Towns: Ashfield, Hawley
Acreage: 284
Wildlife Management Zone: 2
Description
The Ashfield Hawley WMA features coniferous forested wetlands with the outer edges of the property lined with northern hardwoods. The headwaters of the Swift River flow through the center of this WMA and there are a few small beaver impoundments along the river. The property is bordered by agricultural fields on the northeast side and contains thick undergrowth in areas, making it challenging to walk through parts of this property.
Location, access, & parking
A dirt parking lot for 3 vehicles is located on the western side on Plainfield Road in Hawley. A second dirt parking lot for 2 vehicles is located off of Old Stage Road in Ashfield. Access can be acquired from these 2 parking lots or by crossing over Plainfield Road from Kenneth Dubuque Memorial Forest which is west of this WMA. See WMA map.
Note: WMAs are intentionally wild, visitors will find natural landscapes rather than maintained trails.
Hunting opportunities
The WMA is excellent black bear and white-tailed deer habitat with extensive cover and food sources. Ruffed grouse and American woodcock also thrive in the forested wetlands.
Wildlife viewing & other features
Moose have been occasionally observed at this property.
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.