Deer Hunting at Stewart Park

[John from Queens]

Hi Everyone,

Novice hunter here. Have people had much luck at Stewart for deer lately? I’m not so new (or stupid) as to ask about specific places to park or anything. I just want to know if it’s regarded as a decent place for deer these days. While I’m bothering people with newbie questions, is it still considered ethical to use iron (rifle) sights on a sabot slug barrel? (I believe Stewart is still shotgun-only). Thanks in advance for your time!

John

[2BuckBizCT]

@blackbeltbill can help you!

[Bucksnbows]

Don’t know about deer populations there, but nothing wrong with iron sights. 

[mowin]

Bill see deer there often while turkey hunting.  Iron sights are fine. Just as long as you are confident in them. 

[John from Queens]

Thanks very much for the information! I saw neither turkey nor deer while I was looking for turkey these past few weeks, but that’s on me, LOL. I’ll be sure to sight in, etc.

[corydd7]

3 minutes ago, blackbeltbill said:

I am trying to get Cynthia to post up here. From what She told me- there used to be alot of Deer at Stewart. Since the Internet  though--  not as many Deer. And the same Groups perform Deer Drives.

 

I think its crazy to do drives on stateland. Gives no consideration to other hunters, yuck.

John if your willing to drive an extra 30 minutes there is Rosa Gap State forrest and Gobblers Knob forrest to hunt. Rosa gap is very crowded opening weekend then thins out. 

Gobblers knob is small but few hunters. You will get an exercise though. 

If your interested in either spot send me a pm and ill point you in the right direction. 

[John from Queens]

That’s very kind of you! I will.

[cynthiafu]

Stewart sucks lately for  deer you will see them during the  season but only if the drivers bump them .  Not like it use to be . You always saw a deer . Now your luck if you see one or 2 .  Don't get me wrong they are there but opening day we have drivers by 9am  and they will walk right in front of you even after they see sitting there . They don't care . I don't mind so much . I sit on an escape route from where they push so if they push one and it comes my way I have meat 

[John from Queens]

This is really very helpful, Cynthia—thank you.

[John from Queens]

Opening day at Stewart for deer sounds as popular as opening day for pheasants!

[cynthiafu]

Since they changed it from 3 people to a vehicle  to as many seat belts . You now have buses coming in . Very over hunted now

[cynthiafu]

It is good for pheasants well . They use to keep up on the fields but now they don't as much 

[cynthiafu]

I grew up hunting there since I was 15 .  Way back when you would see herd of 15 to 20 deer  every day . Now your luck if you see one .

[John from Queens]

Wow. I’ve heard from a number of hunters that I’ve met about the changing game conditions in various WMU’s in the southern tier—how much more common ruffed grouse used to be, etc.

[Fab]

In the 80s and 90s.  Steward had deer.   Now. very Hit or miss.  Can’t recall last time I saw one their.