I've hunted the Southern Tier area (Steuben Co.) since the mid 60's. The hunting is quite good in some areas, and there are several State lands available for use. We regularly have deer, turkey, squirrels by the truckload, black bears are getting higher populations, grouse (up and down), pheasants (up and down), rabbits (up and down) coyotes (pretty much quite abundant now), etc. Kind of depends on your likes. The deer tend to be not huge in the antler department (many yearlings are killed ) although there certainly are some big ones around. Hunting pressures can be high for firearms seasons...especially openers and holidays. Archery seasons are good and hunting pressures are much lower...especially on public land. There is huntable private land but you must seek it out. Good luck. BTW, NY taxes suck. I left there in the 70's and am now a non-resident hunter.