Central New York Hunters May Need New Place to Hunt

With regular deer hunting season just days away and waterfowl season already in progress, The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has announced several Wildlife Management Areas in Region 6 may not be suitable for hunting.

Region 6 encompasses Oneida, Herkimer, Lewis, Jefferson, and St. Lawrence counties. Some of the issues stem from a lack of rainfall when it comes to waterfowl hunting, and ongoing construction, maintenance, and habitat management has other areas closed.

The lack of water is causing problems at the Perch River, Upper and Lower Lakes, and Wilson Hill WMAs. Construction at the upper pool on Perch River WMA will limit traditional access points and restrict parking. The floating dock at the Upper and Lower Lakes WMA is unsafe and will be removed with replacement planned for next year.

On Tug Hill, logging operations will be taking place throughout the hunting season. While the intent is to build a better habitat for snowshoe hare, ruffed grouse, and American woodcock, it will probably make for poor hunting trip while operations are on-going. The DEC recommends avoiding hunting especially along the section of Beech Street on Tug Hill.

For additional information about accessibilities contact the DEC Office at 315-785-2263.

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