Hunting Hills WMA

Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) are open to the public for fishing, hunting, trapping, hiking, and wildlife viewing.

Towns: Shirley, Townsend
Acreage: 430  
Wildlife Management Zone: 9  
Waterfowl Zone: Central

Description

Hunting Hills WMA is separated into two parcels, one in Townsend and one in Groton. The WMA abuts the Hunting Hills WCS along with parcels of conservation land owned by the Shirley and Lunenburg Conservation Commissions. This property features gently slopping woodlands and wooded swamp. Mixed hardwoods and softwoods, primarily white pine, oak, and maple, at various stages of maturity are spread throughout this property.

Location, access, & parking

Parking for 6 vehicles is available along Pierce Road in Townsend to access the northern parcel of this property. Additional parking for 4 vehicles is available on Hunting Hill Road in Groton. Access to both parcels can be gained by parking at Hunting Hills WCE and traveling by foot. See WMA Map.  

Note: WMA's are intentionally wild, visitors will find natural landscapes rather than maintained trails.  

Hunting & fishing opportunities

Native wildlife commonly found on this property include white-tailed deer, ruffed grouse, woodcock, beaver, red and gray squirrels, raccoons, eastern coyote, fisher, and fox. Most of the water within the area is contained in swamp and marsh habitat, which serves as the headwaters for Trout Brook and Pumpkin Brook, both of which are trout stocked waters (although not within the WMA).

Hunting regulations

Freshwater fishing regulations

Wildlife viewing & other features

Birdwatching, especially near the northern parcel where there is beaver activity, is especially plentiful at this property.

Get wildlife viewing tips.

Regulations

Read Wildlife Management Area 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.