Putts Creek Wildlife Management Area
- Open for Recreation: Year-round
- Fee: Free
- Contact Information:
- DEC Region 5 Ray Brook Office (M-F, 8:30AM - 4:45PM), (518) 897-1291; Info.R5@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 Crown Point, Essex County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 5G
- Map: Putts Creek WMA Map (PDF) || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
The primary purposes of Putts Creek Wildlife Management Area (WMA) are for wildlife management, wildlife habitat management, and wildlife-dependent recreation. The WMA encompasses 113 acres. It was purchased in 1967 from Jeannette H. Clark with monies from the Park and Recreation Land Acquisition Bond Act of 1960.
The northern end of the parcel is successional northern hardwood forest with red oak, sugar maple, red maple, aspen, and white pine being the primary species. A commercial orchard borders the north end of the property, providing an excellent fall food source of apples for grouse, whitetail deer, and a variety of songbirds.
Highlighting the southern portion of the parcel is the main channel stream, Putnam Creek, and an exceptional example of a deep emergent marsh. Wood duck boxes sprinkle the marsh to provide waterfowl nesting opportunities. Along the stream bank is a flood plain forest of silver maple, cottonwood, and green ash. Adjoining that are sections of shrub swamp.
Featured Activities
Hiking
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.
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.
Waterfowl, deer, turkey, and gray squirrel entice hunters to Putts Creek while beavers and muskrats attract the interest of trappers. 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.
Access to the stream and marsh is readily available after a short hike down the foot trail or by boat from Lake Champlain. Fish here for northern pike, bass, panfish, and bullhead.
Wildlife
General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state.
A marked trail from the parking area will take you to your choice of three scenic observation points. Each overlooks the marsh from different locations. These are moderate, level footpaths. Use the Wildlife Management Area Vertebrate Checklist (PDF) and the Wildlife Management Area Bird Checklist (PDF) as wildlife viewing guides.
Putts Creek Wildlife Management Area is part of the Lake Champlain Marshes Bird Conservation Area. New York State BCAs are state-owned lands and waters designated to safeguard and enhance bird populations in New York State.
Directions
Take State Route 9N/22 to Lake Road, approximately 0.5 miles north of the 4-way stop near Ticonderoga. Turn east onto Lake Road-turn right if coming from south or turn left if coming from the north. Take Lake Road east 0.5 mile to Wolcott Road. Turn right onto Wolcott Road. Take Wolcott Road east approximately 0.3 miles and turn right onto a short gravel road that leads to a 5 car parking area located just west of the railroad crossing. Look for the large DEC sign marking the entrance of this road. (43.9626°N, 73.4151°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 Putts Creek 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 (PDF) - regulations updated in 2022
The following activities are not permitted in Putts Creek WMA:
- Unless specifically stated, using motorized vehicles, including:
- all-terrain vehicles
- snowmobiles
- motorboats
- Swimming or bathing
- 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 Putts Creek Wildlife Management Area
Like most of the state's Wildlife Management Areas, Putts Creek 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.
Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information
Web links below can provide information about other recreation, attractions, and amenities in this area.
Gas, food and supplies, dining, and lodging may be found in the nearby communities of Port Henry, Crown Point, and Ticonderoga.
- Lake Champlain Region (leaves DEC website)
- Adirondack Regional Tourism Council (leaves DEC website)
State Lands and Facilities
- Hammond Pond Wild Forest
- Pharaoh Lake Wilderness
- Crown Point Campground & Day Use Area
- Putnam Pond Campground & Day Use Area
- Lincoln Pond Campground & Day Use Area
- Rogers Rock Campground & Day Use Area
- Ticonderoga Boat Launch
- Fort Ticonderoga (leaves DEC website)
- Crown Point State Historic Park (leaves DEC website)
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.
