Waneta-Lamoka 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: Town of Tyrone, Schuyler County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 8R, 8W
• Map: Waneta-Lamoka WMA Map (PDF) || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

The primary purposes of Waneta-Lamoka Wildlife Management Area (WMA) are for wildlife management, wildlife habitat management, and wildlife-dependent recreation. The area consists of 165 acres of marsh and open water. This tract of land lies between Waneta Lake and Lamoka Lake, two of New York's smaller Finger Lakes.

Accessible Features

From the Route 23 Parking Lot, wheelchair accessible features include the:

• Hand boat launch with dock and kayak slide

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

The area is easily accessed from County Road 23, approximately seven miles east of Hammondsport. The popular Sugar Hill State Forest and Watkins Glen State Park are located nearby.

• County Road 23, large gravel parking area (42.4215012°N, 77.0888977°W) - Get Google Map Driving Directions
• County Road 23 (42.4219017°N, 77.0894012°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 Waneta-Lamoka 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

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, Waneta-Lamoka 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.

DEC manages these lands in accordance with the management activities described in the Keuka 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.

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 
• Watkins Glen Area / Schuyler County Chamber of Commerce 

State Lands and Facilities

• Birdseye Hollow State Forest
• Goundry Hill State Forest
• Sugar Hill State Forest
• Watkins Glen State 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.