Town: Northfield
Acreage: 250
Wildlife Management Zone: 5
Description
This property lies along the east bank of the Connecticut River and consists of open farm fields with edges of hardwoods. There is a boat launch for river access. Early farmers took advantage of the rich soils and relatively flat ground to convert what was a level floodplain forest to quality agricultural lands. Today crops are still planted on the majority of the WMA through cooperative agreements with local farmers. Fields are interspersed with uncut grassy strips; riparian forest remnants consisting of silver maple and basswood surround the agricultural areas.
Location, access, & parking
A grassy parking lot for five vehicles exists on Hinsdale Road (Route 63) about 500 feet north of the intersection with Route 10. The Office of Fishing and Boating Access maintains a concrete boat ramp on Route 10/Route 63 that has parking spaces for up to 32 trailers. Parking areas are not maintained in winter. See WMA map.
Note: WMAs are intentionally wild, visitors will find natural landscapes rather than maintained trails.
Hunting opportunities
This area is stocked with ring-necked pheasant throughout the open season. Other hunting opportunities exist for crow, squirrel, aquatic fur bearers, and raccoon.
Fishing opportunities
Pauchaug Brook provides fishing opportunities for native Brook Trout and stocked trout species. Go to mass.gov/trout for more information. The Connecticut River, one of Massachusetts’ largest rivers, provides fishing opportunities for a variety of species such as largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, black crappie, bowfin, channel catfish, white perch, and yellow perch.
Wildlife viewing & other features
The mixture of open fields, wetlands, and forest make this WMA popular during spring migration for both songbirds and waterfowl. Rare dragonflies and shoreline plants found only on large, slow-moving rivers can be observed here as well.
Regulations
During pheasant season, a blaze orange hat must be worn by all hunters except while night-hunting raccoons or opossums 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 raccoons or opossums between 9:00 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.