Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge
The Montezuma Wildlife Refuge stretches 9,809 acres throughout the Finger Lakes in Seneca, Wayne and Cayuga Counties. This wildlife refuge is a resting place for numerous migratory birds and is situated in one of the most active flight lanes in the Atlantic Flyway.
Visitors of the Montezuma Wildlife Refuge can hunt waterfowl or white tail deer, boat or fish at May's Point (fishing is prohibited in the refuge pools) and observe the wildlife found within the refuge. The following is a list of the numerous features at the Montezuma Wildlife Refuge.
Visitor Center - Open (Mid-April - November 30, weekends only in November) weekends 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and most weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Visitors should call ahead to check weekday staffing).
Main Pool Observation Tower - Just a short walk from the Visitor Center, this tower is equipped with a telescope and provides some of the best viewings of wildlife using the Main Pool.
Wildlife Drive - This 3.5 mile (5.6 km) drive provides many opportunities to observe and photograph wildlife. Generally closed during the winter and early spring months. There are no bicycling facilities at Montezuma.
Benning Marsh - This 5-acre marsh was created in 1991 for the purpose of providing additional shorebird habitat.
Tschache Pool - This 1100 acre impoundment is surrounded by a dike. There is a parking area and an observation tower equipped with a telescope. In addition to the Eagles, this pool provides habitat for muskrat and various species of waterfowl.
May's Point Pool - This pool attracts large numbers of migrating shorebirds. Esker Brook Nature Trails—three interconnected trails provide visitors with a 1.5-mile walk through a variety of habitats.
The Esker Brook - area is an excellent spot to observe a variety of wildflowers, migrant songbirds, and other wildlife species.
Fishing Opportunities - Fishing is prohibited in refuge waters. The refuge maintains a boat launch area providing access to the State-owned Barge Canal System. Three public fishing sites provide bank-fishing access to the Canal.
Public hunting - for waterfowl and deer is permitted under special regulations on portions of the refuge during the state seasons.
Additional Information - With advance notice, educational programs are available to organized groups throughout the year. Refuge staff provide many guided tours, particularly during the spring and fall migrations. Other programs are held in the refuge's Visitor Center throughout the year.
