Fall NY Turkey Hunt

erik

Not that I am wishing the summer away, but I am trying to prepare now for the Fall Turkey Hunt in NY - non-resident license & turkey tag, ATF6NIA, and of course where to go.

Unfortunately, NY is a bit far to head down and just scout so I am stuck with the WAG theory of where to hunt (wild assed guess).... error sorry.... calculated guess.

I was hunting in South Western Ontario and ran into a guy from PA and he said he hunts on public land and that most of his successful hunts have been on public lands - but in PA so he could not help me out for NY. I have downloaded the turkey harvests in NY from 1999-2004 and it looks like in general they have been declining. Does anyone know why there has been such a large decline in turkey harvests since 1999?

In any case it looks like Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, and Steuben look promising. My question is this: Are these good counties for Turkey, and if so where can I find public land to hunt in each of these counties?

Any information would be greatly appreciated. All the best.... now enjoy your summer

Thanks
erik