Towns: Brookfield, East Brookfield, West Brookfield, Warren
Acreage: 1,323
Wildlife Management Zone: 7, 8
Description
This property is a very large and diverse property comprised of large open agricultural fields, hardwood ridges, and open marshes. The Quaboag River flows through the WMA and there are numerous beaver complexes on the property.
Location, access, & parking
Parking for this area is located at Long Hill Road (4 vehicles), East Main Street (Route 9) 4 vehicles, Lower River Street (Route 148) 2 vehicles, and Boyes Avenue (4 vehicles). See WMA map.
Note: WMAs are intentionally wild, visitors will find natural landscapes rather than maintained trails.
Habitat management
Currently, there is active agriculture and annual mowing in the agricultural fields as well to maintain open habitats.
Learn more about MassWildlife’s habitat management activities.
Hunting & fishing opportunities
Given the diverse habitat this WMA offers, hunting opportunities are abundant throughout for many game animals Ring-necked pheasants are stocked here. The Quaboag River offers opportunities to fish for warm water species and is a popular destination for northern pike anglers. OFBA has a cartop/canoe access located on Route 148 for launching crafts into the Quaboag River.
Wildlife viewing & other features
The Quaboag River offers waterfowl, marshland bird, and aquatic mammal viewing opportunities. Also, American bitterns have been spotted in the impoundment areas of the river. Raptors are also common in the open field areas as well as a popular spot to see a bald eagle soaring above.
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.