YOU ARE NOT ALONE

Both Stewart and Sterling are multi use areas so non-hunters might be using the same area that you are hunting in.  Even if regulations limit access during regular, (gun,) deer hunting season you can never know if someone will ignore or not even know of the regulations, for example, most non-hunters don’t know when any hunting seasons starts and you can bet that almost none will be wearing blaze orange or even looking for hunters.  In addition, other hunting parties that you don’t know about might be hunting in the same area that you are hunting in.  We have never had a problem in any location and we want it to remain that way. 

In addition to NY State laws and regulations, both Stewart and Sterling have their own rules and regulations including where, when and what you can hunt and other requirements. You must have a special license to hunt at Sterling Forest that only cost $5 but if you are only hunting stocked birds, the license is free and YOU MUST DISPLAY YOUR PERMIT IN YOUR CAR. Please make sure that you read, understand and follow all NY State, Stewart and Sterling Forest rules and regulations. You should know at some point you will checked.

SOME RULES FOR SAFE HUNTING IN MUTI-USE AREAS

• All hunters should always wear blaze orange clothing and hats when appropriate and always when going into and out of the hunting area. NY now requires orange or pink be worn when hunting.
  NYCRR 2.15
  (c) Specifications. Any person hunting deer or bear with a firearm or a person who is accompanying someone hunting deer or bear with a firearm shall display either:
  (1) a minimum total of two hundred fifty square inches of solid fluorescent orange or fluorescent pink material worn above the waist and visible from all directions; or
  (2) a minimum total of two hundred fifty square inches of patterned fluorescent orange or fluorescent pink consisting of no less than fifty percent fluorescent orange or fluorescent pink worn above the waist and visible from all directions; or
  (3) a hat or cap with no less than fifty percent of the exterior consisting of solid fluorescent orange or fluorescent pink material and visible from all directions.

• Always be aware of your surroundings and be on the lookout for others, both hunters and non-hunters.

• Know your target and what is beyond.

• Wear electronic ear muffs if possible.  You should protect your hearing but regular ear muffs or plugs might prevent you from hearing someone approaching you.

• We can't exclude non-hunters from using the same fields that we use so if you see anyone in the area that you are hunting in please suspend your hunting until they are clear.

• As a hunter, you have the same right to use the areas as everyone else however you should never argue with non-hunters. If someone confronts you, please try to take their name, license plate number or other information and report the incident to the appropriate authorities. NY does have Hunter Harassment laws.

Barron Rd.

56, 58, 59, 60, 63, 64, 65, 66

New Rd

Orlando Dr.

Ridge Rd.

20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25

Maple

7, 8, 9,10, 15, 16

Indian Hill/Orange Turnpike (Most birds here)

McCaegs Meadow

Lourel Meadow

STOCKING BY WEEK 2024

DATE

STEWART

STERLING

9/28

100

10/6

100

10/13

145

10/20

145

10/27

100

11/2

100

11/10

100

12/8

50

12/15

50

Stocking amounts, locations and dates can be changed without notice because of weather, access, funding, bird availability and other reasons. Locations can change yearly. DO NOT HUNT WHILE STOCKING IS TAKING PLACE!