Recently, I was able to join a cabin near Ellisburg, and while at the cabin and checking out the surrounding areas, I seen a decent amount of game (deer and turkeys) at least compared to the area of PA where I'm from. I've been fishing upstate NY for a number of years, but now with the cabin I thought I might try some hunting up there. Is there any decent public ground in that area, I might be able to look at. Also, would it be worthwhile to knock on some doors, as I didn't see all that many posted signs when I was driving around. Just trying to gather some information at this point.

i have a house/land not to far from there,
just east of Wtown near ft drum,
you have some great lands near you
Tug hill region has lots of state lands
try looking at DEC site for jeff county,
look for state forets and WMA,
looking for just one, might miss the other,
there are tracts of just a few thousand acres to +50k acre state lands, many conjoining giving you +100k acres of state land to hunt,
lots of maps and info on ny dec site
can also try this
http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/45415.html

Like Terasec says, contact the DEC for info on state land. You have gobs very close by.Even if land isnt posted, I would try to find the owners. Most areas will have local hunters,and without the owners permission you may not be welcome- signs or no signs.

I live in and hunt Jefferson county. I tried knocking on doors but everything is either already leased or hunting not allowed. There is some real good state land in Ellisburg and Henderson between Rte 3 and the lake. Ive seen some BIG bucks out there but like most state land once gun season rolls around it gets alot of pressure! Check us out on facebook http://www.facebook.com/TwinCountyWhitetails