie Counties offer seasonal leases for bow and rifle hunting. These lands often include agricultural fields, woodlots, and access to blinds or tree stands.

Game Focus: Trophy whitetail deer
Lease Terms: From day passes to annual leases
How to Find: Check listings on Whitetail Properties, Base Camp Leasing, or NY Hunt Club directories

Private leases provide the lowest hunting pressure and best odds for targeting mature bucks.

2. Niagara County Pheasant Program Areas

Thanks to NYSDEC and local conservation clubs, Niagara County offers stocked pheasant release areas that provide access to well-stocked upland bird hunting zones, ideal for dog handlers and bird dog training.

When: Fall release begins in October
What to Bring: Blaze orange vest, 20 or 12-gauge shotgun with #6 shot
Locations: Check DEC website for updated maps and GPS pins

Top Game Species to Hunt Around Niagara Falls

White-Tailed Deer

Western New York is home to one of the densest deer populations in the state. Fields, river valleys, and forested ridges around Niagara County are loaded with prime bedding and feeding areas.

Season: Archery (Oct–Nov), Regular Firearm (Nov–Dec), Muzzleloader (Dec)
Pro Tip: Focus on transition zones at dawn and dusk

Waterfowl

Niagara Falls is perfectly positioned along the Great Lakes migration route, making it a hotbed for ducks and geese during fall and early winter.

Best Sites: Tonawanda WMA, Lake Ontario shoreline, marshes near Wilson
Season: October to January
Gear: Waders, decoys, duck calls, layout blind

Wild Turkey

Turkey hunting is becoming increasingly popular in the county, especially in agricultural zones bordering woodlots.

Best Time: Spring (May) and Fall (October)
Tactics: Use turkey diaphragm calls and realistic turkey decoys near morning roost sites

Upland Birds and Small Game

While deer and waterfowl dominate, Niagara County also provides opportunities for pheasant, grouse, rabbit, and squirrel hunting.

Best Gear: .22 rifle or shotgun
Seasons: October through February

Legal Requirements and Hunting Licenses in New York

All hunters in the Niagara Falls region must carry a valid New York State hunting license. Specific tags may be required for:

Big Game (Deer/Bear)
Turkey (Spring & Fall)
Waterfowl (HIP registration + federal duck stamp)
Bowhunting or Muzzleloader endorsements

Licenses are available at local sporting goods stores, the DEC website, and select town clerk offices.

Recommended Gear for Hunting in Niagara Falls Region

Soft Rifle or Shotgun Case: Essential for safe, legal firearm transport
Waterproof Boots: Must-have for marsh and wetland terrain
Tree Stand or Blind: Especially useful in open field and edge zones
Camo Layers: Weather ranges from 30°F in the mornings to 50°F by midday during fall
Binoculars and Range Finder: Ideal for scouting large public lands

Why Niagara Falls is an Ideal Base for Hunters

Close Access to Major Wildlife Areas
Affordable Lodging Options in Off-Season
Proximity to the Canadian Border for Dual-Season Hunters
Wide Variety of Game and Habitat
Great for both day hunts and weekend hunting camps

In addition to its hunting appeal, the area offers local butcher shops, taxidermists, and outdoor retailers that cater specifically to hunters.

Conclusion

Niagara Falls, New York, is more than just a tourist destination—it’s a gateway to some of Western New York’s best hunting terrain. From wetlands bursting with migrating ducks to thick woodlands crawling with deer and turkey, this region offers year-round hunting excitement. Whether you're trekking through Tonawanda at dawn or setting up a blind in Oak Orchard, Niagara County promises a rich and rewarding outdoor experience for every hunter.