For Release: Thursday, August 20, 2009

DEC Expands Hunting Opportunities at Wilson Hill Wildlife Management Area For 2009

Area to be Open Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays During All Northeastern Zone Waterfowl Seasons.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced that Wilson Hill Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in St. Lawrence County will be open to hunting on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays during all upcoming northeastern zone waterfowl seasons. Hunting opportunities at Wilson Hill were limited in 2007 and 2008, due to New York Power Authority (NYPA) construction activity nearby to rebuild dikes. But after reviewing NYPA construction plans for this fall, DEC has determined that more hunting days could be accommodated this season.

"During the past two years, while hunters were asked to forego some of their days afield, many components of the Wilson Hill WMA re-construction project were accomplished," DEC Regional Wildlife Manager William H. Gordon said. "Work planned on the area for 2009-10 will finish the job and will enhance water level control capabilities, as well as improve the area's wetland wildlife habitat."

There will still be limitations on hunting in the vicinity of the Wilson Hill Road, as a new dam is expected to be under construction at that site during the entire fall season. As a result, public access will be prohibited in all areas where active construction or equipment storage is evident. In addition, on Tuesdays and Thursdays hunting will not be allowed within 500 feet of Wilson Hill Road. The northeast portion of the WMA, known as Zone A, will be closed during the Special Early Goose Season, and there will be no boat access any day from the south shore at Wilson Hill Road.

Specific regulations regarding the special conditions for hunting in the Wetlands - Restricted Area at Wilson Hill Wildlife Management Area during 2009 include the following:

During the Special Early Goose, Youth Waterfowl, and the Northeastern Zone Waterfowl hunting seasons, the WMA will open for hunting on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. During these seasons, hunting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise to noon. Hunters may enter the area one (1) hour before legal hunting hours and must leave the area by 2 p.m.

Small Game hunting begins October 1. Small game hunting hours are from sunrise to sunset on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. 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.
Archery deer 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.
Starting Sept. 1, the main gate will generally be open to allow vehicle access for hunting. One exception to that will be the opening weekend of the waterfowl hunting season. During these two days, tentatively set at Oct. 3-4, the gate will be opened 1 ½ hours before sunrise and closed at 2 p.m.

Hunters using the Wilson Hill WMA are reminded that it is their responsibility to know and abide by all area, statewide, and, in the case of migratory waterfowl hunting, federal regulations. Complete listings of the WMA's 2009 rules and regulations and the tentative 2009-2010 Federal Waterfowl Hunting Season regulations are available at the DEC website www.dec.ny.gov and the Bureau of Wildlife offices in Potsdam (315) 265-3090 and Watertown (315) 785-2261 during normal business hours.