Towns: Peru, Windsor
Acreage: 5,143
Wildlife Management Zone: 2
Description
Peru WMA is a large management area consisting of multiple parcels totaling over 4,800 acres spread across the towns of Windsor and Peru. The property is comprised of northern hardwoods, primarily maples, birches, white ash, black cherry and American beech, along with considerable red spruce, hemlock, and some white pine. Remnants of old apple orchards, beaver ponds, and meadows are scattered throughout the property. Trout Brook and Fuller Brook run through the property.
Location, access, & parking
Parking can be accessed at informal pull-offs along Peru Road in Windsor and Beauman Road in Peru (this is the same road) and off Mongue Road in Peru. See WMA map.
Note: WMAs are intentionally wild, visitors will find natural landscapes rather than maintained trails.
Habitat management
Small fields are maintained off of Peru Road in Windsor to create pheasant cover and habitat for ground-nesting birds.
Learn more about MassWildlife's habitat management activities.
Hunting opportunities
White-tailed deer, ruffed grouse, snowshoe hare, black bear, and eastern coyote can be found on this property. Beaver ponds and wetlands provide excellent habitat for waterfowl and aquatic furbearers including beaver, river otter, mink, and muskrat. American woodcock and ruffed grouse are found on this property. Ring-necked pheasants are stocked in the fall off Peru Road in Windsor.
Fishing opportunities
Native brook trout can be found in Trout Brook and Fuller Brook. These streams are also stocked with trout by MassWildlife. For more information on trout stocking, visit mass.gov/trout.
Wildlife viewing & other features
The large area and varied habitat of this WMA provide excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Moose can be found on the property as well as various songbird species. It is a great area for snowshoeing in the winter.
Regulations
During the pheasant season, a “hunter orange” hat is required for 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 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.