Hunters hoping to bag waterfowl on opening weekend at two of Western New York’s busiest wildlife areas can now enter a special permit lottery.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced Thursday it’s accepting applications for the October 11 and 12 hunting weekend at Oak Orchard and Tonawanda Wildlife Management Areas.
The special permits—distributed by random lottery—are required to hunt ducks during the season’s first Saturday and Sunday. DEC typically issues 100 permits for Tonawanda and 50 for Oak Orchard each day, though final numbers may change based on wetland conditions.
Both WMAs span Genesee and Niagara counties, with portions in Orleans and Erie counties.
Hunters must apply online by September 15. Those who can’t complete the entry form digitally should contact the Iroquois Wildlife Field Office at (585) 948-5182 before the deadline.
According to DEC, the permits help improve safety, reduce hunter conflicts, and maintain a high-quality experience during peak activity.
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