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Wilson Hill WMA Wetland Regulations

Fall 2009 Hunting Seasons

Wilson Hill WMA continues to be under construction, with many components of the project well underway. The purpose of this work is to substantially enhance the area's wildlife habitat. Hunting opportunities will be limited on the WMA during the respective hunting seasons while construction is in progress. Work is expected to last through
2010.

Regulations for the 2009 fall hunting season:

  1. Waterfowl, small game and archery hunting in the WETLANDS RESTRICTED AREA will be by daily permit on the days listed below. Hunters must register at the permit station. If the permit station is closed by posted notice, hunters must sign in at the registration box at the permit station. *
  2. Access is prohibited in all areas where active construction or equipment storage is evident and identified by flagging or signs. In addition, on Tuesdays and Thursdays hunting will not be allowed within 500' of the construction site and there will be no boat access, any day from the south shore at the Wilson Hill Road. (Includes Trappers).
  3. During the SPECIAL EARLY GOOSE SEASON (Sept. 1-Sept 25**), the YOUTH WATERFOWL HUNTING SEASON (Sept 19-20**) and the NORTHEASTERN ZONE WATERFOWL HUNTING SEASON (Oct 3-11, Oct 23-Dec 11**) the WMA will open for hunting on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. During these three seasons, hunting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise to 12:00 noon. Hunters may enter the area one (1) hour before legal hunting hours and must leave the area by 2:00 PM.
  4. ZONE A will be CLOSED during early goose season.
  5. SMALL GAME HUNTING (The area will be open for small game hunting, beginning on October 1. It will be open on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Small game hunting hours are from sunrise to sunset. Hunters must register at the permit station and may enter the area no earlier than one (1) hour before legal hunting hours. Hunters must check out or leave the area by one (1) hour after sunset.
  6. ARCHERY HUNTERS must register at the permit station no earlier than one (1) hour before legal hunting hours each day of any big game hunting season and may enter the area after registration. Archers must leave the area one hour after sunset.
  7. VEHICLE ACCESS Generally the main gate will be open to allow hunting access. Opening weekend of the waterfowl season (October 3 and 4), the gate will be opened 1 ½ hours before sunrise and closed at 2:00 PM.
  8. RULES AND REGULATIONS It is the responsibility of the permittee to know and abide by all regulations. Rules and regulations are available at the permit station, the DEC website and the Bureau of Wildlife offices in Potsdam (315) 265-3090 and Watertown (315) 785-2261 during normal business hours.
  9. HUNTERS MUST SUBMIT their game for examination before leaving the area when the permit station is open or sign out when the permit station is closed and the area is on self-registration.
  10. YOU MAY LOSE YOUR PERMIT PRIVILEGES violating the terms of a permit or for any violation of the conservation law or other law.

* As per regulations in Title 6 NYCRR Part 54, Amended Regulations to Wilson Hill Wildlife Management Area will be posted at the check station.
** Season dates tentative, pending final approval of Federal 2009-10 Waterfowl Hunting Regulations.