🌤 Weather at Bishops Swamp Wildlife Management Area by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28–68 °F | 57–80 °F | 34–73 °F | 19–40 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Storrs, 10 mi away, elevation 665 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Bishops Swamp Wildlife Management Area is a 1,035-acre state wildlife management area in Andover, Tolland County, managed by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Boston Hill Road, Andover, CT 06232 (DEEP hunting area map, U.S. Census) |
| Size | 1,035 acres (DEEP hunting area map, acres open to hunting, as of October 2026) |
| Type | State wildlife management area (DEEP) |
| Entry Fee | No entrance fee is listed by DEEP (as of October 2026) |
| Hours | Half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset; hunting and fishing are allowed outside these hours (RCSA § 26-16-3a) |
| Hunting | State hunting area (DEEP, as of October 2026) |
| Boat Launch | A car-top boat launch off Jurovaty Road (DEEP hunting area map) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hunting allowed at Bishops Swamp WMA?
Yes. DEEP’s hunting-area data (as of October 2026) list 1,035 acres of Bishops Swamp WMA as a state hunting area. It is open for small game, waterfowl, spring and fall turkey (archery and firearms), archery deer, firearms deer by lottery permit, and muzzleloader deer hunting. Check the DEEP hunting area map and the current Connecticut Hunting and Trapping Guide for season dates before you go.
Where do I park for Bishops Swamp WMA?
Parking areas are off Boston Hill Road, at the car-top boat launch off Jurovaty Road and on the west side of Route 85 (239 North Street). DEEP allows no hunting and no hunting access through Gay City State Park. (DEEP hunting area map, as of October 2026)
When can I visit Bishops Swamp WMA?
Connecticut’s rules for state wildlife management areas close them from half an hour after sunset until half an hour before sunrise, except for hunting, fishing and other activities DEEP authorizes (RCSA § 26-16-3a, as of October 2026).
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, on a leash no longer than 7 feet that you hold at all times, and under control. Dogs that are hunting or being trained for hunting are exempt from the leash rule, and DEEP can close an area to dogs by posting signs (RCSA § 26-16-3a, as of October 2026).
About Bishops Swamp WMA
DEEP’s mapped property boundary lies in Andover.
DEEP’s hydrography data show Straddle Brook on or along the property. The 2021 National Land Cover Database (NLCD) maps the area as 72 percent forest, 17 percent wetland, and 8 percent open water.
Things to Do
Hunters can use the area for small game, waterfowl, spring and fall turkey (archery and firearms), archery deer, firearms deer by lottery permit, and muzzleloader deer hunting under DEEP’s rules for this area. DEEP’s hunting area map shows a car-top boat launch off Jurovaty Road, so you can put in a canoe or kayak.
Rules on the Property
Connecticut’s regulation for state wildlife management areas (RCSA § 26-16-3a, as of October 2026) sets the ground rules here: no motor vehicles, no camping, horses only where not posted against them, bicycles not on posted trails, roads or areas, target shooting only where DEEP designates it, and dogs on a leash of no more than 7 feet unless they are hunting or in hunting training.
Nearby Attractions
Gay City State Park, an 800-acre state park, is about 1 mile west. Salmon River State Forest, a 6,623-acre state forest, is about 1 mile south. Hop River State Park Trail, a 121-acre state park trail, is about 1 mile north. Raymond Brook Wildlife Management Area, a 260-acre wildlife management area, is about 5 miles southeast. Distances are straight-line between the DEEP property boundaries; acreages are DEEP figures.
🦆 Visit Bishops Swamp WMA
1,035 acres in Andover. Open from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Bishops Swamp Wildlife Management Area
Park policy: This is a state wildlife management area, not a state park, so Connecticut's state park pet rules do not apply here. Connecticut's rules for state wildlife management areas (RCSA § 26-16-3a) require dogs to be on a leash no longer than 7 feet, held at all times by the person responsible, and under control (as of October 2026).
- Pets allowed?
- Yes, on a leash no longer than 7 feet that the person responsible holds at all times
- Park-specific rules
- Dogs that are hunting or being trained for hunting are exempt from the leash rule. DEEP can close any area or time period to all dogs by posting signs.
Are dogs allowed at Bishops Swamp Wildlife Management Area?
Yes, on a leash no longer than 7 feet that the person responsible holds at all times.
More: Connecticut state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Map
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