Towns: Leicester, Paxton, Spencer
Acreage: 594
Wildlife Management Zone: 8
Description
Moose Hill WMA features rolling hardwood ridges and a large wetland complex. A network of mowed fields, active agricultural fields, and numerous overgrown apple orchards further enhance the property.
Location, access, & parking
Parking for this area is off of Wauwinet Road, Old Hardwick Road, Sheldon Road, Blair Road, and Old Dana Road. Each area can accommodate parking for up to 2 vehicles. See WMA map.
Note: WMAs are intentionally wild, visitors will find natural landscapes rather than maintained trails.
Habitat management
Several of the open fields in this WMA are mowed annually to maintain open habitat. Several forest management projects have been completed on this WMA to improve habitat for wildlife. Additionally, the management area contains some active agricultural fields that provide wildlife food resources.
Learn more about MassWildlife’s habitat management activities.
Hunting opportunities
This WMA supports a variety of game species including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, black bear, as well as both terrestrial and aquatic furbearer species. This area is stocked with ring-necked pheasants. For more information on pheasant stocking, go to mass.gov/pheasant. This area includes frontage on the Sugden Reservoir, which is stocked with trout annually. There is a small boat ramp on the reservoir for both car-top boats and small crafts. The property offers the opportunity to fish for both warm and cold water fish species. For more information on trout stocking visit mass.gov/trout.
Wildlife viewing & other features
The Mid-State Trail bisects this property. Nest boxes for American kestrels and wood ducks are maintained on the property.
Regulations
During pheasant season, a blaze orange hat must be worn by all hunters except while night-hunting raccoon or opossum 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 raccoon or opossum between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m.
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.