The 2024-25 deer hunting season in New York State wrapped up with impressive numbers, and the Finger Lakes region stole the show. Hunters across the state brought in a hefty haul, but the Western Finger Lakes and Lake Ontario Plains areas stood out with some of the highest deer harvest density in the state. This season wasn’t just about numbers, though—it also highlighted the ongoing battle to keep chronic wasting disease (CWD) at bay, with encouraging results for New York’s wild deer population. Here’s a deep dive into the season’s highlights, what made the Finger Lakes so successful, and why hunters are key to protecting the future of deer hunting.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) reported that hunters harvested an estimated 223,304 deer during the 2024-25 season. This included 122,427 antlered bucks—those prized adult males—and 100,877 antlerless deer, which include adult females and fawns. Compared to the previous season, this marked a solid 9% jump in buck harvests and a 3% increase in antlerless deer. While the total harvest fell slightly below the five-year average, the numbers still reflect a strong season, especially in certain hotspots.
The Finger Lakes region, particularly Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) like 8G, 8H, 8M, 8N, 8R, 8S, 8T, and 8X, led the state with over 10 deer harvested per square mile. WMU 8R topped the charts with an impressive 15.7 deer per square mile, a figure that had local hunters buzzing with pride. For comparison, the lowest harvest density was in WMU 5F, with just 0.6 deer per square mile. The Finger Lakes’ success comes down to a mix of prime habitat, healthy deer populations, and dedicated hunters who know the land like the back of their hands. Rolling hills, dense forests, and open fields in the region create ideal conditions for white-tailed deer, and hunters have clearly capitalized on it.
One standout trend this season was the age of the bucks. Statewide, 66.9% of Bieber bucks were 2.5 years or older, a big leap from 52% a decade ago and just 30% back in the 1990s. Older bucks mean bigger antlers and healthier herds, which is music to the ears of hunters who value both the challenge and the trophy. This shift shows that New York’s deer management strategies, like selective harvesting and habitat conservation, are paying off.
Hunters also stepped up in reporting their harvests, with 53.6% complying with the DEC’s requirement to report within seven days. This is a notable improvement over the five-year average of 48.2%. The DEC checked 13,488 hunter-harvested deer in 2024 to gather data on age, sex, and antler size, which helps fine-tune future management plans. Crossbows accounted for 18,372 deer harvests, though traditional vertical bows still outpaced them by more than double.
Beyond the numbers, the season brought renewed focus on chronic wasting disease, a fatal neurological condition that threatens deer, elk, and moose. In fall 2024, a case of CWD was confirmed in a captive red deer herd in Herkimer County, about 100 miles northeast of the Finger Lakes. This raised alarms, as CWD can spread to wild populations and devastate herds. The DEC, working with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets and the USDA, tested all captive deer at the facility. They also ramped up surveillance of wild deer, collecting samples from over 200 white-tailed deer in the six towns surrounding the site. The good news? None tested positive, offering hope that CWD hasn’t jumped to wild deer in the area.
Statewide, the DEC tested 3,189 deer for CWD in 2024, the most since 2008. Since 2002, over 69,000 deer have been tested, with no positive cases in wild deer since 2005. This is a testament to New York’s proactive approach, but the DEC isn’t letting its guard down. A detailed report on the Herkimer County incident and plans for ongoing surveillance is available on their website, underscoring their commitment to keeping CWD out of the wild.
Hunters play a huge role in this fight. The DEC urges them to follow simple but critical guidelines: debone game before bringing it into New York from other states, avoid deer urine-based lures (or use synthetics), dispose of carcass waste in landfills, and report any deer that look sick or act strangely. These steps help protect the state’s deer and the hunting tradition that so many cherish.
The Finger Lakes’ dominance this season isn’t just a win for local hunters—it’s a reminder of why New York’s deer hunting culture thrives. The region’s mix of natural beauty, abundant game, and conservation-minded hunters creates a perfect storm for success. Whether it’s the thrill of tracking a mature buck through the woods or the satisfaction of providing venison for the table, the 2024-25 season showed why hunting remains a cornerstone of outdoor life in New York.
For those planning next season, the DEC’s Deer and Bear Hunting webpage offers past harvest summaries and management plans to help hunters understand population goals and regulations. With the Finger Lakes leading the charge, there’s no better time to gear up, scout the land, and join the ranks of hunters keeping New York’s deer herd healthy and sustainable.
