Stid Hill Wildlife Management Area

• Open for Recreation: Year-round
• Fee: Free
• Contact Information:
  • DEC Region 8 Avon Office (M-F, 8:30AM - 4:45PM), (585) 226-2466; [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 Bristol and South Bristol, Ontario County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 8N
• Map: Stid Hill WMA Map (PDF) || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

The primary purposes of Stid Hill Wildlife Management Area (WMA) are for wildlife management, wildlife habitat management, and wildlife-dependent recreation. This WMA is a 1035-acre tract of land situated in the townships of Bristol and South Bristol in Ontario County. It is bounded by Route 64 on the west and Dugway Road on the north. Ganargua Creek, better known as Mud Creek, flows along Route 64. At one time, Stid Hill was productive sheep and cattle grazing land. Today, grazing has been eliminated.

Directions

Located in the townships of Bristol and South Bristol in Ontario County and bounded by Route 64 on the west and Dugway Road on the north.

• NY Route 64, large northern area (42.765460°N, 77.406249°W) - Get Google Map Driving Directions
• NY Route 64, southern area (42.731348°N, 77.399071°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 Stid Hill 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
• Bicycles are allowed on all trails on this WMA. Bikers should voluntarily avoid riding trails during deer and turkey hunting seasons to avoid conflicts with other users.

Prohibited activities at Stid Hill WMA include:

• Constructing new bicycle trails without written permission from DEC

For a complete list of all WMA rules and regulations please see the Wildlife Management Area Regulations PDF above.

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.

Planning and Management

Like most of the state's Wildlife Management Areas, Stid Hill 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 Stid Hill Wildlife Management Area (PDF), approved in May 2017, which identifies the WMA-specific target species and habitat goals for the WMA.

DEC manages these lands in accordance with the management activities described in the Northern Finger Lakes Draft Unit Management Plan (PDF). In addition to management objectives, the UMP contains detailed information on natural features, recreational infrastructure, geology, natural and human history, habitats, wildlife, fisheries, and much more. If you have questions and/or comments about this UMP, please email us.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

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

• Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance 
• Ontario County Finger Lakes Visitors Connection 

State Lands and Facilities

• Bare Hill Unique Area
• High Tor Wildlife Management Area
• Honeoye Creek Wildlife Management Area
• Honeoye Inlet 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.