Parking & Access: Pease Brook Wildlife Management Area
From Route 2 take Exit 22, go north on Waterman Road, then right on Horiska Road (dirt road); the lot is on the left.
Hunting on this area
| Deer | Archery, firearms, muzzleloader |
|---|---|
| Turkey | Spring and fall: archery, firearms |
| Small game | Open |
| Waterfowl | Open |
| Pheasants stocked | No |
Zones within 500-foot boundaries marked on the DEEP map are closed to firearms hunting.
A state-managed dog training area; see the CT Hunting and Trapping Guide.
Pheasants are stocked in the fields through the gate at the Horiska Road lot.
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, September 2023), 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 Pease Brook Wildlife Management Area by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29–70 °F | 58–84 °F | 34–76 °F | 21–43 °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 Norwich Public Utility Plant, 8 mi away, elevation 20 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 Brook Habitat — Riparian habitat along Pease Brook in Connecticut
Pease Brook Wildlife Management Area covers 334 acres of old fields, hay fields, mixed hardwood forest, hardwood swamp and small streams where Lebanon, Franklin and Bozrah meet in New London County. Pease Brook runs through the property, which is open to all forms of regulated hunting and is a state-managed dog training area.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Lebanon, Franklin and Bozrah (New London County) |
| Entry Fee | No entrance fee is listed by DEEP (as of October 2026) |
| Habitat | Old fields, hay fields, hardwood forest and swamp, small streams |
About Pease Brook WMA
Pease Brook Wildlife Management Area protects a small stream corridor and surrounding upland forest in Connecticut. The brook, its hardwood swamp and the surrounding fields give the area a mix of open and wooded habitat.
Pease Brook Wildlife Management Area lies in New London County, just north of Route 2. From Exit 22, DEEP’s hunting map (September 2023) sends you north on Waterman Road and right onto Horiska Road, a dirt road, to the parking lot on the left. A second access point is on Stanton Road in Bozrah.
Things to Do
Hunting (seasonal), birdwatching along the old fields and hay fields, and quiet nature walks through the forest.
Hunting in season (deer with archery, firearms and muzzleloader; spring and fall turkey; small game and waterfowl), dog training under DEEP’s rules for state-managed dog training areas, hiking and birdwatching.
Plan Your Visit
Pease Brook is a quiet hunting and walking area in the farm country of eastern New London County. Park at the Horiska Road lot and follow the edges of the old fields and hay fields. The area is open from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset. During hunting seasons, check DEEP’s current hunting guide before you go, and remember that dogs may be in training here.
Insider Tips
Wetland network: Pease Brook is part of CT’s network of wildlife management areas — protecting critical habitat in one of America’s most densely populated states. Pro tip: CT has 738 people per square mile — the 4th densest state — making every protected acre precious. Biodiversity: Despite its small size and dense population, CT supports 2,600+ plant species and 400+ bird species.
Best Time to Visit
Spring: Migrating birds. Fall: Waterfowl and foliage. Summer: Wetland ecology. Winter: Wintering birds.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does CT balance development and nature?
Connecticut faces the challenge of protecting biodiversity in one of America’s most developed states. The state uses a combination of state parks, wildlife management areas, land trusts (130+), and conservation easements to protect critical habitat. The “Green Plan” identifies priority conservation lands. Despite being the third-smallest state with 3.6 million people, CT has protected 500,000+ acres — roughly 20% of the state — through public and private conservation.
Wildlife & Nature
Pease Brook WMA protects the hardwood swamp and small streams along Pease Brook, habitat that amphibians depend on. Riparian buffers — the vegetated strips along streams — are among the most ecologically important habitats per acre. They shade streams (keeping water cool for trout), filter pollutants from runoff, prevent erosion, and provide travel corridors for wildlife. A 100-foot riparian buffer can remove 85% of nitrogen from agricultural runoff. Spring salamander migrations to breeding pools are one of the season’s first wildlife events — spotted salamanders, Jefferson’s salamanders, and wood frogs travel hundreds of meters through rain and darkness to reach vernal pools. Volunteer “crossing guards” help them across roads during peak migration nights.
Nearby Attractions
Mooween State Park and Hopemead State Park both lie about 3 miles away. Gardner Lake State Park is about 4 miles away, and Mohegan State Forest about 8 miles (straight-line distances).
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Bartlett Brook Wildlife Management Area (about 3 miles away) or Bear Hill Wildlife Management Area (about 4 miles away).
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Pease Brook 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 Pease Brook 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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