Stockport Wildlife Management Area

• Open for Recreation: Year-round
• Fee: Free
• Contact Information:
  • DEC Region 4 Schenectady Office (M-F, 8:30AM - 4:30PM), (518) 357-2152; [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 Stockport and Greenport, Columbia County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 4T
• Map: Stockport WMA Map (PDF) || DECinfo Locator

The primary purposes of Stockport Wildlife Management Area (WMA) are for wildlife management, wildlife habitat management, and wildlife-dependent recreation. This WMA consists of 357 acres of fields, forested uplands, tidal forested wetlands, tidal marsh, and small areas of freshwater wetlands. The WMA was acquired from Scenic Hudson in 2008 and 2015. The various upland and wetland habitat types found on the WMA support a great variety of fish, wildlife, and plant species. This property is an important feature of the Hudson River Estuary, providing spawning and nursery habitat for striped bass, American shad, shortnose sturgeon, blueback herring, and alewives.

Directions

Portions of Stockport WMA can be accessed by boat from the Hudson River, but the best access to upland areas is provided from Rod and Gun Road in the Town of Stockport or from Almstead Avenue at the end of Ravish Road in the Town of Greenport.

• Rod and Gun Road (42.2915001°N, 73.7650986°W) - Get Google 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 Stockport 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 - Some portions of Stockport WMA are close to homes so hunters must be aware of their surroundings and be careful to abide by hunting implement discharge setbacks set by Environmental Conservation Law.
• Trapping Regulations
• Fishing Regulations

Outdoor Safety Tips

• Hunting Safety Tips
• Hiking Safety Tips

CAUTION: Poison ivy is prevalent throughout this WMA.

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 Stockport Wildlife Management Area

Like most of the state's Wildlife Management Areas, Stockport 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 management of Stockport WMA is consistent with its primary purpose of providing wildlife habitat and wildlife-related public benefits. This includes managing habitat for resident, migrating, and wintering wildlife. Mowing occurs periodically to maintain fields and trails. Primary management objectives are to provide habitat for breeding and migrating waterfowl, to provide waterfowl hunting opportunities, and to provide for a variety of wildlife-related recreational opportunities such as wildlife viewing, hunting, and trapping.

View the Habitat Management Plan for Stockport Wildlife Management Area (PDF), approved in December 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.

• Columbia County Tourism

State Lands and Facilities

• Willows at Brandow Point
• Charles Flood WMA at the Empire Brickyard
• Rogers Island WMA
• Stockport Flats
• Vosburgh Swamp WMA

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.