Printer-friendlyOriskany Flats
Wildlife Management Area
The Oriskany Flats Wildlife Management Area is a 774-acre parcel of public land open to a variety of recreational uses, while serving to maintain, protect, and enhance the natural qualities of this piece of the Mohawk River flood plain. The WMA is mostly sandwiched between the Mohawk River on the north and the CSX railroad to the south. Routes 49 and 69 roughly parallel the site.
Habitat
Over half of the tract consists of fallow agricultural lands in various stages of succession. Fields in early successional stages support goldenrod, milkweed, and grasses while fields in later stages are identified by blackberries, sumac, and perennials. About 15% of lands are considered wetland habitat including shrub swamps, wooded wetlands and marshes, and a forested riparian corridor along the Mohawk River. The remaining portions of land are categorized as brushlands with such species as buckthorn, thorn apple, elm and ash present.
Wildlife
Given the diversity of the habitats, fish and wildlife resources abound. Many bird species utilize the area including; songbirds, waterfowl, shorebirds, and hawks, as well as game species such as pheasant and wild turkey. Thirty mammal species have been identified in the area, though white tail deer, beaver, and grey squirrels are most common. The Mohawk River system supports largemouth and smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and brown bullhead.
Uses
The Oriskany Flats WMA is open to hunting and trapping during the respective seasons, with no special permits required. Hunting opportunities are available for deer and wild turkeys and the area is used as a prime stocking location for ring-necked pheasant. Migratory waterfowl species such as mallards and wood ducks can be found along the Mohawk River. Both water and upland trapping are permitted within the management area boundaries. Fishing opportunities on the Mohawk River can be accessed by boat or shore. Other popular forms of recreation include hiking, canoeing, and birdwatching.
Facilities
The two major parking facilities are located on River Street on the eastern edge of the management area, allowing access to lands north and south of the Mohawk River. A canoe launch is present at the parking facility on the north side of the river.
Restricted Activities
General restrictions on WMA's can be found in the Title 6, NYCRR, Part 51, Section 51.1 through 51.6. The use of snowmobiles and all terrain vehicles is prohibited on the WMA by posted notice.
For more information, contact:
Bureau of Wildlife
NYS D.E.C.
207 Genesee Street
Utica, NY 13501-2885
(315) 793-2554
| 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 | No |
| 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.
