Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge – Basom, NY

The Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge is a 10,828-acre refuge in the town of Basom. The wildlife refuge has woodlands, swamps, meadows, and fields and is home to a variety of animal life. This sanctuary was established in 1958 as a protected habitat for not only the wild birds who used it as a stopover on their migration but the abundant animal life that calls the refuge home.

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Wildlife at the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge

The refuge is a preserve for all kinds of birds and animals. Between March 1 and October 1, this park is a protected sanctuary for nesting birds and breeding mammals.

There is a large variety of mammals that guests have the opportunity to witness during their visit: White-Tailed Deer, Squirrels, raccoons, North American Porcupine, Coyotes, Muskrats, Beaver, Skunk, Chipmunk, Opossum, Woodchucks, Bobcats, Fox, Mink, Weasels, and River Otters. There is also a large variety of rodents, rabbits, and bats.

This refuge is a bird-watchers paradise. There is also a large population of birds at the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, both migratory and indigenous; over 268 different species of birds have been spotted within the sanctuary. Bird watchers can print this brochure provided by the US Fish and Wildlife Service and mark off the different types of birds they spot. The Park Service does ask that if you should spot a bird that isn’t on the list, you please report it to park personnel.

Activities at the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge

Hiking

The Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge has several hiking trails and lookout points throughout this vast preserve.

The Kanyoo Trail has two loops, one of which includes a boardwalk over Mohawk Pool. Visitors can also cross-country ski and snowshoe on this trail in the winter.

Onondaga Nature Trail will take visitors through a diversity of habitats with multiple opportunities to view lots of wildlife. This trail is 1.2 miles long and runs over fairly flat ground. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are also permitted here in the winter.

Swallow Hollow Nature Trail is one of the best trails for bird-watching, especially in early spring. The trail is 1.3 miles long and traverses both boardwalk and dirt path. This trail travels through both woodlands and marshland for a variety of habitats.

Scenic Overlooks

There are several overlooks at different points around the preserve that offer visitors excellent photographing opportunities. It is always a good idea to bring a pair of binoculars when visiting this park.

Canoeing and kayaking in the Preserve

The waters of the wetlands in the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge are fed by Oak Orchard Creek. Visitors can canoe and kayak (as well as use boats without motors) to paddle Oak Orchard Creek. There is a boat launch located between Knowlesville Rd and Route 63. You might even get to see a beaver dam if you’re lucky.

Fishing in the Preserve

Fishing is permitted year-round within the preserve at Ringneck Marsh and Oak Orchard Creek. This area is heavily patrolled by DEC, so be sure to have your fishing license. Ice fishing is permitted December 1- February 28 on Ringneck March only.

Children under 17 can participate in a fishing derby on the first Saturday of June. Anglers can catch Northern Pike, Bass, Yellow Perch, Crappies, and Bullheads.

Out and About With Nova

The Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge is a dog-friendly destination as long as your four-legged friends are on a leash. Nova truly enjoyed her hike here. Please note that some of the trails have narrow boardwalks where you might come upon other hikers and dogs. If your dog is not good with other people or dogs, you should consider one of the wooded trails. There isn’t a lot of room to maneuver around people and dogs on the boardwalk. As always, Nova wants us to remind you to clean up after your pet. Leaving poop or poop in bags around is disrespectful to other hikers and bad for the environment.