Hunting for True Sportsmen
Ideally located in the heart of the Finger Lakes Region Whaleback’s terrain has something for every hunter: flat bird fields, rolling bush with edge cover, and mountainous areas of hardwoods for turkey and deer. Complete with streams and trout ponds, member’s campsites and a trail system Whaleback’s 700 managed preserve acres are 2000 feet above sea level overlooking beautiful Canandaigua Lake. This is pristine land with the most beautiful 50 mile views in Western New York State.
Mountain-Top Hardwoods at sun-set
At Whaleback Preserve, hunting is not easy but at our Private Preserve Club everything else is managed to perfection. That’s because Whaleback Preserve’s Hunting Land is beautiful, natural, and the game is wild and wiley. This is a Sportsman’s dream come true. Superb natural cover and beautiful Landscapes with private and safe hunting awaits members and guests with great upland hunting for Pheasants, Wild Turkey, and Whitetail Deer.
Angling
Whaleback Preserve has one stream with a damn and trout pond in the middle and one additional man made pond close to our clubhouse stocked with bass. Our trout pond is fed by the headwaters of the Clark’s Gulley and eventually flows into the West River and Canandaigua Lake. This natural stream enables self-sustaining trout spawning and keeps our trout population stable yearly. Breeders 24 inches are caught on deep wet fly or wooly buggers and occasionally on a “Sweet Whitcomb”. But trout of all sizes regularly jump for insects and dry flys on “Duck Lake” a peaceful and serine spot to cast or contemplate nature. One can camp on the side, watch hawks and ducks fly by, see deer and fox or just enjoy this scenic location.
Built in 2002 through 2004 by land owner Donald Lindsay this unique Whaleback treasure is in the head waters of the world famous Clark’s Gulley with 80 foot water fall.
The best time to fish as the Old Timers say, “Is when the fish are biting!” Please respect catch and release for Trout.
Our serene rifle range is on the shores of “Duck Lake” and Member’s may site in there slug shotguns or rifles here as well as fish in this location.
White Tail Deer
Whaleback Preserve Club is managed for Pheasants but natural fair chase White Tail Deer herd all wild non fenced all fair chase hunting is very good! Yates Country has one of the largest deer population’s per country in New York State. The deer population on South Hill, Middlesex, New York, has been one of the best genetic codes and most productive for quality whitetails over 2 years old. Annually for over 30 years, mature bucks in the 120 to 160 class range are sighted or shot. Members have a unique opportunity for first class deer hunting in addition to all other Club benefits. The Whaleback season follows the New York State Season for Bow, Rifle, and Muzzle Loader. Bear is also fair game in season but rarely seen in Fall.
Member’s Trophy New York State Bow Club 2008
Since 2005, the Club’s 60 owned and managed ladder stands, ground blinds and shooting houses for Bow as well as Rifle hunts allow 10 hunters per day for members except opening day of Gun when the club manages all reservations and allows more hunters. Advance Reservations are a must for all, just like our reservation system for Pheasants our Deer Hunting Reservations must be made on line. Members may sign in on their unique member page and request a time date and location or call Bruce 585-943-4698 for assistance in making their reservations. There is a 72 hour minimum to reserve a deer hunt on line for members and rules apply for safety and privacy but the office will help on any requests with notice call 585- 943- 4698. Every member is accommodated based upon “first come first severed” and each hunt is tailored to your wishes to the best of our ability to balance locations and safety.
Unpressured in the Preserve
Since 2008 QDM land management plans were developed for our hardwoods. The largest Whaleback buck taken was a 154 class 10 point in 1998, but we annually see larger deer and sometimes bear on Camera Recorders! 1950 Class Dear were taken on the hill in 2012 and 130 to 140 is more normal for big bucks locally. Guides are available and required if the member has not familiarized themselves with the parking, walking, and stand location prior to October.
Members may scout our woods and trail system by foot June through September. The Clubs owned tree ladder stands, ground blinds, and shooting boxes are moved from time to time based upon safety considerations and balance for productivity by the management.
Deer Hunting Rules are managed for safety first, privacy second, and of course, the hope that members can get a nice doe deer or QDM Buck. Hunting Skill and time in the woods is all part of successful deer hunting. Like any sport you have to be there to score! Does are legal with tags.
In 2014 Whaleback allows 3 tagged deer in season per family member that can be 2 doe and a QDM BUCK or 2 QDM Buck and 1 Doe. This is regardless of DEC RULES FOR OUR AREA. Whaleback is area 8-N on the D.E.C. map. Members must have proper New York State Licenses. Membership rules for deer hunting can be modified by the Deer Committee but are equal to all members.