Towns: Southbridge, Sturbridge
Acreage: 707
Wildlife Management Zone: 8
Description
Breakneck Brook WMA was named for Breakneck Brook which flows through the center of this property. The terrain here features rolling hills, open meadows, and steep ridges lining brook valley. The property is dominated by mature mixed hardwood and white pine forest. Users can find two small beaver enhanced impoundments near the western border.
Location, access, & parking
The parking area for this property is located on Breakneck Road near the northwest corner of the WMA. This small lot found between two houses is suitable for two or three vehicles. See WMA map.
Note: WMAs are intentionally wild, visitors will find natural landscapes rather than maintained trails.
Hunting & fishing opportunities
This property provides hunters with opportunities to pursue white-tailed deer, wild turkey, ruffed grouse, American woodcock and many small game species. Waterfowl hunters will find opportunities near the beaver impoundments and meadows. Trappers may find this to be a good property to trap aquatic furbearers as well as raccoons. The small ponds on the western edge of the WMA provide fishing opportunities for native brook trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, sunfish, and bullheads. The brook itself supports fisheries resources that change as beavers dams are built and abandoned over time.
Wildlife viewing & other features
The steep slopes and brook valley provide abundant scenic views and wildlife viewing opportunities. Wetlands are home to beaver, river otter, and mink as well as wood duck. Pileated woodpeckers and other forest dwelling birds can be seen and heard along the hardwood ridges.
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.