Towns: Montgomery, Russell
Acreage: 1,383
Wildlife Management Zone: 4S
Description
Tekoa Mountain WMA is a rocky, rugged, and hilly area. Tekoa Mountain itself rises over 1,120 feet. Oaks make up almost the entire area. A pitch pine and scrub oak community exists atop Shatterack and Tekoa Mountains. Several severe fires have occurred in recent decades along the steep slopes. These trees are partially fire dependent and require occasional wildfires to help them grow and reproduce. The northeast and southwest areas of the mountain are steep, with rocky overlooks and cliff faces.
Location, access, & parking
There are no formal parking areas. Several small pull-offs exist along Russell Road in the town of Montgomery and along a narrow dirt road across the railroad tracks in Woronoco. See WMA map.
Note: WMAs are intentionally wild, visitors will find natural landscapes rather than maintained trails.
Hunting opportunities
There are some opportunities to hunt this WMA. cottontail rabbits and ruffed grouse utilize this unique habitat area as well as white-tailed deer. However, the steep rocky terrain and areas of dense scrub oak and pitch pine can make it difficult to maneuver.
Fishing opportunities
Tekoa WMA is close to the Westfield River, which is stocked with trout. Go to mass.gov/trout for more information.
Wildlife viewing & other features
Turkey vultures and ravens are regularly seen soaring over the ridgetop and ravens nest on the rocky outcroppings and cliffsides. This area was one of our few historic peregrine falcon nesting sites and they have been seen there again on the adjacent bridge. There are some unofficial trails that can take hikers up to the tops of the mountains, offering spectacular scenic views. Shatterack Brook has a series of picturesque cascades and falls. It nearly dries up during drier summers.
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.