It was going to be a textbook hunt on the final day of the 2024 New York State firearms deer season. My confidence was peaking. I’ve filled my share of tags on the last day of the season.
A soft southerly wind caressed the mid-December snow cover, directly from the south. So that necessitated a long hike, circling around the hunting property ridge-top woodlot. That way my entry point would be directly downwind of any whitetails munching and digging out acorns under the big oak stand.
Oak Duke: A missed opportunity right as a New York deer season slips away
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT
Read this article now.
Create a free Outdoor News account.
Create a free account below to get instant access to this article, thousands of Outdoor News stories, and our digital editions. Your 1-month trial starts the moment you sign up.
No credit card required
No credit card required
No credit card required
Subscriber? Login Here.
Share on Social
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email
Hand-Picked For You
Meet the new Minnesota DNR Fisheries leader: Shannon Fisher
Justin Runberg
November 4, 2026
Is striped bass fishing on the brink? Anglers and scientists sound the alarm
AP
November 6, 2026
DNR celebrates evolving Minnesota Conservation Herd for National Bison Day, Nov. 7
DNR Report
November 6, 2026
Ep. 109 – Heart of Deer Season
Dan Ladd
November 6, 2026
Ohio Division of Wildlife manager Comer retires after 32 years
John Hageman
November 6, 2026
Public launch in Tiffin newest scenic river access in Ohio
John Hageman
November 6, 2026
Related Articles

Dan Small Outdoors Radio: Show 2145
Site Staff
November 6, 2026
Delta Marsh in Manitoba offers outstanding hunting for canvasbacks, bluebills, and other ducks. DEX Fingerlight offers listeners a 15 percent

Is striped bass fishing on the brink? Anglers and scientists sound the alarm
AP
November 6, 2026
After eight straight years of poor spawning in the Chesapeake Bay, striped bass numbers are falling along the Atlantic coast.

DNR celebrates evolving Minnesota Conservation Herd for National Bison Day, Nov. 7
DNR Report
November 6, 2026
The Minnesota DNR donated 23 bison in 2026 to help start, grow other herds