Towns: Southbridge, Sturbridge
Acreage: 291
Wildlife Management Zone: 8
Description
McKinstry Brook WMA consists of mature hardwood and eastern hemlock stands, as well as alder thickets and rocky outcrops. McKinstry Brook flows through the WMA.
Location, access, & parking
Parking for this area is located off of Pleasant Street and accommodates 3 vehicles. Additional parking off of McGilpin Road can accommodate 2 vehicles. See WMA map.
Note: WMAs are intentionally wild, visitors will find natural landscapes rather than maintained trails.
Habitat management
This WMA has served as a study site to monitor habitat response following the 2011 tornado that damaged much of the area.
Learn more about MassWildlife’s habitat management activities.
Hunting opportunities
Mixed hardwood stands provide great opportunities for hunting white-tailed deer and gray squirrel. McKinstry Brook and perennial streams throughout allow for reasonable raccoon hunting opportunities.
Wildlife viewing & other features
Outdoor enthusiasts can observe the impact of the tornado damage and can appreciate the rebounding young forest habitat that this natural disaster has created.
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.