Great Vly Wildlife Management Area
- Open for Recreation: Year-round
- Fee: Free
- Contact Information:
- DEC Region 4 Schenectady Office (M-F, 8:30AM - 4:30PM), (518) 357-2158; Wildlife.r4@dec.ny.gov
- Search, rescue, wildfire, and enforcement matters: 911- or - 1-833-NYS-RANGERS (1-833-697-7264)
A local Forest Ranger is a valuable source of information for the state land you would like to visit.
- Location: Town of Catskill, Greene County; Town of Saugerties, Ulster County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 3J
- Map: Great Vly WMA Map (PDF) || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
The primary purposes of Great Vly Wildlife Management Area (WMA) are for wildlife management, wildlife habitat management, and wildlife-dependent recreation. This WMA consists of 184 acres, most of which are freshwater wetland. There are about 7 acres of mature forested upland and early successional forest at the southwest corner of the property. The first portion of the WMA was acquired in 1986 from Scenic Hudson. The WMA can be accessed from West Camp Road. Great Vly consists primarily of freshwater emergent marsh. Because of its proximity to the Hudson River, it is an important area for waterfowl and other water-dependent birds such as rails and herons, especially during migration. The property also includes a limited amount of forested upland, including a rocky ridge that overlooks the Vly and provides excellent viewing opportunities.
Featured Activities
Hunting and Trapping
General information on hunting and general information on trapping include how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules, and regulations.
The primary hunting opportunity at this WMA is for waterfowl and other water-dependent game birds. Due to the limited amount of upland acreage, there are few hunting opportunities for white-tailed deer or small game species. Trapping opportunities exist for beaver, muskrat, and other water-associated furbearers. Please be sure to abide by all game laws (view hunting seasons and trapping seasons).
Fishing
General information on fishing includes how-to and safety tips and links to seasons, rules, and regulations.
Great Vly WMA is open to fishing, but because the Vly is so shallow there are few fishing opportunities.
Wildlife
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, 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.
Directions
Great Vly WMA is one mile west of the Hudson River in the Town of Catskill in Greene County and the Town of Saugerties in Ulster County. Great Vly WMA can be accessed from West Camp Road in Saugerties.
- West Camp Road, gravel area (42.143005°N, 73.944986°W) - Get Google Map Driving Directions (leaves DEC website)
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 Great Vly WMA must follow all State Land Use Rules and Regulations and should follow all Outdoor Safety Practices for the safety of the user and protection of the resource.
Activity Rules & Regulations
- Hunting Regulations
- Trapping Regulations
- Fishing Regulations
- Public Use of Wildlife Management Areas (PDF) - regulations updated in 2022
The following activities are not permitted in Great Vly WMA:
- Using motorized vehicles, including:
- all-terrain vehicles
- snowmobiles
- motorboats
- Swimming (no lifeguard on premises) or bathing
- Camping
- 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
- Using metal detectors, searching for or removing historic or cultural artifacts without a permit
- 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 Great Vly Wildlife Management Area
Like most of the state's Wildlife Management Areas, Great Vly 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.
Great Vly WMA is managed to provide habitat for wildlife that utilize freshwater wetlands, especially breeding and migrating waterfowl. The management of Great Vly WMA is consistent with its primary purpose of providing wildlife habitat and wildlife-related public benefits.
Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information
Web links below can provide information about other recreation, attractions, and amenities in this area.
- Greene County Tourism (leaves DEC website)
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.
