Town: Chesterfield
Acreage: 673
Wildlife Management Zone: 4N
Description
Oak Hill WMA consists of steep forested hills and valleys. Mixed hardwoods containing oak, maple, beech, and white pine cover the peaks and valleys while the steep sides consist mostly of eastern hemlock. The East Branch of the Westfield River runs north to south along the WMA's western border.
Location, access, & parking
A dirt parking area for 2 vehicles is located up a powerline access road off of Route 143 in West Chesterfield. This access road is not maintained in the winter. Access can be obtained from this parking area as well as from Willicut Road near the eastern boundary of the WMA. Old logging roads allow for some easy movement throughout the WMA. See WMA map.
Note: WMAs are intentionally wild, visitors will find natural landscapes rather than maintained trails.
Hunting opportunities
Oak Hill WMA provides excellent black bear and white-tailed deer habitat. Additional wildlife found on this property includes bobcats near the ledge areas and snowshoe hare in the stands of eastern hemlock.
Fishing opportunities
The Westfield River skirts along the western edge of Oak Hill WMA which is stocked annually with trout. For more information on trout stocking, visit mass.gov/trout.
Wildlife viewing & other features
This property provides for good wildlife viewing, especially from the old logging roads.
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.