Towns: Windsor
Acreage: 1,821
Wildlife Management Zone: 2
Description
The diverse character of Eugene D. Moran WMA attracts hunters, birders, and other wildlife enthusiasts. This high-elevation property is part of a large collection of conserved land scattered across the Berkshire Plateau. The forested areas are primarily northern hardwood interspersed with spruce–fir stands. Abandoned agricultural fields and shrubland habitats along with extensive wetlands can be found west of Savoy Road. Beavers are active on the landscape, so waterways are always shifting. MassWildlife mows in certain locations to maintain grassland habitat and to provide cover for ring-necked pheasant. The Fobes Hill area is managed for shrubland and young forest habitat. Visitors can explore these varied habitats and observe wildlife living there. A walk to the open summit of Windsor Hill offers one of the most impressive views in the Berkshires.
Location, access, & parking
This property is wholly in the town of Windsor with numerous points of entry. The primary access is via two large paved parking lots on the east and west sides of Route 8A. The WMA can also be accessed from the south side of Cheshire Road where there is a small grass parking lot or from the west side of North Street. See WMA map.
Note: WMAs are intentionally wild, visitors will find natural landscapes rather than maintained trails.
Hunting opportunities
Hunting Opportunities: This WMA provides some of the best upland game bird hunting in the region. The combination of mowed fields, young forests, and forest edges make this a premier pheasant hunting destination. The managed shrublands and alder swamps also provide excellent opportunities to pursue American woodcock and ruffed grouse. Pheasants are stocked both sides of Savoy Road. White-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and black bears can be found throughout the property.
Wildlife viewing & other features
Moose, black bears, bobcats, coyotes, fishers, beavers, and river otters frequent this property. More than 180 bird species have been observed here. The marshes and wet meadows provide breeding habitat for unusual birds like the American bittern, Wilson’s snipe, and northern harrier. The managed young forests provide homes for American woodcock, chestnut-sided warblers, and other species that rely on this dwindling habitat type. The spruce–fir forests support songbirds like the blackburnian warbler and golden-crowned kinglet, while American kestrel and bobolink can be observed in the grassy, open areas
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.