Hunting and Fishing

The Enchanted Mountains of Cattaraugus County are well known for the bountiful game that resides in its hillsides and fields. Cattaraugus County is the Number 1 county in New York State for turkey hunting and in the top three for deer hunting.

The lakes, streams and creeks are stocked with fish raised at the Randolph Fish Hatchery, a division of NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. You will eagerly await the opening of trout season in the spring, or wait for the warm days of summer to cast your line in a quiet peaceful stream.

Cattaraugus County has consistently ranked in the top five spring harvest producing counties in the State. Big wood lots adjacent to farm fields make for some excellent wild turkey habitant. Along with excellent turkey hunting opportunities other small game species such as rabbit, squirrel, grouse and pheasant round out the small bore category. Not to be outdone by fishing and small game opportunities, the whitetail roam in great numbers throughout the County. Not just quantity, but quality of the whitetail herd abounds in Cattaraugus County.

State Developed Pond Area - A handicapped-accessible fishing dock is opened off Lower Birch Run Road to provide access to mitigation ponds.  The 100-foot-long fishing dock, constructed of maintenance-free composite decking, is adjacent to a handicapped parking area.  Fish found include carp, panfish, some northern pike and some bass.  A new black top walking path back between the other ponds will provide individuals to view wildlife and birds and fish.