Oriskany Flats Wildlife Management Area
- Open for Recreation: Year-round
- Fee: Free
- Contact Information:
- DEC Region 6 Herkimer Office (M-F, 8:00AM - 4:30PM), (315) 866-6330; information.R6@dec.ny.gov
- Enforcement Matters: 1-833-NYS-RANGERS (1-833-697-7264)
- Location: City of Rome, Towns of Marcy and Whitestown, Oneida County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 6P
- Map: Oriskany Flats WMA Map (PDF) || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
Creek in Oriskany Flats WMA.
The primary purposes of Oriskany Flats Wildlife Management Area (WMA) are for wildlife management, wildlife habitat management, and wildlife-dependent recreation. This WMA is an 806-acre parcel of public land open to a variety of recreational uses, while serving to maintain, protect, and enhance the natural qualities of this piece of the Mohawk River flood plain.
Over half of the tract consists of fallow agricultural lands in various stages of succession. Fields in early successional stages support goldenrod, milkweed, and grasses while fields in later stages are identified by blackberries, sumac, and perennials. About 15% of the WMA is considered wetland habitat including shrub swamps, wooded wetlands, and marshes, with a forested riparian corridor along the Mohawk River. The remaining portions of land are categorized as brushlands with such species as buckthorn, thorn apple, elm, and ash present.
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.
Hunting opportunities are available for deer and wild turkeys, and the area is used as a prime stocking location for ring-necked pheasant. Migratory waterfowl species such as mallards and wood ducks can be found along the Mohawk River. Both water and upland trapping are permitted within the management area boundaries. 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.
The Mohawk River system supports largemouth and smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and brown bullhead. Fishing opportunities on the Mohawk River can be accessed by boat or shore. A canoe launch is present at the parking facility on the north side of the river.
Wildlife
General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state.
Given the diversity of the habitats, fish and wildlife resources abound. Many bird species utilize the area and 30 mammal species have been identified, though white tail deer, beaver, and grey squirrels are most common. Use the Wildlife Management Area Vertebrate Checklist (PDF) and the Wildlife Management Area Bird Checklist (PDF) as wildlife viewing guides.
Accessible Features
General information on accessible recreation includes links to other locations with accessible recreation opportunities and information on permits for motorized access.
Individuals with disabilities can apply for a permit through the Motorized Access Program for People with Disabilities (MAPPWD) to use a motor vehicle on the 1.5-mile road on Oriskany Flats Wildlife Management Area. The route ends in a turnaround. Vehicle access through the gate requires driving through a hardened ford (small drainage) so vehicles should have appropriate clearance. At low water levels it may be a few inches deep, but during high water levels it could be several feet deep; therefore, during flood conditions on the Mohawk River, access to the area is limited.
Directions
Oriskany Flats is located between the Mohawk River on the north and the CSX railroad to the south. Routes 49 and 69 roughly parallel the site. The two major parking facilities are located on River Street on the eastern edge of the management area, allowing access to lands north and south of the Mohawk River.
All Google links leave DEC website.
- River Street, paved (43.1663017°N, 75.3254013°W) - Get Google Map Driving Directions
- River Street, gravel (43.1646996°N, 75.3275986°W) - Get Google Map Driving Directions
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 Oriskany Flats 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 Oriskany Flats WMA:
- 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 Oriskany Flats Wildlife Management Area
Like most of the state's Wildlife Management Areas, Oriskany Flats 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.
View the Habitat Management Plan for Oriskany Flats Wildlife Management Area (PDF), approved in August 2016, which identifies the WMA-specific target species and habitat goals for the WMA.
Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information
Web links below can provide information about other recreation, attractions, and amenities in this area.
- Oneida 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.
