Putts Creek Wildlife Management Area

• Open for Recreation: Year-round

• Fee: Free
• Contact Information:
  • DEC Region 5 Ray Brook Office (M-F, 8:30AM - 4:45PM), (518) 897-1291; [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 Crown Point, Essex County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 5G
• Map: Putts Creek WMA Map (PDF) || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

The primary purposes of Putts Creek Wildlife Management Area (WMA) are for wildlife management, wildlife habitat management, and wildlife-dependent recreation. The WMA encompasses 113 acres. It was purchased in 1967 from Jeannette H. Clark with monies from the Park and Recreation Land Acquisition Bond Act of 1960.

The northern end of the parcel is successional northern hardwood forest with red oak, sugar maple, red maple, aspen, and white pine being the primary species. A commercial orchard borders the north end of the property, providing an excellent fall food source of apples for grouse, whitetail deer, and a variety of songbirds.

Highlighting the southern portion of the parcel is the main channel stream, Putnam Creek, and an exceptional example of a deep emergent marsh. Wood duck boxes sprinkle the marsh to provide waterfowl nesting opportunities. Along the stream bank is a flood plain forest of silver maple, cottonwood, and green ash. Adjoining that are sections of shrub swamp.

Directions

Take State Route 9N/22 to Lake Road, approximately 0.5 miles north of the 4-way stop near Ticonderoga. Turn east onto Lake Road-turn right if coming from south or turn left if coming from the north. Take Lake Road east 0.5 mile to Wolcott Road. Turn right onto Wolcott Road. Take Wolcott Road east approximately 0.3 miles and turn right onto a short gravel road that leads to a 5 car parking area located just west of the railroad crossing. Look for the large DEC sign marking the entrance of this road. (43.9626°N, 73.4151°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 Putts Creek 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

• 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 Putts Creek Wildlife Management Area

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

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

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

Gas, food and supplies, dining, and lodging may be found in the nearby communities of Port Henry, Crown Point, and Ticonderoga.

• Lake Champlain Region
• Adirondack Regional Tourism Council

State Lands and Facilities

• Hammond Pond Wild Forest
• Pharaoh Lake Wilderness
• Crown Point Campground & Day Use Area
• Putnam Pond Campground & Day Use Area
• Lincoln Pond Campground & Day Use Area
• Rogers Rock Campground & Day Use Area
• Ticonderoga Boat Launch
• Fort Ticonderoga
• Crown Point State Historic Park

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.