Steuben County topped New York in deer hunting for 2024, with nearly 15,600 deer taken, according to the Hornell Evening Tribune. That figure was over 6,000 more than any other county, helping drive a statewide total of 223,304 deer—an increase from 2023, though still below the five-year average.
The DEC highlighted Steuben’s dominance in all harvest categories and emphasized ethical hunting practices. Yates and Schuyler counties had the highest harvest rates per square mile. Notably, 66.9% of bucks harvested statewide were 2.5 years or older.
Despite a captive deer testing positive for Chronic Wasting Disease, no cases were found in the wild. Officials continue to monitor and urge caution for the 2025 season.
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