Willard
Wildlife Management Area
History and Features:
The Willard Wildlife Management Area was originally a part of the Willard State Hospital lands used in its farm operations. Farm operations were discontinued in 1963 and the land was transferred to New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for hunting, fishing and recreational use. It is located in the Town of Ovid in Seneca County and consists of 135 acres of cropland, and 23 acres of woodland which borders on Seneca Lake.
Because of its past agricultural history, the crop land is rented to local farmers and income from rentals has been used to develop roads, trails, and parking areas. Other improvements to make this area more productive for fish and wildlife resources are planned for the future. Deer, pheasant and squirrel are the main wildlife game species on the area. Geese and ducks feed in Willard grain fields and that part of Seneca Lake adjacent to the area. Many other species of wildlife are found on the Willard Wildlife Management Area at frequent intervals.
Multiple use of the Willard area for agriculture and recreation has been very successful and will be continued.
Rules for Use:
- Hunting, trapping, fishing and other forms of wildlife-based recreation are allowed in accordance with the Fish and Wildlife Law and Regulations.
- The above uses are prohibited on unharvested cropland.
- Camping will be allowed by permit to groups in specified areas when adequate facilities are developed.
- Boundaries and parking areas are clearly marked, and any special regulations are conspicuously posted at all access points.
| Activity | Availibility |
|---|---|
| Upland | Yes |
| Wetland | No |
| Hiking Trails* | Yes |
| Nature Trails* | No |
| Boat Access | No |
| Parking Lot | Yes |
| Viewing Tower | No |
| Scenic Vistas | Yes |
| Picnic Areas | No |
| Restrooms | No |
| Birdwatching | Yes |
| Camping | No |
| X-Country Skiing | Yes |
| Snowshoeing | No |
| Hunting | Yes |
| Fishing | Yes |
| Trapping | Yes |
| Endangered Species | No |
| Unusual Plants | No |
* A nature trail can be used as a hiking trail, a hiking trail differs from a nature trails in that a nature trail usually has printed information along the trails and often has a brochure
