Clay Pond 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: Town of Poland, Chautauqua County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 9J
• Map: Clay Pond WMA Map (PDF) || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

The primary purposes of Clay Pond Wildlife Management Area (WMA) are for wildlife management, wildlife habitat management, and wildlife-dependent recreation. The area was purchased in 1989 by the DEC with funds from the 1986 Environmental Quality Bond Act. It was acquired to ensure the permanent preservation of this diverse natural wetland. The area consists of nearly 140 acres of shrub swamp, emergent marsh, and open water wetlands, as well as approximately 25 acres of brush and grassland. The property is situated where the Chautauqua, Cassadaga, and Conewango Valleys converge.

Directions

From Interstate 86, take Exit 14 to Route 62 South. Turn right onto Hartson Road, left onto Stone Road and then take your first right and continue to the WMA.

• Clay Pond Road Parking Area (42.117378°N, 79.178207°W) - Get Google Map Driving Directions
• Clay Pond Road Parking Area (42.117838°N, 79.173283°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 Clay Pond 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 & 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 Clay Pond Wildlife Management Area

Like most of the state's Wildlife Management Areas, Clay Pond 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.

Principal management objectives and techniques for Clay Pond WMA are to provide habitat for a variety of resident and migratory species and to permit compatible wildlife-related recreational use.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

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

• Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau

State Lands and Facilities

• Hartson Swamp Wildlife Management Area

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.