Cayuga Shores Wildlife Management Area

• Open for Recreation: Year-round
• Fee: Free
• Contact Information:
  • DEC Region 7 Cortland Office (M-F, 8:30AM - 4:30PM), (607) 753-3095; [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: Town of Lansing, Tompkins County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 7H
• Map: Cayuga Shores WMA Map (PDF) || DECinfo Locator

The primary purposes of Cayuga Shores Wildlife Management Area (WMA) are for wildlife conservation, wildlife habitat management, and associated wildlife-dependent forms of recreation such as hunting, trapping, and bird watching. This WMA is located along the eastern shore of Cayuga Lake, providing public access to 287 acres of land that includes over 3,500 feet of undeveloped shoreline. Located in northern Tompkins County, this property consists of mature hardwood forest, open grassland fields, several streams, and the shoreline of the lake. Some wildlife species commonly found on and around the gently sloping topography of this WMA include; white-tailed deer, many species of songbirds, bald eagles, numerous species of waterfowl, mink, and gray squirrels.

Directions

Image Credit

Bill Hecht

Cayuga Shores is easily accessed by taking Lake Ridge Road (County Route 185) to Nut Ridge Road (also listed as Cudderback Rd on some maps). 

• Nut Ridge Road (42.61992°N, 76.64158°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 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 Cayuga Shores 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 Cayuga Shores Wildlife Management Area

Like most of the state's Wildlife Management Areas, Cayuga Shores is managed by DEC's Division of Fish and Wildlife for wildlife conservation, habitat, 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 objectives for the area are to provide habitat for a variety of wildlife species and to allow wildlife-related recreational uses compatible with wildlife. We will complete these objectives by using forest management techniques such as patch clear cutting, tree thinning, or seed tree cuts (leaving some trees standing to provide a seed source for future trees) on portions of the WMA. We will manage the open space portion of the property to maintain grassland habitat for wildlife, by performing rotational mowing and planting native grasses. An established foot path from a parking area on Nut Ridge Road will aid with public access for fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing on the shoreline of Cayuga Lake

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

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

• Cayuga-Tompkins Cooperative Hunting Area (King Ferry)
• Long Point State Park - Finger Lakes

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.