Allegheny Reservoir Wildlife Management Area

• Open for Recreation: Year-round

• Fee: Free
• Contact Information:
  • DEC Region 9 Allegany Office (M-F, 8:00AM - 4:00PM), (716) 372-0645; [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 South Valley, Cattaraugus County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 9R
• Map: Allegheny Reservoir WMA Map (PDF) || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

The primary purposes of Allegheny Reservoir Wildlife Management Area (WMA) are for wildlife management, wildlife habitat management, and wildlife-dependent recreation. This is a 1,106-acre area located 15 miles southeast of Jamestown. This ecologically diverse area is home to hardwood forests as well as grasslands, white-tailed deer, bald eagles, swallows, and spiny soft-shelled turtles.

Allegheny Reservoir WMA was part of the lands acquired by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that created the Allegheny Reservoir from the construction of the Kinzua Dam. The dam is located 9.7 miles upstream from Warren, Pennsylvania. Since 1992, the property has been leased to the DEC and is managed by the Region 9 Bureau of Wildlife. Half of the area is forested with mixed hardwoods and conifers and the remaining half is comprised of brush land and grassland.

Directions

From Interstate 86, take Steamburg Exit 17 and head south on West Bank Perimeter Road (State Route 950A) for approximately 7 miles, then turn right onto Bone Run Road.

• Bone Run Road parking area (42.051792°N, 78.976435°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 Allegheny Reservoir WMA 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 Areas 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.

How We Manage Allegheny Reservoir Wildlife Management Area

Like most of the state's Wildlife Management Areas, Allegheny Reservoir 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.

View the Habitat Management Plan for Allegheny Reservoir Wildlife Management Area (PDF), approved in March 2021, which identifies the WMA-specific target species and habitat goals for the WMA.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

Cattaraugus County Tourism

State Lands and Facilities

• Allegany State Park
• South Valley State Forest
• Pine Hill State Forest

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.