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Wildlife Management Area

Connecticut Hill Wildlife Management Area

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Map of Connecticut Hill 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: Towns of Hector, Catharine, and Cayuta, Schuyler County; Towns of Enfield and Newfield, Tompkins County
  • Wildlife Management Unit: 7R
  • Map: Connecticut Hill WMA Map (PDF) || DECinfo Locator

The primary purposes of Connecticut Hill Wildlife Management Area (WMA) are for wildlife management, wildlife habitat management, and wildlife-dependent recreation. This is the largest WMA in New York State, encompassing 11,237 acres. It is part of the Appalachian Highlands, which is distinctive high, rugged land. With elevations reaching 2,000 feet, it offers breathtaking panoramic vistas of the surrounding lowlands. The diversity of habitat ranging from streams and ponds; mature forests with American beech, maple and hemlock; and open meadows offer a home for a variety of fish and wildlife to view or pursue.

After the American Revolution the area was farmed, but many farmers abandoned the area due to the harsh climate and shallow soils in the higher elevations. This allowed New York State to acquire almost 10,000 acres of the area for use as a game refuge. Between 1948 and 1950 many ponds were built to attract waterfowl, which are now also used by other wildlife.

Featured Activities

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. Connecticut Hill contains a portion of the Finger Lakes Trail.

Wildlife Management Unit: 7R

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

White-tailed deer, waterfowl and a variety of small game species offer ample hunting opportunities. Please be sure to abide by all game laws (view hunting seasons).

Wildlife Management Unit: 7R

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

A variety of small game species offer ample trapping opportunities. Please be sure to abide by all game laws (view trapping seasons).

General information on fishing includes how-to and safety tips and links to seasons, rules, and regulations.

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

Deer, turkeys, black bears, squirrels, and a host of songbirds frequent the area. Beaver activity has increased the size of the impounded area, which benefits reptiles, amphibians, small mammals, and birds. Use both the Wildlife Management Area Vertebrate Checklist (PDF) and Wildlife Management Area Bird Checklist (PDF) as wildlife viewing guides.

Directions

The WMA is located 16 miles southwest of Ithaca and 1 mile northeast of Alpine. NY State Route 13 provides access along the eastern side. Connecticut Hill Road runs through the WMA.

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 Connecticut 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

Prohibited activities at Connecticut Hill WMA include​:

  • Using motorized vehicles, including but not limited to:
    • all-terrain vehicles (including "side-by-sides")
    • snowmobiles
    • dirt bikes and mopeds
    • motorboats
  • Using mountain bikes or e-bikes
  • Camping without a permit
  • Horseback riding
  • Creating or maintaining any trails not authorized by the Bureau of Wildlife, including but not limited to:
    • Hiking trails
    • Cross-country ski trails
    • Mountain bike or e-bike trails
  • Target shooting
  • Walking dogs or other pets without a leash, except:
    • when doing so for hunting purposes during the authorized dog training period
    • when actively involved in the pursuit of wild game during an open hunting season

For a complete list of all WMA rules and regulations please see the Wildlife Management Area Regulations (PDF).

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 Connecticut Hill Wildlife Management Area

Like most of the state's Wildlife Management Areas, Connecticut Hill 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 Connecticut Hill Wildlife Management Area (PDF), approved in July 2017, which identifies the WMA-specific target species and habitat goals for the WMA. An overview of the Connecticut Hill WMA plan (PDF) was presented in September 2017.

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

Ithaca/Tompkins County Tourism
NYS Department of Health
Leave No Trace
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Region 7 - Central New York
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