Hartson Swamp 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: Hartson Swamp WMA Map (PDF) || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

The primary purposes of Hartson Swamp Wildlife Management Area (WMA) are for wildlife management, wildlife habitat management, and wildlife-dependent recreation. This is a 98-acre parcel located approximately two miles east of the village of Falconer. The area was purchased in 1990 by the DEC with funds from the 1986 Environmental Quality Bond Act to ensure the permanent preservation of this diverse natural wetland.

Directions

From Interstate 86: Take Exit 14 and head north on Route 62, then left onto Route 394. After 2.6 miles, the parking area will be on the left.

• Parking area (42.132424°N, 79.133955°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 Hartson Swamp 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

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 Hartson Swamp Wildlife Management Area

Like most of the state's Wildlife Management Areas, Hartson Swamp 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.

The principal management objective and technique for this WMA is 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

• Clay Pond 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.