Towns: Hardwick, New Braintree
Acreage: 185
Wildlife Management Zone: 6, 8
Description
The Ware River WMA is bisected by the Ware River and an active railroad. The ridges are dotted with hardwoods and eastern hemlock stands which give way to agricultural fields.
Location, access, & parking
There is parking for 3 vehicles on Lower Road (Route 32) in Hardwick, which provides access to the northern portion of this WMA. Access to the southern portion can be obtained from Unitas Road though no designated parking is available. See WMA map.
Note: WMAs are intentionally wild, visitors will find natural landscapes rather than maintained trails.
Habitat management
This property has an active agriculture lease on the fields and is currently being farmed.
Learn more about MassWildlife’s habitat management activities.
Hunting & fishing opportunities
The hardwood ridges and agricultural fields on this property provide for white-tailed deer, coyote, and grey squirrel hunting. The presence of wetlands and river edge habitat provides opportunities for American woodcock and raccoon hunting. The Ware River WMA borders the Ware River which is stocked annually with trout. For more information about trout stocking, visit mass.gov/trout.
Freshwater fishing regulations
Wildlife viewing & other features
Due to the river frontage, there are excellent opportunities to view aquatic mammals and waterfowl. Additionally, the fields allow for viewing of migrating song bird.
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.