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Vosburgh Swamp Wildlife Management Area

huntingtrappingicon for fishing showing a fish and a hookbird viewing areaparkingaccessibleicon key

Vosburgh Swamp WMA Locator Map

Waterfowl hunters, please see the advisory below under Hunting.

The primary purposes of Vosburgh Swamp Wildlife Management Area (WMA) are for wildlife management, wildlife habitat management, and wildlife-dependent recreation. This WMA consists of 290 acres of forested uplands, tidal forested wetlands, tidal marsh, and small areas of freshwater wetlands. The WMA was acquired from Scenic Hudson in 2012 and 2015.

The wetlands in Vosburgh Swamp WMA
View of the wetlands in Vosburgh Swamp WMA.

This property is an important feature of the Hudson River Estuary. The various upland and wetland habitat types found on the WMA support a great variety of fish, wildlife, and plant species. There are several unique ecological communities to explore and a great variety of wildlife species to view. Vosburgh Swamp was formerly directly tidal, but due to human development spanning back over 100 years, it is now tidally influenced and is very shallow. Because it is so shallow, fishing opportunities are limited to carp.

DEC does not own all of Vosburgh Swamp itself. Currently, DEC ownership includes the north end and the eastern half of the lower portion of the swamp. Adjoining private landowners also have access to the swamp from their properties.

Featured Activities

Hunting and Trapping

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trapping

Wildlife Management Unit: 4S

General information on hunting and general information on trapping includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules, and regulations.

White-tailed deer, waterfowl, and a variety of small game species offer ample hunting and trapping opportunities. Wildlife Management Unit 4S is subject to antler restrictions for deer hunting. Beaver and muskrat are found in Vosburgh Swamp. Additional furbearer species include mink, fisher, and coyote. Vosburgh Swamp WMA is a popular and productive waterfowl hunting area. Some portions of the WMA are close to residences so hunters must be aware of their surroundings and be careful to abide by discharge setbacks as set by the Environmental Conservation Law for their hunting implement. Please be sure to abide by all game laws (view hunting seasons and trapping seasons).

Waterfowl Hunter Advisory (September 2020): The dike at the south end of Vosburgh Swamp, which has served to maintain water levels, was eroded by a severe storm in 2019. As a result, water levels in the swamp are lower than in prior years, and more greatly influenced by tides. If you are planning to hunt waterfowl in Vosburgh Swamp, it would be best to plan your trip during or just a few hours after the highest tides. A tide height of less than 4.0 feet will likely not provide sufficient water for boating, especially in the north end of the swamp.

Fishing

icon for fishing showing a fish and a hook

General information on fishing includes how-to and safety tips and links to seasons, rules, and regulations.

Vosburgh Swamp WMA is open to fishing. The Hudson River shoreline sections of the WMA along Four Mile Point Road are popular for striped bass fishing in the spring. Because Vosburgh Swamp itself is so shallow, there are few fishing opportunities there, although carp can be found.

Wildlife

bird viewing area

General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state.

Deer, turkeys, black bears, squirrels, and a host of songbirds frequent the area. Use the Wildlife Management Area Vertebrate Checklist (PDF) and the Wildlife Management Area Bird Checklist (PDF) as wildlife viewing guides.

Accessible Features

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General information on accessible recreation includes links to other locations with accessible recreation opportunities and information on permits for motorized access.

An accessible waterfowl hunting and wildlife viewing blind is located at the north end of Vosburgh Swamp, along the eastern shore. A trail and short boardwalk to this blind originates from the middle parking lot off of Four Mile Point Road.

Directions

Vosburgh Swamp WMA brown sign

Portions of the WMA can be accessed by boat from the Hudson River, but the best access is provided from 3 separate parking areas on Four Mile Point Rd. The north parking area has a trail that leads south toward the western shore of Vosburgh Swamp. The middle parking area provides access to the accessible hunting/viewing blind located on the eastern shore of the swamp. The southern parking area provides access to a foot trail that runs along the eastern shore of Vosburgh Swamp, and can also be used by people wanting to fish along the Hudson River shoreline.

There is also a small parking area on State Route 385 that provides access to the west side of the WMA.

All coordinates provided are in decimal degrees using NAD83/WGS84 datum.

Rules, Regulations and Outdoor Safety

Practice Leave No Trace Principles (leaves DEC website) when recreating on state land to enjoy the outdoors responsibly; minimize impact on the natural resources and avoid conflicts with other users.

All users of Vosburgh Swamp Wildlife Management Area must follow all State Land Use Regulations and should follow all Outdoor Safety Practices for the safety of the user and protection of the resource.

Activity Rules and Regulations

The following activities are not permitted in Vosburgh Swamp WMA:

  • Using motorized vehicles, including:
    • all-terrain vehicles
    • snowmobiles
    • motorboats (except in the Hudson River)
  • Swimming (no lifeguard on premises)
  • Camping
  • Using metal detectors, searching for or removing historic or cultural artifacts without a permit
  • Damaging or removing gates, fences, signs, or other property
  • Overnight storage of boats
  • Cutting, removing, or damaging living vegetation
  • Construction of permanent blinds or other structures such as tree stands
  • Littering
  • Storage of personal property

Outdoor Safety Tips

NOTE: Ticks are active whenever temperatures are above freezing, but especially so in the late spring and early fall. Deer ticks can transmit Lyme and several other diseases. More information on deer ticks and Lyme disease can be obtained from the NYS Department of Health (leaves DEC website).

How We Manage Vosburgh Swamp Wildlife Management Area

wildlife restoration logo

Like most of the state's Wildlife Management Areas, Vosburgh Swamp WMA is managed by DEC's Division of Fish and Wildlife for wildlife conservation and wildlife-associated recreation (hunting, trapping, wildlife viewing, and photography). Funding to maintain and manage this site is provided by the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration or "Pittman-Robertson" Act, which is acquired through excise taxes on sporting arms, ammunition, and archery equipment.

Vosburgh WMA landscape

Vosburgh Swamp WMA is managed to provide habitat for resident, migrating, and wintering wildlife and to provide wildlife-related public benefits. A limited amount of mowing occurs to maintain trails. In addition, apple trees have been identified and are gradually being "released" from competing trees to enhance their value for wildlife. Nest boxes have also been established to enhance waterfowl production. Efforts are ongoing to remove the non-native, invasive water chestnut from Vosburgh Swamp to improve waterfowl habitat. Primary management objectives are to provide habitat for breeding and migrating waterfowl, to provide waterfowl hunting opportunities, and to provide for a variety of wildlife-related recreational opportunities such as wildlife viewing, hunting, and trapping.

View the Habitat Management Plan for Vosburgh Swamp Wildlife Management Area (PDF), approved in January 2018, which identifies the WMA-specific target species and habitat goals for the WMA.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information

Web link below can provide information about other recreation, attractions, and amenities in this area.

State Lands and Facilities

Numerous guide books and maps are available with information on the lands, waters, trails, and other recreational facilities in this area. These can be purchased at most outdoor equipment retailers, bookstores, and on-line booksellers.

Additional information, outdoor equipment, trip suggestions, and guided or self-guided tours may be obtained from outdoor guide and outfitting businesses. Check area chambers of commerce, telephone directories, or search the internet for listings.

Consider hiring an outdoor guide if you have little experience or woodland skills. See the NYS Outdoor Guides Association (leaves DEC website) for information on outdoor guides.


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