For Sportsmen

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Hunting/Trapping Fishing Snowmobiling ATV

It's no accident that we focus heavily on the Central and Northern New York areas to bring you the best quality, recreational properties. Several of the property descriptions on our Land Sales Page, mention of the accessibility to the areas discussed below.

There are few areas that offer the sportsman outdoor opportunities such as the 2,100 square mile Tug Hill Region in New York State. Most newcomers to the area are genuinely surprised to find the outdoor resources available to everyone making it a recreational hot spot. Even though the Tug Hill Region is not as well known as the Adirondacks, Catskills and Berkshires, it has been discovered by many to offer the same, if not more outdoor activities. Whether you have a passion for hunting whitetails, catching Steelhead, riding ATV's or snowmobiles, the list of sportsman related activities runs very long.

Here are just a few of the treasures in the Tug Hill Region and why many people buy land from us in this area:

Hunting/Trapping

There are over 110,000 acres of public lands in the Tug Hill Region which is located in the Northern Zone for a 6-week rifle season and Sunday hunting. Our Oneida and Oswego County tracts consist of deep woodlands and farm country providing some of the most sought after whitetail habitat in the Northern Zone. The deer hunting in 6K (Oswego and Oneida Counties) is legendary offering generous bounties of antler and antlerless whitetail. Recent harvest reports show a 10% increase from previous years. Deer numbers are climbing yearly and doe permits are readily available. Year after year, feedback from our customers boast about shooting their "wall hanger" while hunting their own land. Resident and non-resident hunters find success due to the abundant state forest mixed into the rolling farmland. Oswego County has over 40,000 acres of public lands teeming with wildlife. Oneida County has even more available public land and has a healthy population of deer, wild turkey, grouse, migratory birds and small game with very low hunting pressure.

Fishing

Described by many to be the BEST fresh water fishing region in New York State!

Oneida Lake - This 51,000 acre lake, which stretches over 22 miles and is 4 miles wide is considered by many to have more fish per square mile than any other fishery in the northeast. Summer months provide anglers with bruiser smallmouth bass, walleye, northern pike and panfish. Wintertime provides tremendous ice fishing for walleye and perch. Fishermen from all over the country come to test their angling skills on Oneida Lake. In recent years, Oneida Lake has hosted several televised fishing events including ESPN Bassmaster Memorial.

The local bait shops and marinas are very welcoming and provide guidance and boat rental for "out of towners". Whether your enjoy wading for walleyes in October, drifting shiners for 4-5 pound smallmouth bass, spinning, trolling, ice-fishing or catching some rays while adrift, Oneida Lake and the surrounding area is a fine place to be for anyone who loves to be on the water. Several public access points are available. Most notably is Godfrey Point public boat ramp along the north shore. Others are: Highway 81 Bridge Access Area, Oneida Shores County Park, South Shore Access Area, Three Mill Bay Wildlife Management Access Area, and Verona Beach State Park.

Salmon River - It is fascinating to watch the expression on someone's face witnessing the Salmon River for the first time. Several "jaw-dropping" individuals run to the nearest tackle shop to outfit themselves and get on the river! Every year, thousands of trophy Chinook and Coho Salmon, Lake Run Steelhead, Rainbows and Brown Trout run the 12 mile stretch from the estuary at Port Ontario to Altmar, NY. The annual migration of fishermen soon follow creating an amazing spectacle - FISH ON! The Salmon jump clear out of the water and anglers hold on for dear life as they scramble down river, around boulders and gravel riffs to land their fish of a lifetime. These massive runs of Chinook and Coho peek in September/October each year. The Steelhead and Brown Trout move in aggressively feeding on the eggs and stay in the river throughout the winter, and the "hardy" anglers fish through the winter and spring for the highly sought-after Steelhead.

Snowmobiling

Snowmobiling is not a hobby in the Tug Hill Region - it's a part of the culture. The local communities embrace snowmobile season with the same passion as hunting season by grooming trails, supporting trailside lodges and hosting several annual events. The trail system is over 400 miles stretching across most of New York State catering to riders from all over the northeast who visit various trailheads. Christmas & Associates specializes in snowmobile properties to suit the ultimate winter sports enthusiasts. We often feature lands with direct access to these manicured trails and, as with all of our properties, offer an approved building site for your camp or storage garage. Keep an eye on the Land Sales page or talk to one of our land representatives for the most up to date information or personalized assistance.

Camden - Snowmobile Friendly!

Camden is the only Tug Hill village with a "snowmobile-accessible" downtown. All streets open to snowmobiles (except State Routes 13 & 69), and a lighted and patrolled parking area with direct trail access. "Slow and Quiet" protects our privilege of riding snowmobiles in the village.

ATV

For everyone who loves ATV'ing but has nowhere to ride, check out www.TugHillRider.com and become a member. There are 170 miles of trails in the Happy Valley Wildlife Management area and going north into the heart of the Tug Hill Plateau. Along the way, view beautiful rivers, bountiful state forests and quaint north country villages. Christmas & Associates has several properties with direct access or neighboring access to this adventurous trail. Call our office to learn more and ask for the ATV Trail System map!