DEC encourages beaver trappers to visit specific Wildlife Management Areas and a State Forest where beaver activity is causing damage to roads, trails, and other features during the upcoming trapping season which runs until April 7, 2025.

Beaver populations have grown significantly at these locations, making it more challenging to manage water levels on the ponds, marshes, and impoundments.

The Region 9 Bureau of Wildlife is 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

For more information about trapping opportunities at these locations, please contact: Land Management Biologist, Eric Maringer at 716-379-6367 or by email at eric.maringer@dec.ny.gov.