Kabob 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 Stockton, Chautauqua County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 9J
• Map: Kabob WMA Map (PDF) || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

The primary purposes of Kabob Wildlife Management Area (WMA) are for wildlife management, wildlife habitat management, and wildlife-dependent recreation. This is a 38-acre parcel located approximately 15 miles north of the city of Jamestown. The area was acquired as a gift to the State of New York in 1978 and has wetlands along with some brushland and woodland.

Directions

From Cassadaga: head south on County Route 71, then west on Waterman Road. The WMA parking area will be on your left.

• Unpaved parking area (42.281456°N, 79.323281°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 Kabob 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 Kabob Wildlife Management Area

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

One of the principal management objectives and techniques for this WMA is to demonstrate forest habitat management techniques for relatively small acreages to private landowners, which will create and improve ruffed grouse and woodcock habitat. Future use of Kabob WMA includes a cooperative agreement with the Ruffed Grouse Society for landowner workshops to demonstrate and conduct wildlife management habitat programs.

View the Habitat Management Plan for Kabob Wildlife Management Area (PDF), approved in July 2017, which identifies the WMA-specific target species and habitat goals for the WMA.

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

• Stockton State Forest

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.