The Cox Hall Creek Wildlife Management Area is 322 acres of coastal habitat in Lower Township, Cape May County. The 253-acre Ponderlodge Golf Course was purchased in 2006 by the NJ Green Acres Program and added to this WMA. Native grasses and plants were added in 2012 to revert the land back to a natural habitat.
Birding
Located four miles from Cape May Point, birds funnel before crossing the bay on their southern migrations. The area boasts woodpeckers, pine warblers, grosbeaks, sparrows, waterfowl, raptors, and short-eared owls, and it is especially good for spring and fall migrants. It can be a good birding spot in the early morning. Raptors of all types are present in solid numbers, especially osprey that feed in the ocean and ponds. Prime birding conditions occur in mid‑May and September–October during peak migration, but year‑round visits can yield excellent diversity, from diving ducks and puddle ducks to woodland specialists like Louisiana Waterthrush and Winter Wren.
Fishing
Ponderlodge Pond, also known as Flynn’s Pond, is about eight acres and is stocked with trout in the spring. Bass, bluegill, catfish, and pickerel are also present. In addition, the old golf course water hazards total 9.6 acres and are home to frogs, turtles, and fish.
Hunting
Hunting opportunities are limited here. Portions of the WMA are open to archery deer hunting only, in DMZ 34.
Access
Owned by New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Fish & Wildlife, the Wildlife Management Area System is comprised of more than 360,000 acres in 122 areas throughout the state, which is more than 44% of New Jersey’s state-owned public open space. WMAs are maintained and supported with funding from hunting and fishing license sales, the Federal Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program and the Wildlife Habitat Supporter Program.
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Your donation shows your commitment to conserving New Jersey’s fish and wildlife species and the habitats on which they depend!
WMAs are patrolled by NJ Fish & Wildlife Conservation Police Officers to ensure public safety. If you see violations while visiting a WMA, please call the 24-hour DEP hotline at 877-WARN-DEP ( 877-927-6337).
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