🌤 Weather at Raymond Brook Wildlife Management Area by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27–70 °F | 56–83 °F | 31–74 °F | 18–41 °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 Willimantic Windham Airport, 11 mi away, elevation 247 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🦆 Waterfowl marsh — 260-acre DEEP wildlife management area in Hebron, open for waterfowl hunting only
Raymond Brook Wildlife Management Area is a 260-acre property of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) in Hebron, in eastern Connecticut. It protects the marsh along Raymond Brook, right beside the Air Line State Park Trail, and the state parking area is off Route 85. DEEP lists the marsh as a breeding and migration area for American black duck, mallard, green-winged teal and wood duck. Some older listings call it Raymond Brook Marsh.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Parking off Route 85 near the Air Line State Park Trail, Hebron, Tolland County, CT |
| Size | 260 acres (DEEP, as of October 2026) |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Type | State wildlife management area (freshwater marsh) |
| Hunting | Waterfowl only, from within the marsh |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I hunt at Raymond Brook WMA?
Only waterfowl. DEEP’s hunting map (dated September 2025) opens 198 of the 260 acres for waterfowl hunting only, and you must be physically in the marsh while you hunt: hunting from the Air Line State Park Trail or its embankment is not allowed. Another 57 acres are closed to hunting, and a 500-foot safety zone of 21 acres is closed to firearms hunting. Check licenses and season dates at CT Outdoor Licenses and the DEEP hunting area map before you go.
Where do I park?
DEEP’s map shows the parking area off Route 85, near the point where the Air Line State Park Trail meets the road. There are no marked trails inside the wildlife area itself; DEEP’s trail data show the Air Line State Park Trail running alongside it.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, on a leash no longer than 7 feet that you hold at all times. Connecticut’s rules for state wildlife management areas (RCSA § 26-16-3a) exempt dogs that are hunting or being trained for hunting, and DEEP can close any area to dogs by posting signs.
When is Raymond Brook WMA open?
Connecticut’s rules for state wildlife management areas (RCSA § 26-16-3a) open them from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset, except for hunting, fishing and other activities DEEP authorizes, and camping is not allowed.
About Raymond Brook WMA
DEEP’s water data show Raymond Brook and Mint Brook flowing through the property, with seven mapped marsh areas, and the 2024 National Wetlands Inventory maps emergent marsh, shrub swamp and forested wetland inside the boundary. The southern section of the Air Line State Park Trail, a separate DEEP property, borders the wildlife area. DEEP’s mapped boundary covers 260 acres, the same figure as on its hunting map.
Things to Do
Birdwatching: scan the open marsh from its edges for the ducks DEEP lists here: American black duck, mallard, green-winged teal and wood duck. Waterfowl hunting: in season, from within the marsh only. Walking: the Air Line State Park Trail runs right beside the marsh.
Insider Tips
Hunting season: during waterfowl season, expect hunters in the marsh, especially at first light, and consider bright clothing if you walk the trail then. Wet ground: the property is mostly marsh and wetland, so stay on the trail or bring waterproof boots. No facilities: DEEP’s map shows only a parking area, so plan for no restrooms or drinking water.
Best Time to Visit
Spring and early summer: DEEP lists the marsh as a breeding area for ducks. Fall: migrating ducks stop over, and waterfowl hunters are out in season, so check current season dates with DEEP before a fall visit.
Wildlife & Nature
The marsh is the heart of the property. The 2024 National Wetlands Inventory maps emergent marsh, shrub swamp and forested wetland here, fed by Raymond Brook and Mint Brook. DEEP’s migratory waterfowl data name the site a breeding and migration area for American black duck, mallard, green-winged teal and wood duck.
Nearby Attractions
The Air Line State Park Trail runs past the marsh. DEEP trail data list it for hiking, walking, running, mountain biking and horseback riding, with dogs on a leash. Salmon River State Forest also lies within about a mile of the parking area. Source: Connecticut DEEP property, hunting-area and trail data, checked October 2026.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Mono Pond State Park Reserve (about 4 miles away, straight line) and Meadow Brook Wildlife Management Area (about 4 miles away, straight line).
🦆 Visit Raymond Brook WMA
260 acres in Hebron, free. Parking off Route 85 at the Air Line State Park Trail.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Raymond 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 Raymond 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
