Sunset over a wooded lake
Wildlife Management Area

Upper and Lower Lakes Wildlife Management Area

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The primary purposes of Upper and Lower Lakes Wildlife Management Area (WMA) are wildlife management, wildlife habitat management, and wildlife-dependent recreation. This WMA is a large developed wetland complex lying between the Grass River and the Oswegatchie River. It is 8,727 acres and is located 3 miles west of the village of Canton and 12 miles east of the city of Ogdensburg. The village of Rensselaer Falls is on the western edge of the WMA, adjacent to the refuge and Indian Creek Nature Center. It is bounded on four sides by public roads: State Route 68, Irish Settlement Road, County Road 14, and County Road 15.

Featured Activities

General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.

Hiking is allowed only at the Indian Creek Nature Center. Please stay on the designated trails to protect the diversity and richness of the plant communities found within this area.

Wildlife Management Unit: 6A

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

Special entry and permit restrictions are in place at this WMA to protect key habitats and provide high-quality hunting opportunities. Upper and Lower Lakes WMA Wetlands Regulations lists permitted hunting opportunities and describes access restrictions.

This WMA is divided into three zones: refuge, restricted use, and public hunting (see Upper and Lower Lakes WMA map). There is no public access allowed in the refuge area, however there is an observation tower at the west end of refuge that is open year-round. The restricted use area is closed to the public June 1st through August 15th with access on foot only April 15th through May 31st.

The public hunting area is open to the public year-round with use governed by general regulations. Rules and regulations for the restricted access portion of the area are posted at the headquarters. Although the area is most notable for waterfowl hunting, small game hunting, big game hunting, trapping, birdwatching, and canoeing opportunities are also available. Ring-necked pheasants are stocked in the fall to enhance the upland bird hunting. Please be sure to abide by all game laws (view hunting seasons).

Wildlife Management Unit: 6A

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

Special entry and permit restrictions are in place at this WMA to protect key habitats and provide high-quality hunting opportunities. Upper and Lower Lakes WMA Wetlands Regulations lists permitted hunting opportunities and describes access restrictions.

This WMA is divided into three zones: refuge, restricted use, and public hunting (see Upper and Lower Lakes WMA map). There is no public access allowed in the refuge area, however there is an observation tower at the west end of refuge that is open year-round. The restricted use area is closed to the public June 1st through August 15th with access on foot only April 15th through May 31st.

Trapping is by permit only in this area. The public hunting area is open to the public year-round with use governed by general regulations. Rules and regulations for the restricted access portion of the area are posted at the headquarters. Although the area is most notable for waterfowl hunting, small game hunting, big game hunting, trapping, birdwatching, and canoeing opportunities are also available. Ring-necked pheasants are stocked in the fall to enhance the upland bird hunting. 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.

Smallmouth bass, walleye, and muskellunge are present in the Grass River.

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

A demonstration area featuring various types of habitat manipulation is located off of Irish Settlement Road. A short accessible trail, benches, and information panels overlook the area. Management is underway on approximately 140 acres of the WMA to improve habitat for golden-winged warblers, a species in decline. Other early successional species, including gamebirds such as ruffed grouse, wild turkey, and woodcock also benefit from these activities.

At the east end of the refuge area is a privately operated, publicly owned nature center with an observation tower and walkway that overlooks the refuge. The Indian Creek Nature Center (leaves DEC website) is open year-round and contains trails, boardwalks, and observation areas. Many songbirds, waterfowl, wading birds, shorebirds, and birds of prey utilize this area, including gamebird species such as grouse, turkey, pheasant, and woodcock. Some of the rare bird species to be found include the northern harrier, common loon, black tern, sedge wren, and osprey. Common mammals found on the area include white-tailed deer, snowshoe hare, cottontail rabbit, raccoon, and furbearers such as fisher, beaver, muskrat, mink, and otter.

Use the Wildlife Management Area Vertebrate Checklist (PDF) and the Wildlife Management Area Bird Checklist (PDF) as wildlife viewing guides. Upper and Lower Lakes Wildlife Management Area is designated as a Bird Conservation Area.

Accessible trail at Upper and Lower Lakes WMA

Accessible Features

From the Middle Access Road Parking Area, off County Route 14, wheelchair accessible features include the:

  • Two viewing blinds

There are two parking areas on Middle Access Road that each have a viewing blind approximately 150 feet from the parking area.

From the Irish Settlement Road Demonstration Area Parking Area, wheelchair accessible features include the:

  • Viewing area; and
  • Interpretive signage

The viewing area of wetlands is 100 feet from the parking area.

From the Indian Creek Nature Center Parking Area, wheelchair accessible features include the:

  • Privy

The privy is approximately 150 feet from the parking area.

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

Located 3 miles west of the village of Canton and 12 miles east of the city of Ogdensburg.

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 Upper and Lower Lakes 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 Upper and Lower Lakes Wildlife Management Area

Like most of the state's Wildlife Management Areas, Upper and Lower Lakes 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.

WMA Management Plans

In 2015, DEC began a management planning process for wildlife lands, including development of a habitat and an access plan for each area. Habitat Management Plans guide habitat management decision-making on WMAs to benefit wildlife and promote wildlife-dependent recreation. Access and Public Use Plans address management needs for public use activities, access features, facility development, and maintenance. 

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.

Upper and Lower Lakes WMA Wetlands Regulations

Public Use of Wetlands Restricted Area

The portion of the Upper & Lower Lakes Wildlife Management Area that is posted WETLANDS RESTRICTED AREA will be open to specific types of public access as outlined below. Noe that permits are required for trapping and camping and that other regulations detailed in Title 6, NYCRR Part 54 Amended Regulations to Upper and Lower Lakes Wildlife Management Area, apply.

Northeastern Zone Waterfowl Hunting Season

Opening day hunting hours are from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. On all other days of the waterfowl and September goose season, statewide hunting hours are in effect. Hunters must leave the area two (2) hours after shooting hours end each day.

Open for youth waterfowl and youth pheasant hunting on designated dates.

Big and Small Game

State-wide regulations apply.

Access

Access is to land only between April 15 and May 31.

Camping

Permits are available only for the fall on an annual basis by contacting the Bureau of Wildlife at the Watertown office (315) 785-2263. The following information must be provided for the camping permits:

  • names and addresses of all persons who will be at the camp site;
  • vehicle description(s) and license plate number(s) of all vehicles that will be at the site; and
  • the dates the site will be occupied

Complete camping rules and regulations are contained in the camping permit.

Trapping

Permits are available for both the spring and fall by contacting the Bureau of Wildlife at the Watertown office (315) 785-2263.

Important Links

Special Regulations for Upper and Lower Lakes
St. Lawrence County Tourism
NYS Department of Health
Leave No Trace
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