Town: Beckett
Acreage: 161
Wildlife Management Zone: 3
Description
Shales Brook WMA features primarily softwood forest mixed with hardwood. A 19- acre pond lies to the south of Tyringham Road, though a hike in is needed to access it. The pond has wooded shorelines with a wetland area at its western end, along with swampy areas dotting its shoreline. A small tributary stream flows northward from the pond towards Shales Brook. The northern parcel of this property is bordered by the Shales Brook WCE.
Location, access, & parking
This WMA is located on Tyringham Road in Becket, about 0.75 miles west of Route 8. Parking is very limited and allows only for roadside parking along Tyringham Road. See WMA map.
Note: WMAs are intentionally wild, visitors will find natural landscapes rather than maintained trails.
Hunting opportunities
With a source of water available on the property, the chances of coming across white-tailed deer and black bear are fairly good. The pond, with its reed-lined wetland areas, can also present good opportunities for hunting waterfowl or trapping aquatic furbearers.
Fishing opportunities
Fishing is available for warm-water species in the unnamed pond located south of Tyringham Road. Fishing access is limited to shoreline fishing where available. Portage of canoe or kayak from Tyringham Road through forested area may be possible. The pond can also be accessed for ice fishing during winter months.
Wildlife viewing & other features
The unnamed pond on the property provides a good viewing area for any migrant waterfowl passing through.
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.