Wildlife Management Area

Tillman Road Wildlife Management Area

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Map of Tillman Road Wildlife Management Area

The primary purposes of Tillman Road Wildlife Management Area (WMA) are for wildlife management, wildlife habitat management, and wildlife-dependent recreation. This is a 239-acre property located eight miles east of the City of Buffalo. The area is primarily wetland with some old farm fields and two small quarry ponds. The outstanding feature is a cattail marsh which attracts large numbers of waterfowl during spring and fall migration. The area has extensive trails for wildlife observation along with viewing areas and 300 feet of boardwalk, which are universally accessible.

Many years ago the land on this WMA was cleared and used for farming. The last record of farming was in the 1940s. In addition to farming, mining of local deposits of gravel occurred during this period. There were many areas of disturbance such as shallow pits, mounds, spoil pits, and ponds. The parcel was acquired by the DEC in 1977 with funds from the Environmental Bond Act of 1972.

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.

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

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

Deer, turkeys, black bears, squirrels, and a host of songbirds frequent the area. Use the Wildlife Management Area Vertebrate Checklist (PDF) and the Wildlife Management Area Bird Checklist (PDF) as wildlife viewing guides.

Accessible Features

From the Shisler Road (Route 275) Parking Area, wheelchair accessible features include the:

  • Boardwalk with viewing platform

The boardwalk to the viewing platform is approximately 300 feet.

See Maps, Directions, and Featured Activities sections on this page for more details on these features. Visit the DEC Accessible Recreation Destinations web page for additional accessible recreation opportunities.

Directions

From Interstate 90, take Exit 49 and head north on Route 78. Turn right onto Wehrle Drive and continue for 4.7 miles until reaching the WMA on the right.

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 Tillman Road 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

Prohibited activities at Tillman Road WMA include:

  • hunting or trapping, except by written permission by DEC;
  • operate a boat on the area without permission by DEC;
  • operate any motorized vehicle on the area;
  • take unleashed pets on the area;
  • erect any structures without permission by DEC;
  • possess alcoholic beverages while on the area;
  • conduct a picnic, athletic event, or outing in excess of 25 persons without written permission by DEC;
  • enter or remain upon the area between the period one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise without written permission by DEC

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 Tillman Road Wildlife Management Area

Like most of the state's Wildlife Management Areas, Tillman Road is managed by DEC's Division of Fish and Wildlife for wildlife conservation and wildlife-associated recreation (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.

Some of the principal management objectives and techniques for this WMA is to provide habitat for a variety of resident and migratory species and to permit compatible wildlife related recreational use.

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

Lake Erie Fishing Report
List of NYS Forests in Region 9
Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve & Environmental Education Center
Watchable Wildlife
Erie/Niagara County Tourism
Contact for this Page

NYS DEC Region 9 Wildlife Manager
182 E Union St Suite 3
Allegany, NY 14706

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