Skiff Mountain also receives 400 birds during the stocking season. This site is on land leased from the Northeast Utilities Company and offers open areas that are pleasant to hunt. Hunters should pick up a permit at Backcountry Outfitters, (860) 927-3377). The area is in the town of Sharon and may be accessed by driving north on Route 7 to the intersection of Route 341 and crossing the Housatonic River in the town of Kent to Skiff Mountain Road.

Permit areas are posted on both the east and west side of Skiff Mountain Road.

The Robbins Swamp WMA in Canaan receives 675 birds over the seven-week period. There is no daily permit required at Robbins Swamp, which features 1,569 acres of wetlands bordered by farmlands. To access this area, travel west on Route 44 to Route 7 in Canaan.

In the eastern part of the state, the Mansfield State-Leased Field Trial Area, Bartlett Brook and Rose Hill are open to hunting and a daily permit is not required.

The Mansfield State-Leased area is in towns of Mansfield and Chaplain and offers 300 acres in flood control project lands that include a mix of terrain extending along the Natchaug and Fenton river valleys. Expect a lot of variety of cover and plenty of open areas.

To get there, take Route 44, which crosses the Natchaug and the Fenton rivers in the northern parts of the WMA. Route 6 skirts the southernmost portions.

Bartlett Brook WMA in Lebanon and Colchester contains 687 acres of agricultural and overgrown farm fields with a mix of hardwood forest and swamp. Access to this area is from Route 16 or the intersection of Route 16 and Goshen Hill Road.

Rose Hill WMA in the towns of Ledyard and Preston contains 613 acres of open fields and agricultural crops. Travel east off Route 117 or south off Route 2 to Thomas Road.

In the eastern part of the state, try Babcock Pond WMA in the towns of Colchester, East Haddam and Moodus. This site features specially designed trails for the physically disabled that are easily walked or maneuvered via wheelchair. Expect open fields and swampy areas.

This WMA was once a hunting preserve and the state has continued to manage it as such. Hunters should try the western side of the pond for pheasants. The wet areas also hold waterfowl. Drive east on Route 16 to the intersection of Route 149. BG Sports (860/267-4725) on Route 149 will issue interested hunters a daily permit.

Daily pheasant-hunting permits are issued free of charge by vendors around the state. A limited number of permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis and may be obtained up to three days prior to use.

Biologist Clavette noted that it is a rare instance when the daily permit allotments are met. Applicants may also receive an additional permit for a hunting buddy or two junior hunters.

Detailed maps of permit-required WMAs are available from vendors and the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection's Web site. All permit-required WMAs are posted with yellow plastic signs.

The daily bag limit on pheasants is two birds and 10 for the season. Pheasant hunters must purchase a series of 10 pheasant tags.

For more information, including maps, call the DEP's Wildlife Division at (860) 424-3011 or go online at www.dep.state.ct.us.