🌤 Weather at Candlewood Hill Wildlife Management Area by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29–72 °F | 59–85 °F | 34–75 °F | 20–40 °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 Danbury, 5 mi away, elevation 405 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 Southeastern Connecticut Hunting Area — 199-acre wildlife management area in Groton
Candlewood Hill Wildlife Management Area is a 199-acre state wildlife management area in Groton, New London County, in southeastern Connecticut. CT DEEP lists it among the state’s public hunting areas. Despite the name, it does not lie on Candlewood Lake, which is in western Connecticut.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Groton, New London County, CT |
| Size | 199 acres |
| Managed By | Connecticut DEEP |
| Hunting | Public hunting area (check DEEP rules and maps) |
About Candlewood Hill
Candlewood Hill is one of the WMAs that CT DEEP manages for wildlife and public hunting. Before you go, check the DEEP public hunting area map for current boundaries, closed sections and parking, and wear blaze orange during hunting seasons.
Wildlife & Nature
Candlewood Hill provides upland forest habitat with rocky ledges and seasonal wetlands. The oak-hickory forest supports a rich mast crop that feeds wild turkeys, white-tailed deer, gray squirrels, and black bears. Acorn production varies dramatically year to year — “mast years” with heavy crops occur every 2-5 years and trigger population booms in wildlife that depend on the nuts. Red foxes and gray foxes both inhabit the area — grays are unique among canids in their ability to climb trees. The wetland edges attract migrating woodcock in spring — their spectacular aerial courtship displays at dusk involve spiraling flights and distinctive “peent” calls.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Candlewood Hill 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 Candlewood Hill 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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