Hunters heading to Northern Montezuma or Lake Shore Marshes this fall will see new restrictions on pheasant hunting — part of a plan to improve safety and hunt quality.
The DEC says both Wildlife Management Areas will now be closed to pheasant hunting and dog training on Tuesdays and Fridays, starting October 18 through the end of the season on December 31.
What’s changing and why
This change applies to the Northern Montezuma WMA — which spans Wayne, Cayuga, and Seneca counties — and the Lake Shore Marshes WMA in Wayne County. It also affects youth pheasant hunts scheduled for October 11 and 12.
Officials say the rule aligns with other Region 8 WMAs like Tonawanda, Oak Orchard, and John White. The closures give staff time to safely restock pheasants and maintain the habitat without interference.
Long-term shift for local hunters
The DEC says the Tuesday and Friday closures will stay in place for future pheasant seasons. Hunters can check stocking locations through the DEC’s Pheasant Stocking Mapper online tool.
Pheasant hunting remains a valued tradition across New York State, and officials say these updates aim to preserve that experience.
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