Towns: Petersham, Phillipston
Acreage: 1,052
Wildlife Management Zone: 5
Description
This property consists of old apple orchards, reclaimed fields, agriculture fields, hardwood stands, hemlock stands, and marshland river edges. The East Branch of the Swift River flows through the property.
Location, access, & parking
Parking for access to this area is located off of Petersham Road (Route 101) and can accommodate 5 vehicles. See WMA map.
Note: WMAs are intentionally wild, visitors will find natural landscapes rather than maintained trails.
Habitat management
This WMA has active agriculture on the fields and annual mowing of fields. The property is also managed for open habitat.
Learn more about MassWildlife’s habitat management activities.
Hunting & fishing opportunities
Hardwood ridges provide hunting opportunities for white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and gray squirrel. Waterfowl hunting opportunities exist in river/marsh areas with American woodcock hunting opportunities along river brush lands. This WMA is stocked with pheasants in the fielded section during the pheasant season.
The East Branch of the Swift River is stocked with trout annually. There is an informal canoe access point off Petersham Road (Route 101). The East Branch of the Swift River is stocked with trout, Go to mass.gov/trout for more information.
Wildlife viewing & other features
Waterfowl and aquatic mammals may be viewed along the East Branch of the Swift River. Uncommon marsh birds are sometimes seen in the wetlands along the East Branch of the Swift River.
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.