My family has owned 75 acres in Hancock, NY for more than 30 years. I am in general agreement with the observations of Hunter115522 and Stratus. The past few years we've been seeing some better quality bucks then ever before, and the bear population is getting stronger too. But it is very hit or miss. One year we'll see a lot of deer activity, and the next we'll be begging just to lay eyes on a single doe. My neighbors on both sides have been planting food plots for the past couple of years, and that seems to be helping. In my opinion, you're better off trying to get out with the bow as much as possible, or the second and third week of the rifle season. Many times during the first week of gun season, the woods are literally overrun with yahoos who don't seem to respect any property lines. There is literally orange going in every direction. But things usually settle back down after Thanksgiving. Also, muzzy season is only 8 days and right before x-mas, so it is hard to take advantage of that tag. Hope this helps. Good luck.