A large MassWildlife pine-barrens and mixed-forest Wildlife Management Area that MassWildlife's own listing places primarily in Hardwick, bordering Ware near Hardwick Pond Road in the Muddy Brook valley.
What to expect
Parking
Free lot free · unconfirmed
Dogs
Must be leashed except when actively hunting or hunt-training with a licensed hunter, or in a permitted field trial.
Managed by
MassWildlife (Division of Fisheries and Wildlife), Central District
508-835-3607 · WebsiteCommon questions
Is Muddy Brook WMA in Ware or Hardwick?
MassWildlife's own site description places the WMA in Hardwick; the Ware side is the edge nearest Hardwick Pond Road and the Dougal Range, so the town line runs close to this access point.
Where do I park at Muddy Brook WMA?
Free lot (free).
Is there an entry fee at Muddy Brook WMA?
No, entry is free.
Can I bring my dog to Muddy Brook WMA?
Must be leashed except when actively hunting or hunt-training with a licensed hunter, or in a permitted field trial.
What rules should I know at Muddy Brook WMA?
Fall deer hunting season runs archery Oct 5-Nov 28, 2026, shotgun Nov 30-Dec 12, 2026 and primitive firearms Dec 14-31, 2026; wear blaze orange or plan visits around these dates. No alcoholic beverages except under permit, no dumping, no removal of vegetation/soil/stone without a permit.