Pharsalia Wildlife Management Area

South Otselic, Chenango Co.

Pharsalia WMA - the oldest WMA in New York State - has some of the largest blocks of forest in the region and supports a diversity of birds and other species which prefer such habitat. It is one of the few areas of the state outside the Adirondacks or Catskills that has breeding Swainson's thrush. In addition, Pharsalia WMA contains multiple impoundments providing habitats ranging from open water to wet meadow, and grassland areas ranging from small forest openings to ten-plus acres.

Wildlife to Watch

• Swainson's thrush
• Eastern wild turkey
• Ruffed grouse
• Woodland warblers
• White-tail deer
• Great blue heron
• Northern harrier (threatened)
• Sharp-shinned hawk (special concern)
• Cooper's hawk (special concern)
• Northern goshawk (special concern)
• Red-shouldered hawk (special concern)

Where to Watch

• Trails
• Ponds

Recreational Opportunities

• Fishing, hunting and trapping
• Hiking
• Birding
• Cross-country skiing

Size

4,169 acres

Closest Town

Sherburne

Directions

See Google Maps and enter your address for step by step directions to Pharsalia Wildlife Management Area (This link will open a page outside of the DEC website. Hold Shift down while clicking on the link to open it in a new window)

Contact Information

Telephone: 607-753-3095

Address: NY Route 23, South Otselic, NY 13155

Website: Pharsalia Wildlife Management Area

Photo credits: J.Georg, Bonnie Parton, Richard Thomas