LOL, I lived in Upstate New York for 27 years before moving to Rhode Island. Upstate New York consist of a lot of WOODS and TIMBER (depending on where you hunt) Most feilds are not over 400 yds. across (Some are) Most opportunities that you will get at shots in Upstate NY will be 200 yards or LESS. There is nothing wrong with a 30-30 for hunting in Upstate NY. With that being said there is nothing wrong with a 308, 30-06, or 300 win mag. I just feel you don't need that much gun in most hunting situations in Upstate NY. I used to hunt with a 30-06 up there (near Parrish, Pulaski and West Monroe areas) The 30-06 was more than adequate and in my opinion, too much gun. I switched to a 30-30 and that seemed to fit the bill better. I could push my shot to about 185yds if i wanted to, but seeing that I would never get that kind of shot off in the forest, even my 30-30 was not getting full use of its potential. The longest shot I made at a deer with my 30-06 was about 67 yds. The shortest shot was about 11yds. Depending on where you are hunting in NY and Im going to say (more than likely) You will NOT need such a caliber as a 300 win or 338. ......There was however a time when I had to bring out my .416 Rigby in Tully.........It was the year they had the attack of the "Mountain Elephants" That was in 1996 and they say they don't come around but every hundred years or so. So I doubt you will have to dig further into your arsenal and get your 505 Gibbs with a shepard scope anytime soon.