Connecticut Hill Wildlife Management Area is New York State’s largest Wildlife Management Area (WMA) at 11,237 acres and lies within two counties — Schuyler and Tompkins.
A diversity of habitats, including streams and ponds, small fields, and some regenerating hardwood forests, can also be found across the property.
Connecticut Hill has been identified as an Important Bird Area for its extensive hilltop forests of American beech, oak, maple, hemlock, mature spruce, and pine plantations that are attractive to many birds. Northern goshawk, red-shouldered hawk, broad-winged hawk, wood thrush, hooded warbler, Canada warbler, scarlet tanager, and black-billed cuckoo are species that have been documented on the WMA.
The WMA is very popular with hunters. Given its size relative to the road network, dedicated hunters can find remote locations when pursuing white-tailed deer, wild turkey, bear, ruffed grouse, cottontails, or woodcock.
The Finger Lakes Trail passes through the property for about 13 miles, including the Bob Cameron and Van Lone loops, and is a popular route for day hikers.
You can learn more about Connecticut Hill WMA in the October 2021 issue of the Conservationist.
Photo: aerial view Connecticut Hill taken in 1953 showing abandoned farmland (provided).
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