Wildlife Management Area

Alder Bottom Wildlife Management Area

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  • Open for Recreation: Year-round
Alder Bottom Wildlife Management Area location

The primary purposes of Alder Bottom Wildlife Management Area (WMA) are for wildlife management, wildlife habitat management, and wildlife-dependent recreation. This WMA is 818 acres and is located approximately 15 miles west of the city of Jamestown.

The area was purchased in 1991 by DEC with funds from the 1986 Environmental Quality Bond Act. The area consists of nearly 700 acres of shrub swamp, emergent marsh, wetland, and open water, as well as approximately 100 acres of brush and grassland. The area was acquired to ensure the permanent preservation of this diverse natural wetland.

Featured Activities

Wildlife Management Unit: 9J

General Information on hunting include how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules, and regulations.

Hunting is allowed within Alder Bottom WMA. Please be sure to abide by all game laws (view hunting seasons).

Wildlife Management Unit: 9J

General information on trapping include how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules, and regulations.

Trapping is allowed within Alder Bottom WMA. Please be sure to abide by all game laws (view trapping seasons).

General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state.

Users of the area are likely to encounter a variety of wildlife species. The more common species are beaver, muskrat, mink, raccoon, mallards, wood ducks, black ducks, Canada geese, deer, ruffed grouse, woodcock, herons, bitterns, and a variety of song birds. Use the Wildlife Management Area Vertebrate Checklist (PDF) and the Wildlife Management Area Bird Checklist (PDF) as wildlife viewing guides.

Directions

From Interstate 86, take Exit 6 in Sherman to Route 76 and follow this road south for about four miles.

All coordinates provided are in decimal degrees using NAD83/WGS84 datum.

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 Alder Bottom 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

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.

How We Manage Alder Bottom Wildlife Management Area

Like most of the state's Wildlife Management Areas, Alder Bottom 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.

Current development and management objectives for the area are to provide habitat for a variety of resident and migratory species and to permit compatible wildlife-related recreational use. A shallow water impoundment was created to attract waterfowl. An annual system of grassland mowing is done to keep open fields from reverting to brush and trees. These activities are carried out with monies derived mainly from hunting license fees and federal taxes on sporting arms and ammunition.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

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

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 for information on outdoor guides.

Important Links

Lake Erie Fishing Report
Watchable Wildlife
Chautauqua County Tourism
Contact for this Page

NYS DEC Region 9 Wildlife Manager
182 E Union St Suite 3
Allegany, NY 14706

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