Poverty Hill Wildlife Management Area

• Open for Recreation: Year-round
• Fee: Free
• Contact Information:
  • DEC Region 9 Allegany Office (M-F, 8:00AM - 4:00PM), (716) 372-0645; [email protected]
  • 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: Towns of Ellicottville and Mansfield, Cattaraugus County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 9M
• Maps: Poverty Hill WMA Map (PDF) || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

The primary purposes of Poverty Hill Wildlife Management Area (WMA) are for wildlife management, wildlife habitat management, and wildlife-dependent recreation, such as hunting, fishing, trapping, and wildlife viewing. This 950-acre parcel is located on the north side of Cattaraugus County Route 13, on Poverty Hill Road, and south of Hinman Hollow Road in the Towns of Ellicottville and Mansfield in Cattaraugus 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, and migratory songbirds.

Other non-wildlife dependent activities such as hiking and cross country skiing may be allowed as long as these activities do not impede or interfere with the primary uses of the area.

Directions

The following parking areas are under development:

The south parking area is located on County Route 13 (Maples Road) in Cattaraugus County
(42.300616вЃ° N, -78.706268вЃ° W) - Get Google Map Driving Directions

The east parking area is on Poverty Hill Road (42.322434вЃ° N, -78.690980вЃ° W) - Get Google Map Driving Directions

The north parking area is on Hinman Hollow Road (42.328352вЃ° N, -78.708167вЃ° W) - Get Google Map Driving Directions

Rules, Regulations and Outdoor Safety

Practice Leave No Trace Principles 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 Poverty Hill Wildlife Management Area must follow all Wildlife Management Area Regulations and should follow all Outdoor Safety Practices for the safety of the user and protection of the resource.
 

Activity Rules and Regulations:

• Wildlife Management Area Regulations (PDF) - updated in 2022
• Hunting Regulations
• Trapping Regulations
• Fishing Regulations

Outdoor Safety Tips:

• Hunting Safety Tips
• Hiking 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.

How We Manage Poverty Hill Wildlife Management Area

Like most of the state's Wildlife Management Areas, Poverty Hill 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 Poverty Hill WMA are to provide habitat for a variety of wildlife and to permit compatible public uses of the land.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

Links below can provide information about other recreation, attractions, and amenities in this area.

• Cattaraugus County Tourism

State Lands and Facilities

• Rock City and McCarty Hill 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 for information on outdoor guides.