Dexter Marsh Wildlife Management Area

• 

  Open for Recreation: Year-round

• Fee: Free
• Contact Information:
  • DEC Region 6 Watertown Office (M-F, 8:00AM - 4:45PM), (315) 785-2263; [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 Brownville and Hounsfield, Jefferson County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 6G
• Map: Dexter Marsh WMA Map (PDF) || DECinfo Locator

The primary purposes of Dexter Marsh Wildlife Management Area (WMA) are for wildlife management, wildlife habitat management, and wildlife-dependent recreation. The WMA is strictly a wetland area consisting of lands primarily underwater. This 1,241-acre marsh is a popular fish and waterfowl area. Northern pike, bass, and panfish are found in the shallow to deep water, and a variety of ducks, black terns, shore birds, and marsh waders utilize the sparse cattail marsh which characterizes this Lake Ontario bay. There are no designated trails, but hiking is allowed throughout the property.

Directions

Dexter Marsh is located seven miles west of Watertown, just off Route 180, at the head of the Black River Bay. It is easily accessible from three state boat launching facilities: Perch River off County Route 59, Muskellunge Creek on State Route 180, and Lloyds Landing off Old Military Road.

• Route 180, large gravel, 1 accessible spot (43.9768982°N, 76.0485992°W) - Get Google Map Driving Directions
• County Route 59, large, gravel area (44.0028992°N, 76.0767975°W) - Get Google Map Driving Directions
• Military Road (43.9660988°N, 76.0703964°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 Dexter Marsh 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 Areas (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 Dexter Marsh Wildlife Management Area

Like most of the state's Wildlife Management Areas, Dexter Marsh 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.

WMA Management Plans

In 2015, DEC began a management planning process for wildlife lands, including development of a habitat and an access plan for each area. Habitat Management Plans guide habitat management decision-making on WMAs to benefit wildlife and promote wildlife-dependent recreation. Access and Public Use Plans address management needs for public use activities, access features, facility development, and maintenance.

• View the Habitat Management Plan for Dexter Marsh Wildlife Management Area (PDF), approved in December 2022, which identifies the WMA-specific target species and habitat goals for the WMA.
• The Access and Public Use Plan for Dexter Marsh WMA (PDF), approved December 2024, describes current and proposed recreational opportunities and access features. 

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

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

• The Greater Watertown North Country Chamber of Commerce 

State Lands and Facilities

• Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site 

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.