Montys Bay Wildlife Management Area

Montys Bay Wildlife Management Area is 216 acres in size, and is located in the Town of Beekmantown in Clinton County, New York. The Wildlife Management Area includes a swamp at the south end of Montys Bay on the western shore of Lake Champlain, and a section of wetlands and uplands bordering Riley Brook. These parcels of land were acquired in 1966 with funding provided by the Park and Recreational Land Acquisitional Bond Act of 1960 and the Environmental Bond Act of 1972.

Map of Montys Bay Wildlife Management Area

Habitat

On the parcel, east of the Lake Shore Road, is a majestic old-growth silver maple-ash swamp. It covers most of the periphery of Point Au Roche swamp, like a horseshoe that grades into shrub swamp and emergent marsh at the south end of Montys Bay. Access the marsh from the west ROW (see map). Park on road next to the ROW. A short 500 yard bushwack will lead you to the mature stand.

As you enter the flood plain you will see massive cottonwoods, oaks, and silver maple, probably one of the oldest stands along Lake Champlain. Make sure to wear water proof foot gear. This old growth forest provides hollow nesting cavities for tree nesting species like wood ducks and songbirds. Hollow trees also provide winter denning areas for the resident raccoon population, squirrels and other furbearers.

Management

On the wildlife management area west of the Lake Shore Road is an active agricultural field. Every fifth year, farmers bid on 110 acres of prime farmland to plant crops needed in the local dairy industry. This generates approximately four thousand dollars each year which goes directly into New York State's general fund. Lessees are required to observe certain basic requirements or restrictions for good farm practices not in conflict with wildlife management for the Montys Bay wildlife management plan.

Montys Bay Wildlife Management Area has long been an important pheasant stocking area. Each fall the Department of Environmental Conservation releases these colorful birds for local use.

Waterfowl

Spectacular seasonal migrations of waterfowl will delight wildlife observers. Spring rains and high lake water from winter's thaw fills troughs and potholes in the area's grain fields. This attracts countless varieties of puddle ducks and other migrating birds. During the fall, the same fields become stop-over places for great flocks of canada and snow geese as they make their long trek south from northern breeding grounds.

Hunting, fishing and trapping are integral parts of the conservation and management of New York's natural resources and the various Wildlife Management Areas across the state are no exception. Pheasants and waterfowl entice hunters to Montys Bay while muskrat and mink attract the interest of trappers.

Rules For Use

The Montys Bay Wildlife Management Area is open year-round for hunting, fishing, hiking, trapping and other forms of wildlife enjoyment in accordance with the Environmental Conservation Law and regulations. Please check the annual syllabus for season dates and regulations.

Please do not drive through agricultural fields. Boundaries and parking areas are clearly marked and any special regulations are conspicuously posted at all access points.

The following actions are prohibited: swimming, over night camping, fires, and the use of all motorized vehicles or motorized water conveyances unless specifically stated.

For more information concerning Montys Bay Wildlife Management Area please contact the Region 5 Bureau of Wildlife at (518) 897-1291.

Please Observe Good Outdoor Manners:
If You Carry It In, Carry It Out