Facility Activities

The Montezuma NWR is truly a haven for wildlife. Its diverse habitats of wetland, grassland, shrubland and forest give food, shelter, water and space to many of Central New York’s wildlife species. Waterfowl and other migratory birds depend on the Refuge as nesting, feeding, breeding and stopover grounds.  Some make the refuge a home year-round. 

Wildlife comes first on all National Wildlife Refuges. However, Montezuma can also provide wildlife dependent opportunities to you, the public—like the nature trails, observation towers and decks, and the Wildlife Drive.  Opportunities to enjoy the refuge vary to encompass the interests of a diverse visitor base. We hope you enjoy YOUR visit!

NOTE: The Wildlife Drive and Visitor Center are open daily April 1 through November 30 each year. Esker Brook and South Spring Pool Trail close annually November 1 through the end of the New York State white-tailed deer hunting season. 

Hunting

NOTICE to Waterfowl Hunters: 

We will no longer have a waterfowl hunting phone-in reservation system or waterfowl hunting self-serve permit system at the Hunter Check Station.

Waterfowl Hunting Permits for the Montezuma National Wildlife...

Fishing

Fishing season is year-round. Available species include largemouth bass, crappie, sunfish, yellow perch, catfish and northern pike. No boating is allowed on refuge pools. The use of non-toxic tackle is required.

Auto tour

Montezuma's 3-mile, one-way Wildlife Drive traverses the edge of the refuge’s Main Pool, ending at route NY-89. Pull over for viewing any time, but: 1.) from April through May and mid-August through November, please remain in your car until you reach designated viewing areas; 2.) when the trail...

Birding

Birding and other wildlife watching is the most popular activity at Montezuma NWR. From the novice birder to the experts from the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, birding at Montezuma offers exciting opportunities through the seasons! 

The best time of day to view wildlife is dawn...

Boating - motorized

Boating is permitted in the canals and rivers adjacent to the refuge, but not on the refuge.

Boating - non-motorized

Boating is permitted in the canals and rivers adjacent to the refuge, but not on the refuge. 

Cross-country skiing

Skiing is permitted on the Seneca, South Spring, and Esker Brook Trails when they are open and when conditions permit. Seneca Trail is closed during the New York State late bow hunting season; South Spring Pool and Esker Brook Trails are closed from November 1 ...

Dog walking

Dog walking is permitted in the Visitor Center/Refuge Headquarters Area and on the Seneca Trail only. These areas are closed during the New York State Late Bow Hunting Season. You must keep your dog on a leash and under your control at all times. Your dog may accompany you in your vehicle...

Education programs

Educational programs may be conducted for small groups (15 or less) based on staff/volunteer availability. Scout groups may be able to have a program that fulfills badge requirements. Please contact the refuge at least one month in advance of your desired program date. Our partners at the...

Hiking

Walking trails offer opportunities to see resident and other wildlife, in addition to various habitat types provided by the refuge. The Seneca Trail is accessible from the Visitor Center parking area; South Spring Pool Trail is located on route NY-89, north of route US-20; the Esker Brook Trails...

Photography

Artistic endeavors such as photography, painting, drawing, and journaling are encouraged on the refuge from public viewing areas and trails during refuge open hours. 

Picnicking

Picnic tables are available during refuge open hours. They are located near the beginning of the Seneca Trail, which can be accessed from the Visitor Center parking area, just past the big heron sculpture. 

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is permitted on the Seneca, South Spring, and Esker Brook Trails when they are open and when conditions permit. These trails are closed during the New York State late bow hunting season; South Spring and Esker Brook Trails are closed from November 1 – the end of the state late bow...

Trapping

Trapping is a wildlife management tool used on some national wildlife refuges. Trapping may be used to protect endangered and threatened species or migratory birds or to control certain wildlife populations. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service also views trapping as a legitimate recreational and...