Genesee River Wildlife Management Area
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Open for Recreation: Year-round
- Fee: Free
- Contact Information:
- DEC Region 9 Allegany Office (M-F, 8:00AM - 4:00PM), (716) 372-0645; region9@dec.ny.gov
- Enforcement Matters: (518) 408-5850 (24/7)
- Location: Town of Willing, Allegany County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 9X
- Map: Genesee River WMA Map (PDF) || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
The primary purposes of Genesee River Wildlife Management Area (WMA) are for wildlife management, wildlife habitat management, and wildlife-dependent recreation, such as hunting, fishing, trapping, and wildlife viewing. This 310 acre parcel is located on the west bank of the Genesee River and west of River Road in the Town of Willing in Allegany County.
The diverse wildlife habitat includes mature forest, brushland, wetlands, and open fields. It will support a variety of wildlife species including wild turkey, ruffed grouse, woodcock, white-tailed deer, black bear, beaver, muskrat, raccoon, fisher, red and gray fox, wood ducks, mallards, and other migratory waterfowl along with migratory songbirds.
Other non-wildlife dependent activities such as hiking, kayaking, and canoeing may be allowed as long as these activities do not impede or interfere with the primary uses of the area.
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.
Hunting and trapping are allowed on Genesee River Wildlife Management Area. 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.
Fishing is allowed on Genesee River WMA.
Hiking and Cross Country Skiing
General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
Please stay on the designated trails to protect the diversity and richness of the plant communities found within this area.
Wildlife
General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state. Users of the area are likely to encounter a variety of wildlife species. Use the Wildlife Management Area Vertebrate Checklist (PDF) and the Wildlife Management Area Bird Checklist (PDF) as wildlife viewing guides.
Directions
All Google links leave DEC website.
- The west parking area is located on River Road in Allegany County (42.049845⁰ N, 77.931681⁰ W) - Get Google Map Driving Directions
- The east parking area is at the bridge on Stone Dam Road (County Route 29) (42.048705⁰ N, 77.928977⁰ W - Get Google Map Driving Directions
All coordinates provided are in decimal degrees using NAD83/WGS84 datum.
Rules, Regulations & 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 Genesee River 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 & Regulations:
- Hunting Regulations
- Trapping Regulations
- Fishing Regulations
- Public Use of Wildlife Management Areas Regulations
The following activities are not permitted on Genesee River WMA:
- Using motorized vehicles, including:
- all-terrain vehicles
- snowmobiles
- Swimming or bathing
- Horseback Riding
- Mountain Biking
- Target Shooting
- Camping
- Using metal detectors, searching for or removing historic or cultural artifacts without a permit
- Damaging or removing gates, fences, signs, or other property
- 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 Genesee River Wildlife Management Area
Like most of the state's Wildlife Management Areas, Genesee River WMA is managed by DEC's Division of Fish and Wildlife for conservation and wildlife-associated recreation (hunting, trapping, wildlife viewing). 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.
The primary goals and objectives of Genesee River WMA are to provide habitat for a variety of wildlife and to permit compatible public uses of the land.
Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information
Web links below can provide information about other recreation, attractions, and amenities in this area.
- Western NY Wilds - Allegany County Tourism (leaves DEC website)
State Lands and Facilities
- DEC WAG Trail - named after the Wellsville, Addison and Galeton (WAG) Railroad along the upper Genesee River
- Alma Pond
- Vandermark State Forest
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.