Parking & Access: Roger Tory Peterson Wildlife Area
Access by boat only.
State launches in Old Lyme: Great Island Boat Launch (trailered) on Smith Neck Road, or the Lieutenant River car-top launch off Route 156.
Hunting on this area
| Deer | Closed |
|---|---|
| Turkey | Closed |
| Small game | Closed |
| Waterfowl | Open |
| Pheasants stocked | No |
In tidal areas a 250-foot firearms restriction applies to waterfowl hunting; the zones are on the map.
Waterfowl hunting from temporary blinds only (see the CT Migratory Bird Hunting Guide).
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, December 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 Roger Tory Peterson Wildlife Area by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32–65 °F | 60–82 °F | 41–74 °F | 25–45 °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 Orient Point State Park, 11 mi away, elevation 3 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Roger Tory Peterson Wildlife Area is a 625-acre state wildlife management area at the mouth of the Connecticut River in Old Lyme, New London County, managed by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | 45 Smith Neck Road, Old Lyme, CT 06371 (DEEP hunting area map, U.S. Census) |
| Size | 625 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) |
| Access | By boat only (DEEP, as of October 2026) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hunting allowed at Roger Tory Peterson WMA?
Yes. DEEP’s hunting-area data (as of October 2026) list 625 acres of Roger Tory Peterson WMA as a state hunting area. It is open for waterfowl hunting only. Waterfowl hunting from temporary blinds only (see the CT Migratory Bird Hunting Guide). Waterfowl hunters must observe the 250-foot firearms restriction zones for tidal areas. 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 Roger Tory Peterson WMA?
Access by boat only. State launches in Old Lyme: Great Island Boat Launch (trailered) on Smith Neck Road, or the Lieutenant River car-top launch off Route 156. (DEEP hunting area map, as of October 2026)
When can I visit Roger Tory Peterson 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 Roger Tory Peterson WMA
DEEP’s mapped property boundary lies in Old Lyme. DEEP’s hunting area map describes it as tidal marsh with numerous tidal creeks; it was formerly known as Great Island WMA.
DEEP’s hydrography data show Long Island Sound, Black Hall River, Connecticut River, Duck River, and Lieutenant River on or along the property. The 2021 National Land Cover Database (NLCD) maps the area as 95 percent wetland and 4 percent open water.
Things to Do
Hunters can use the area for waterfowl hunting under DEEP’s rules for this area. Because the area is reachable by boat only, plan to arrive by canoe, kayak or boat.
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
Nott Island Wildlife Management Area, an 80-acre wildlife management area, is about 3 miles northwest. Nehantic State Forest, a 4,224-acre state forest, is about 3 miles north. Rocky Neck State Park, a 678-acre state park, is about 3 miles east. Selden Neck State Park, a 563-acre state park, is about 6 miles northwest. Distances are straight-line between the DEEP property boundaries; acreages are DEEP figures.
🦆 Visit Roger Tory Peterson WMA
625 acres in Old Lyme. Open from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Roger Tory Peterson Wildlife 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 Roger Tory Peterson Wildlife 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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