DEC encourages beaver trappers to visit specific Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) and State Forests where beaver activity is causing damage to roads, trails, and other features during the upcoming trapping season, which runs until April 7, 2026.
Beaver populations have grown significantly at these locations, making it more challenging to manage water levels on the ponds, marshes, and impoundments.
We are asking trappers to consider beaver trapping on the following areas:
Allegany County:
- Keeney Swamp WMA – Town of Birdsall
- Hanging Bog WMA – Town of New Hudson
Cattaraugus County:
- Allegheny Reservoir WMA – Town of South Valley
- Birch Run Ponds WMA – Town of Allegany
- Harwood Lake MUA – Town of Farmersville
Chautauqua County:
- Boutwell Hill State Forest – Town of Cherry Creek
- Kabob WMA –Town of Stockton
- Watts Flats WMA – Town of Harmony
Erie, Genesee, Niagara, and Orleans Counties:
- Oak Orchard and Tonawanda WMAs – These WMAs together span the towns of Alabama, Barre, Newstead, Oakfield, Royalton, and Shelby
For more information about trapping opportunities at these or other locations, please contact your DEC Regional Wildlife Office.