Towns: Rutland
Acreage: 131
Wildlife Management Zone: 8
Description
Almost all of Thayer Pond is contained within the eastern part of the WMA. The western portion of the property contains mixed hardwood forest. Mill Brook enters the property from the north and numerous beaver impoundments can be found along the brook as it flows through the WMA.
Location, access, & parking
A dirt parking lot along Depot Road has space for 10 vehicles and allows access to Thayer Pond. Additional access can be gained via limited roadside parking along Millbrook Street. See WMA map.
Note: WMAs are intentionally wild, visitors will find natural landscapes rather than maintained trails.
Hunting & fishing opportunities
There are opportunities to pursue waterfowl, raccoon, and beaver along the banks of the pond and brook. The mixed hardwood forest allows for pursuit of gray fox and gray squirrel. Thayer Pond is accessible from shore or via car-top boat and offers warm water fishing although limited species information exists.
Freshwater fishing regulations
Wildlife viewing & other features
Thayer Pond offers waterfowl, wading bird, and aquatic mammal viewing opportunities. The Central Mass Rail Trail passes through this property.
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.