Parking & Access: Great Harbor Wildlife Management Area
Access is at the end of Trolley Road in Guilford. Do not block driveways.
Hunting on this area
| Deer | Closed |
|---|---|
| Turkey | Closed |
| Small game | Closed |
| Waterfowl | Open |
| Pheasants stocked | No |
Parts of the area are closed to all hunting; see the map.
In tidal areas a 250-foot firearms restriction applies to waterfowl hunting; the zones are on the map.
Borders Cockaponset State Forest.
Fluorescent orange is required for most hunting, and CT DEEP recommends an orange vest or hat for every visitor to state land during the hunting season. No Sunday hunting on state and public lands.
Sources: CT DEEP Wildlife Division hunting and access data, DEEP hunting area map (PDF, June 2025), 2026 Connecticut Hunting and Trapping Guide (season dates), CT DEEP fall 2026 season notice (verified October 2026). Rules and seasons change — confirm before you go.
🌤 Weather at Great Harbor Wildlife Management Area by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30–68 °F | 59–82 °F | 36–75 °F | 23–44 °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 New Haven Tweed Airport, 10 mi away, elevation 3 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Great Harbor Wildlife Management Area is a 176-acre state wildlife management area on Long Island Sound in Guilford, New Haven County, managed by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Trolley Road, Guilford, CT 06437 (DEEP hunting area map, U.S. Census) |
| Size | 176 acres (DEEP hunting area map, 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, waterfowl only (DEEP, as of October 2026) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hunting allowed at Great Harbor WMA?
Yes. DEEP’s hunting-area data (as of October 2026) list 176 acres of Great Harbor WMA as a state hunting area. It is open for waterfowl hunting only. Waterfowl hunters must observe the 250-foot firearms restriction zones for tidal areas. The area adjoins Cockaponset State Forest. 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 Great Harbor WMA?
Access is at the end of Trolley Road in Guilford. DEEP asks visitors not to block driveways. (DEEP hunting area map, as of October 2026)
When can I visit Great Harbor 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 Great Harbor WMA
DEEP’s mapped property boundary lies in Guilford.
DEEP’s hydrography data show Long Island Sound and Joshua Cove on or along the property. The 2021 National Land Cover Database (NLCD) maps the area as 8 percent forest, 58 percent wetland, and 31 percent open water.
Things to Do
Hunters can use the area for waterfowl hunting under DEEP’s rules for this area.
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
Cockaponset State Forest, a 16,512-acre state forest, borders the area to the northeast. Hammonasset Beach State Park, a 581-acre state park, is about 6 miles east. Farm River State Park, a 61-acre state park, is about 7 miles west. Quinnipiac River Marsh Wildlife Management Area, a 564-acre wildlife management area, is about 10 miles northwest. Distances are straight-line between the DEEP property boundaries; acreages are DEEP’s mapped figures.
🦆 Visit Great Harbor WMA
176 acres in Guilford. Open from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Great Harbor 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 Great Harbor 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
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