Due to the start of a marsh restoration project at Fireplace Neck Tidal Wetland Area, this area will be closed to public access throughout the restoration project. Construction is expected to be completed by April 2023. Waterfowl hunting opportunities along the Bellport Bay shoreline will still be allowed provided hunting activities are conducted over Bellport Bay only. For more information, see DEC's announcement on the $1.7 Million Marsh Restoration project.
The following state tidal wetlands provide opportunities for fishing, hiking, canoeing, and seasonal small and big game hunting in upland and salt water wetland habitats.
A free 3-year Managed Land Access Permit is also required to use these lands. Visit DEC's nForm page if you need information on how to obtain a NY.gov account, which is required for these permits. Call NYSDEC at (631) 444-0270 for more information. Recreationists must observe regulations for use of NYSDEC-managed lands in Suffolk County.
Find information on hunting on Long Island and on public hunting areas on Long Island for hunting opportunities and how to obtain hunting permits. General information on hunting includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules and regulations.
Babylon Marshes
- Map of Babylon Marshes (PDF)
- Located in the Town of Babylon. The property can only be accessed by boat.
- Waterfowl hunting is allowed here.
Bellport Bay
- Map of Bellport Bay (PDF)
- Located in the Town of Brookhaven.
- Waterfowl hunting is allowed here.
Benton Bay-Ludlow Creek
- Map of Benton Bay-Ludlow Creek (PDF)
- Located in the Town of Islip.
- Waterfowl and archery hunting is allowed here.
Fireplace Neck*
- Map of Fireplace Neck (PDF)
- Located in the Town of Brookhaven.
- Waterfowl, archery and small game hunting are allowed here.
*See top of page regarding restrictions to this location
Flax Pond
- Map of Flax Pond (PDF)
- Recreation information for Flax Pond
- Located in the Town of Brookhaven.
- Waterfowl hunting is allowed here.
Havens Point
- Map of Havens Point (PDF)
- Located in the Town of Brookhaven.
- Waterfowl, archery and small game hunting are allowed here.
Johns Neck
- Map of Johns Neck (PDF)
- Located in the Town of Brookhaven.
- Waterfowl hunting is allowed here.
Long Beach Bay
- Map of Long Beach Bay (PDF)
- Located in the Town of Southold.
- Waterfowl, archery and small game hunting are allowed here.
Northwest Harbor
- Map of Northwest Harbor (PDF)
- Located in the Town of East Hampton.
- Waterfowl and archery hunting are allowed here.
Timber Point
- Map of Timber Point (PDF)
- Located in the Town of Islip.
- Waterfowl hunting is allowed here.