Wildlife Management Area Are Open

[Billfish715]

This just came in:

Wildlife Management Areas are currently open for hunting and fishing.

We want to keep it that way, so we need YOU to observe proper social distancing guidelines to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

It is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT to practice safe social distancing at all times!

Be safe. Be smart. Keep your distance and keep our Wildlife Management Areas open!

Check out the Division's Video on guidelines for fishing during the COVID-19 crisis.

[Billfish715]

This may help. Click on an area to see the map.

https://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/wmaland.htm

[baetis]

Too bad they can't be open only for hunting and fishing purposes.

Hikers and gatherers will ruin it for everyone like they have city parks, county parks and state parks.

[Drossi]

Not for long once the dogwalker, mountain biker, and hiker clubs realize they can congregate there.

[T&Tfisher]

Too bad they can't be open only for hunting and fishing purposes.

Hikers and gatherers will ruin it for everyone like they have city parks, county parks and state parks.

I live by Wawayanda SP, they trashed the AT, parking lots full and had beach towels on sand Monday while I was out for salmon.

[AndrewT]

I live by Wawayanda SP, they trashed the AT, parking lots full and had beach towels on sand Monday while I was out for salmon.

It’s an atrocity what goes on there. People leave their garbage all over the place. Absolutely disgusting. Something needs to be done

[birddog]

You are supposed to have a hunting or fishing license to be on a WMA. When do you think the last time that was enforced. I don't have a problem with anyone using them but I regularly pick up beer cans and other trash at the pequest dog area.It is heavier to carry it in so why can't they carry it out.

[Billfish715]

You are supposed to have a hunting or fishing license to be on a WMA. When do you think the last time that was enforced.

Consider the overall square miles that are included in the WMA's. Enforcement is a problem, to be sure. It is done, but because of the thousands of acres that have to be patrolled, the task is almost impossible. ATV's have been a problem and many cases have been investigated and resolved with the help of sportsmen.

Not everyone considers the open spaces of the WMA's the same. Some people are just slobs. The same can be said of SOME fishermen and hunters as well. Fortunately, there are sportsmen and women who regularly pick up after others by carrying a small trash bag with them to retrieve things like Power Bait jars, styrofoam bait containers, used monofilament fishing line, cans, bottles, and other trash. I wish more anglers would take the time to do the same.

As for the walkers and joggers and bicyclers, they do use the trails too, but unless they are littering or destroying the property, why hassle them? The Ken Lockwood Gorge is a WMA and it is open for fishing and multiple use. I expect the trails through there to be over crowded if the rest of the parks don't open up. The Columbia trail is already packed with more people than I've ever seen and I imagine those walkers will find their way through the Gorge.

[Mark B.]

You are supposed to have a hunting or fishing license to be on a WMA.

Not true. You do not need a hunting or fishing license to enter a WMA.

If you transport a boat to use the ramp at 10 specific WMA's, then you are required to display a copy of a hunting or fishing license in your vehicle, or if you don't have a license you must purchase a Boat Ramp Maintenance Permit to use the ramp.

Through the years, particularly with the infusion of Green Acres monies since 1961, the mission of the Wildlife Management Area System gradually broadened from "Public Shooting and Fishing Grounds" to areas where fish and wildlife habitat is protected and enhanced, while providing a variety of compatible recreational and educational opportunities.
The number of people in search of wildlife-oriented recreational opportunities has grown significantly in the last 40 years as shown by the National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation, conducted every five years by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. In New Jersey, the 2011 National Survey found that 794,000 people hunted fished, and more than 2,400,000 people participated in other wildlife-oriented recreational activities (bird feeding, wildlife observation, photography, etc.). The survey includes only people 16 years of age and older.

The following are prohibited: camping, swimming, picnicking, dumping, cutting or damaging vegetation, removing timber or firewood, alcoholic beverages, metal detecting, geocaching, paddleboards (except for fishing; no use allowed at Split Rock Reservoir), flying aerial drones, and fires.


https://state.nj.us/dep/fgw/wmaregs.htm

[NJSquatch]

get out and enjoy them while you can!

my $ is on they will also be closed after this weekend. they were likely kept open for the trout opener. i can't even imagine what tomorrow morning is going to look like at the handful on easily accessible WMA's.

[T&Tfisher]

Fished Flatbrook/Roy WMA Sunday, people fishing no crowds. Also mountain bikers, dog walkers, groups of day hikers. WMA's are going to be shut down with all this extra activity.

[logs22]

Anyone know if Budd lake is still open? I see it listed on the WMA website. Would love to take the kayak out one night this week but I am having trouble figuring out a place I can go.

[Floattubeangler]

Anyone know if splitrock is open? I have been to a couple spots on the list and one of them was closed. So I guess just because it's on the list doesn't guarantee it being open.

[bigfishy]

The more one asks what is open? The more ones will speak what is open....therefore, the more those places will be crowded.....pls try to keep as much as possible in pm's

[logs22]

The more one asks what is open? The more ones will speak what is open....therefore, the more those places will be crowded.....pls try to keep as much as possible in pm's

Good point, I assumed any responses to my question would come in the form of a PM but I should have specified. The last thing I need is LESS options.

[Drossi]

20 cars (7 parked semi-legally on a patch of grass) in Wildcat Ridge WMA tonight at 5:30. Hikers, bikers, dog walkers, and a few fishermen. Only the fishermen were social distancing. Don't expect them to stay open much longer cause people aren't listening.

[Mikey topaz]

You may not be able to fish your favorite spots right now, but there’s plenty of options out there. Fresh and salt... if it’s trout your after grab a compendium and look inside there’s tons of little creeks and whatnot don’t be afraid to explore and try some new spots out.