Towns: Millbury, Oxford, Sutton
Acreage: 984
Wildlife Management Zone: 8
Description
Merrill Pond WMA contains mature hardwood ridges with some mixed stands of conifers. Scattered wetlands, several perennial streams, and a series of man-made ponds further enhance the property.
Location, access, & parking
A parking area located off of West Sutton Road allows for parking of up to 4 vehicles. Parking off of Hudson Road allows for 2 vehicles and the Eight Lots Road area allows for up to 3 vehicles. See WMA map.
Note: WMAs are intentionally wild, visitors will find natural landscapes rather than maintained trails.
Habitat management
MassWildlife is currently managing water levels in the series of man-made ponds and is maintaining the dams.
Learn more about MassWildlife’s habitat management activities.
Hunting & fishing opportunities
This WMA’s hardwood ridges and low wetlands support white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and other upland game. The man-made impoundments and Bugs Swamp provide waterfowl habitat and hunting opportunities. The series of man-made ponds with car-top boat access provide the opportunity to fish for warm water species such as panfish.
Wildlife viewing & other features
This WMA was the site of the first state fish hatchery which raised warm water fish species. Shallow impoundments are attractive for wading birds as well as numerous aquatic and semi-aquatic wildlife species which can be viewed and photographed.
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.