Towns: Ashby
Acreage: 1,132
Wildlife Management Zone: 5
Waterfowl Zone: Central
Description
This property is mostly hilly terrain with variations in elevation of more than 250 feet. Slopes vary from gentle to steep. The northern parcel is composed primarily of marsh and swamp dominated by red maple, buttonbush, cattails, reeds and grass hummocks. The southern parcel is predominantly wooded with a mixed-age forest of white pine, oak, and maple. There are 5 hay fields between 3 and 12 acres within this parcel. The upper reaches of the South Branch of the Souhegan River run through the northern parcel. It is 4-5 feet wide and 3-4 feet deep in this stretch, although extensive beaver activity has created a number of ponds. There is no standing water on the southern parcel, although there are some small, seasonably wet areas.
Location, access, & parking
Access to the WMA is possible from Route 119, West Road, and Bennett Road. See WMA Map.
Note: WMA's are intentionally wild, visitors will find natural landscapes rather than maintained trails.
Habitat management
Five fields are maintained for open habitat.
Learn more about MassWildlife's habitat management activities.
Hunting & fishing opportunities
Waterfowl and furbearers (including river otter, muskrat, mink, raccoon and beaver) are common in the vicinity of the beaver flowages. Opportunities for hunting white-tailed deer, eastern coyote, fox, wild turkey, and squirrels are common in the uplands. Black bear are occasionally reported. Pheasant are stocked in the open fields bordering the abandoned road (Brooks Lane) that runs from West Street to Pillsbury Road. Brook trout are present in Bennetts Brook. Fishing is available from the shores of the upper portion of Watatic Pond off of Rt 119 and should be accessed from Pillsbury Road. The south branch of the Souhegan River is stocked with trout and flows along Flint Road. Go to mass.gov/trout for more information.
Wildlife viewing & other features
There are beaver flowages in the northern parcel of the WMA providing viewing opportunities for many species of wildlife inhabiting the flowages. Moose and black bear are frequently seen.
Regulations
During the pheasant season, a “hunter orange” hat is required for all hunters except while night-hunting raccoons or opossums or while hunting waterfowl from within a blind or boat. No person shall hunt before sunrise or after sunset during the open season on pheasant, except for the hunting of raccoons or opossums between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m.
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.