DEC Now Accepting Waterfowl Hunting Permit Lottery Entries for October 2025 Opening Weekend at Oak Orchard and Tonawanda Wildlife Management Areas

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is accepting entries for a special permit to hunt waterfowl at two popular wildlife management areas (WMAs) in Western New York. The special permit allows for duck hunting on the first Saturday and Sunday of the Western Zone duck season at Oak Orchard and Tonawanda WMAs. The WMAs are primarily in Genesee and Niagara counties, with small portions in Orleans and Erie counties. The opening weekend waterfowl hunting permits will be distributed by a random lottery. The deadline for hunters to apply for the lottery online is Sept. 15, 2025.

For each of the two days, Oct. 11 and 12, DEC typically issues 100 permits for Tonawanda WMA and 50 permits for Oak Orchard WMA. Prior to the lottery, WMA wetland conditions will be assessed, and DEC may adjust the number of permits issued.

For questions or concerns about the permit lottery or access to the online entry form, contact the DEC Iroquois Wildlife Field Office at (585) 948-5182. Anyone unable to complete the online survey should contact the office before the Sept. 15 deadline. The special permits are part of DEC's ongoing efforts to promote hunter safety, reduce hunter conflicts, and increase the quality of hunting on days when these areas receive the greatest use.