Towns: Bridewater, Easton, Norton, Raynham, Taunton, West Bridgewater
Acreage: 6,157
Wildlife Management Zone: 11
Waterfowl Zone: Central
Description
Hockomock Swamp WMA consists of numerous parcels that are primarily vegetated wetlands which are extremely variable in nature. In fact, this area of Massachusetts contains the largest wetland in the state. Marshes and cattails dominate some areas, other locations are comprised of red maple, and there are numerous pockets of Atlantic white cedar bogs and swamps, and acidic fens. The upland habitat consists of open farmland and mixed stands of hardwood, pine, and hemlock.
Location, access, & parking
Several parking areas are available near this property. For access to the northern section, a dirt lot with space for 6 vehicles can be found off of Route 106 in West Bridgewater. To the east of the property, there is a 4-vehicle dirt lot off of Maple Street in West Bridgewater. The southeastern section, which features access to Lake Nippenicket, has roadside parking at the end of Chase Road in Bridgewater. You can access the southern and western area of this property from the 5-vehicle lot off of Prospect Hill Street in Raynham. This property can also be accessed by parking at the end of Toad Island Road in Norton and crossing through the Erwin S. Wilder WMA which borders the Hockomock Swamp WMA. See WMA map.
Note: WMAs are intentionally wild, visitors will find natural landscapes rather than maintained trails.
Hunting & fishing opportunities
Opportunities to pursue upland game species such as white-tailed deer and eastern coyote are abundant. The WMA is also home to several furbearer species and numerous species of waterfowl.
The WMA abuts Lake Nippenicket and includes multiple canoe-accessible rivers, including the Hockomock River, Town River, and Snake River. Lake Nippenicket and the three river systems provide quality warmwater fishing for species including chain pickerel, largemouth bass, sunfish, black crappie, bullheads, white perch, and yellow perch. Shore fishing opportunities are present at this WMA.
Wildlife viewing & other features
The area contains many non-game species such as wading birds and songbirds, reptiles, and amphibians. There are multiple areas for canoe and kayak use as well.
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.