(HARTFORD, CT) – The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is pleased to announce that 284 acres in Hebron, formerly the Fracchia property, have been added to the 752-acre Bishop Swamp Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Andover and will be open for specific regulated hunting seasons starting this fall. Bishop Swamp WMA now consists of two sections: the original section in Andover and the new property acquisition nearby in Hebron. Abutting state lands include Gay City State Park (closed to hunting) and a section of Meshomasic State Forest that is open to hunting.

Permitted hunting this fall (starting November 1, 2022) on the new acquisition in Hebron will include small game, waterfowl, deer (fall archery only) and turkey (fall archery only). Details on 2022 hunting seasons can be found on the DEEP website at https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Hunting/2022-Connecticut-Hunting-and-Trapping-Guide.

In 2023, both sections of Bishop Swamp WMA will be open to all forms of hunting, including shotgun deer hunting as part of the State Land Deer Lottery, and muzzleloader deer hunting. Details on how to apply for the 2023 Deer Lottery will be included in the 2023 Connecticut Hunting and Trapping Guide, which will be published online at https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP-CT-Outdoor-Guides in December 2022.

Shared boundaries between Meshomasic State Forest, Gay City State Park, and the new acquisition have been marked with appropriate signage, which indicate property boundaries and where hunting is permitted. Hunters should park at a pull-off parking area located at 239 North Street (Route 85) in Hebron to access the new section of the WMA (located east and west of Route 85) and Meshomasic State Forest.

Bishop Swamp WMA is one of 112 WMAs (consisting of approximately 34,000 acres) in Connecticut. WMAs are areas of land and water having unique or outstanding wildlife qualities that are managed primarily for the conservation and enhancement of fish and wildlife habitat and to provide opportunities for fish and wildlife-based recreation, i.e., hunting, fishing, trapping and wildlife observation.

The 284-acre Fracchia property was acquired in two phases with funding from the State Recreation and Natural Heritage Trust Program and Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Program. Phase two of the acquisition was completed in 2020. The Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Program is the nation's oldest and most successful wildlife restoration program. Funds from taxes paid by sportsmen and women on ammunition, firearms, and archery equipment go toward projects to restore, conserve, manage, and enhance wild birds and mammals and their habitats. States and territories also use these funds to support access for wildlife-related recreation, hunter education and development, and the construction and operations of target ranges.