Towns: Halifax, Hanson
Acreage: 1,886
Wildlife Management Zone: 11
Waterfowl Zone: Central
Description
Once a large cranberry-growing operation, this nearly 2,000-acre WMA contains extensive wetlands, ponds, and forested swamps. This area was once known as the Great Cedar Swamp and portions were logged for cedar and mined for bog iron in the 17th and 18th centuries. Since acquiring the land in 2002, MassWildlife has been restoring the cranberry bogs to natural emergent wetlands for improved wildlife habitat. This scenic and diverse property has something for everyone. Visitors of all ages and abilities can walk the miles of old cranberry bog dikes. Paddlers can float one of the many reservoirs in a canoe or kayak and look for ducks, herons, and marsh birds. More adventurous visitors can explore the expansive red maple and Atlantic white cedar swamps.
Learn more about MassWildlife's habitat management activities.
Location, access, & parking
The area is accessible via 4 formal parking areas including: 1) the main parking area at Hawks Avenue in Hanson (off Pleasant Street), 2) a small parking area off the east side of Elm Street across from the Town of Hanson’s Smith-Nawazelski Conservation Area, 3) a parking area on the east side of Elm Street approximately 0.2 miles south of the intersection with Pond Street (down a short gravel driveway), and 4) a parking area on the east side of Elm Street approximately 0.1 miles south of the intersection with Old Furnace Street. There are also several small roadside pull-offs on the east side of Elm Street about 0.3 miles south of the intersection with Hudson Street in Hanson. See WMA map.
Note: WMAs are intentionally wild, visitors will find natural landscapes rather than maintained trails.
Hunting & fishing opportunities
The reservoirs, emergent wetlands, and flooded forests provide excellent waterfowl hunting opportunities. The shallow marshes are particularly well suited for Canada geese and dabbling ducks like mallards, wood ducks, and teals. White-tailed deer, coyotes, foxes, wild turkeys, and small game are found here. Aquatic furbearers, including beavers, muskrats, and river otters, are also present.
Upper and Lower Burrage reservoirs, along with some smaller bogs on the property, offer excellent warmwater fishing from a canoe or kayak or from shore. Anglers can expect to catch largemouth bass, chain pickerel, yellow perch, white perch, black crappie, sunfish, and brown bullhead. The reservoirs are shallow, with exposed and submerged stumps. The nearby Monponsett Ponds also provide good fishing as well as access for trailered boats.
Wildlife viewing & other features
Visitors can observe common mammals and numerous turtles and snakes, along with many species of moths, butterflies, and native pollinators. Over 200 species of birds have been documented on the property, including ducks, geese, raptors, egrets, herons, bitterns, rails, shorebirds, and a variety of songbirds.
Regulations
About Wildlife Management Areas
MassWildlife owns and manages over 220,000 acres of land to conserve fish and wildlife habitats and provide access for outdoor recreation. All WMAs are open to hunting, fishing, trapping, and other outdoor recreation activities. Visit the MassWildlife Lands Viewer for an interactive map of MassWildlife properties.
You can support land protection in Massachusetts. Contributions to the Wildlands Fund help pay for the cost of acquiring wildlife habitat. Learn more about the Wildlands Fund.