Elmer Lake Wildlife Management Area
Flora, fauna and 279 acres of rustic, undeveloped woodlands, wetlands and forested areas make Elmer Lake Wildlife Management Area a hunter's, angler's and hiker's paradise.
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Whether you are there to watch wildlife, fish, hike, or hunt, the 279 acre Elmer Lake Wildlife Management Area is a good spot to do it. Make sure your licenses are up to date and you can hunt for deer, small game or waterfowl. Or use the small boat ramp and load into the 45 acre Elmer Lake. Even if all you do is drop your line in the lake and never catch a thing, it will be a peaceful and relaxing afternoon.

Trails wind through forests and along the lake area so bring binoculars because you’ll see all kinds of birds and waterfowl, depending on the time of year. Look out over the Lake during the winter and you’ll see Green-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler and Mallards. In the spring you'll spot Bank Swallows and Great Blue or Green Herons, not to mention plenty of white-tailed deer foraging for food around the lake.

The heat of summer brings the Osprey, Red-tailed and Red-Shouldered Hawks. And if you see Mute Swans, it's okay to look, but don’t get too close -- they aren't the most pleasant critters.

By the time fall rolls around, keep your eyes peeled for Lesser Scaup and the other waterfowl that turn up for a little rest at Lake Elmer during their migration south for the winter.
 

BRING THE FAMILY

If the kids are into fishing and hiking, this place could be of interest.  Remember there are no amenities here for youngsters -- no restrooms or food service. But there is a pavilion with picnic benches right near the entrance for a quiet al fresco lunch.

COME PREPARED

Bring insect repellant, especially during warm weather months. And remember to wear bright orange clothing because hunting is allowed here. 

WHO KNEW

Before the turn of the century, there was not widespread support of wildlife laws for hunting and fishing. In fact, there was a great deal of resentment against such laws. This is borne out by the fact that before 1900, the first two wardens put on the job were shot to death within several years of being appointed.


VOLUNTEER

There is a lot of wild land out there and the New Jersey Fish and Wildlife Department can use your help to keep the areas in shape. Join the Wildlife Conservation Corps and become a volunteer. For more information, log onto www.njfishandwildlife.org/wcchome.htm.

TAKE PUBLIC TRANSIT

No stops within walking distance of location.

LEAVE NO TRACE

Stick to the trails -- wandering off could damage wildlife habitats or other rare plants that thrive in the area.

CONTACT INFO
Route 40
Elmer, NJ 08318

(609) 628-2436
http://www.njfishandwildlife.org
Primary County: Salem
 
NEARBY ACCOMMODATIONS
Oldman's Creek Campground 3.77 mi
Pic-A-Lilli Inn 26.54 mi
The Iris Inn 28.93 mi
Isaac Hilliard House 38.08 mi
Pilgrim Lake Campground 41.23 mi