The Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area, located on the
Lebanon-Lancaster County line about one mile south of
Kleinfletersville, is a special tract owned and set aside by the
Pennsylvania Game Commission for the protection, propagation,
management, preservation and controlled harvest of wildlife. This
area of more than 5,000 acres provides habitat for waterfowl,
forest wildlife and farmland wildlife and includes a 400-acre
shallow water lake and a 70-acre impoundment.
The lowlands are managed for ducks, geese and swans; the woodlands
for deer, grouse and squirrels; and the fringe areas for ringneck
pheasants, bobwhite quail and cottontail rabbits. Habitat
management for game birds, waterfowl and mammals also benefits many
non-game species.
Acquisition
The ridge line of some 1,700 acres of oak-hickory forest was
originally purchased with hunting license monies in the early
1930's, while the lowlands which comprise the balance of the
acreage were purchased in the 1960's and early 1970s with Project
70 funds. Development was funded with Project 500, Bureau of
Outdoor Recreation and hunting license monies. The operation and
maintenance are paid for entirely from hunting license monies.
Wildlife To See
Depending upon the season and time of day, a variety of wildlife
can be seen and identified. Helpful aids include binoculars and
bird and mammal field guides. Wildlife can be seen at any time, but
it is most active just after dawn and again about dusk. When
observing wildlife, please stay in your car or walk only on roads
and developed trails.
A large Canada goose flock remains on the area year-round, while
mallard and wood ducks leave in the fall and return each spring to
nest. Most young hatch in May and June and by late July goslings
and ducklings are nearly as large as their parents. Most migrating
waterfowl visit the area during October and November and again in
March and April.
Ringneck pheasants, bobwhite quail and cotton-tail rabbits can be
seen in the farmland areas, and whitetail deer, songbirds and an
occasional ruffed grouse or woodcock can be seen in the forest or
along its edges.
During the winter, abundant populations of small rodents in the
open farmlands and grassy areas attract a variety of hawks and owls
and, on rare occasions, an eagle. In the spring and summer, great
blue herons, little green herons, American egrets and wading and
shore birds can be seen around the impoundments.
Educational Opportunities
A wildlife management display at the Visitors Center is open to
the public from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday,
and from 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, from March 1 to
November 30. The Center includes a please touch area with antlers,
animal skins, a turtle shell and other objects and an impressive
display of preserved birds and other animals native to the area.
Watch out at goose crossings! About nine miles of trails have been
developed for hiking, wildlife observation, photography, and
observing habitat management practices.
Groups wishing to avail themselves of the facilities are welcome
anytime during open hours without reservations. Groups that wish to
be given a special program are advised to make reservations at
least four weeks in advance. Wildlife lecture programs, open to the
public, are offered free of charge Wednesday and Thursday evenings
during the spring and early fall months.
A self-guided vehicle tour is available.
Recreation Opportunities
Fishing is permitted in the section from the large dam breast to
the propagation area line (about 35 acres). Shoreline fishing is
permitted all year. Boats propelled by paddles and oars only are
allowed on this section from May 16 to September 14. Ice fishing is
also permitted.
Four picnic areas with tables, drinking water, restrooms and nearby
parking have been developed. The picnic areas are open daily from
8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Hunting
During legally prescribed hunting and trapping seasons, the
Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area is open to these activities,
as regulated by the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
For more information … Resident Manager
Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area
P.O. Box 110
Kleinfeltersville, PA 17039
(717) 733-1512
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