RE: public hunting land in central ny
When you buy your hunting license, they should give you a big game syllabus with it. There used to be a map of all the state land throughout NY in that. If not, try calling your local DEC office. Probably Syracuse for where you live. I could steer you around down here in the Southern Tier, but I don't really know much about your area. I know we see plenty of Deer from Rt 81 as we go through Syracuse and up towards Pulaski to Steelhead fish! Some nice racks also!
Goog Luck!
John