Printer-friendlyWilson Hill
Wildlife Management Area
Wilson Hill WMA is an open water wetland adjacent to the St. Lawrence River. It is located in St. Lawrence County approximately 6 miles west of the village of Massena along state highway Routes 37 and 131. This 3,434-acre area consists of several large open water pools of approximately 1800 acres bordered by cattail, shrub swamp, forest, and meadows.
Being in close proximity to the St. Lawrence River, the area is ideal for nesting and migrating waterfowl. The shallow impoundments of the area provide habitat for dabbling ducks, diving ducks, and geese. In addition to waterfowl, wading birds, shore birds, song birds, and raptors including bald eagles and osprey can be found on the area. The emergent marsh that surrounds the pools supports an abundance of wetland furbearers including beaver, muskrat, mink and otter. Deer, turkey, cottontail rabbit, snowshoe hare, grouse, and ringed-neck pheasant can also be found of the area.
What to do at Wilson Hill WMA
Wilson Hill WMA is divided into three zones: refuge, restricted use, and public use. There is no public access allowed in the refuge area, however, there are two observation towers that are open year-round to provide wildlife observation opportunities. In the restricted use zone, there is no public access during most of the spring and summer. Controlled hunting and trapping are allowed during the fall and winter. Hunters must register to enter the area on those days the area is open. Trapping is by seasonal permit. The public use zone is open all year. Rules and regulations are posted at the headquarters.
Wilson Hill WMA is renowned for both it's excellent waterfowl hunting and observation opportunities. It is not uncommon to find 15 to 20 different species of waterfowl on the area during the spring and fall migrations. The observation tower along Route 131 provides a good overlook for birdwatchers. Deer and small game hunting is available. Big game hunting in the restricted area is archery only. Woodcock and grouse along with the pheasants that are stocked during the fall, provide upland bird hunting.
Restricted Activities
General restrictions on WMA's can be found in the Title 6, NYCRR, Part 51, Section 51.1 through 51.6. Additional restrictions are also enforced on portions of the Wilson Hill WMA. For a complete list of these, please see Title 6, NYCRR, Part 54.
For more information, contact:
Regional Wildlife Manager, Region 6
NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation
317 Washington St.
Watertown NY 13601
(315) 785-2261
| Upland | Yes |
|---|---|
| Wetland | Yes |
| Hiking Trails* | Yes |
| Nature Trails* | No |
| Accessible features for people with disabilities | No |
| Boat Access | Yes |
| Parking Lot | Yes |
| Viewing Tower | Yes |
| Scenic Vistas | No |
| Picnic Areas | No |
| Restrooms | No |
| Birdwatching | Yes |
| Camping | No |
| X-Country Skiing | Yes |
| Snowshoeing | Yes |
| Hunting | Yes |
| Fishing | Yes |
| Trapping | Yes |
| Endangered Species | Yes |
| Unusual Plants | Yes |
* A nature trail can be used as a hiking trail. In addition to allowing hiking, a nature trail usually has printed information along the trail and often has a printed brochure available.
