Wildlife Management Area

Oriskany Flats Wildlife Management Area

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Map of Oriskany Flats Wildlife Management Area

The primary purposes of Oriskany Flats Wildlife Management Area (WMA) are for wildlife management, wildlife habitat management, and wildlife-dependent recreation. This WMA is an 806-acre parcel of public land open to a variety of recreational uses, while serving to maintain, protect, and enhance the natural qualities of this piece of the Mohawk River flood plain.

Over half of the tract consists of fallow agricultural lands in various stages of succession. Fields in early successional stages support goldenrod, milkweed, and grasses while fields in later stages are identified by blackberries, sumac, and perennials. About 15% of the WMA is considered wetland habitat including shrub swamps, wooded wetlands, and marshes, with a forested riparian corridor along the Mohawk River. The remaining portions of land are categorized as brushlands with such species as buckthorn, thorn apple, elm, and ash present.

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.

Wildlife Management Unit: 6P

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

Hunting opportunities are available for deer and wild turkeys, and the area is used as a prime stocking location for ring-necked pheasant. Migratory waterfowl species such as mallards and wood ducks can be found along the Mohawk River. Please be sure to abide by all game laws(view hunting seasons).

Wildlife Management Unit: 6P

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

Both water and upland trapping are permitted within the management area boundaries. 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.

The Mohawk River system supports largemouth and smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and brown bullhead. Fishing opportunities on the Mohawk River can be accessed by boat or shore. A canoe launch is present at the parking facility on the north side of the river.

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

Given the diversity of the habitats, fish and wildlife resources abound. Many bird species utilize the area and 30 mammal species have been identified, though white tail deer, beaver, and grey squirrels are most common. Use the Wildlife Management Area Vertebrate Checklist (PDF) and the Wildlife Management Area Bird Checklist (PDF) as wildlife viewing guides.

Directions

Oriskany Flats is located between the Mohawk River on the north and the CSX railroad to the south. Routes 49 and 69 roughly parallel the site. The two major parking facilities are located on River Street on the eastern edge of the management area, allowing access to lands north and south of the Mohawk River.

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 Oriskany Flats 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

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 Oriskany Flats Wildlife Management Area

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

View the Habitat Management Plan for Oriskany Flats Wildlife Management Area (PDF), approved in August 2016, 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.

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

Oneida County Tourism
NYS Department of Health
Leave No Trace
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Region 6 - Western Adirondacks/Eastern Lake Ontario
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