What makes the forest attractive to turkey hunters is that the private property between the broken-up state-land parcels is comprised of home developments, open farms and marshlands. For this reason, Cockaponset State Forest is also one of the best deer-hunting areas in the state.

The state forest consists of mature forest, with numerous clearings within the various subdivisions. Old logging trails and fire access roads also bisect the forest, for easy hunting access. Most of the land is flat to moderately hilly.

Due to the forest's sprawling acreage, hunters should thoroughly scout the area before hunting. The DEP's Web site offers a series of printable maps to help hunters better understand the boundaries and locate the various access points.

The main forest blocks can be found along Route 9 in Haddam and Chester and along Route 80 in Killingworth.

For more information on turkey hunting in Connecticut, call the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection's Wildlife Division at 1-860-424-3011, or visit them at www.dep.state.ct.us.

For travel information, call 1-800-282-6863.

VERMONT
Vermonters have had several years of good turkey hunting, with an annual harvest exceeding 4,000 birds. This year, they should continue to enjoy their favorite sport, especially at these two public hunting areas:

Les Newell
Wildlife Management Area
This WMA has gained the attention of fall grouse hunters because the 7,988-acre state land is surrounded by over 50,000 acres of timberlands.

Throughout the forest, lumber operations leave open patches that attract both grouse and turkeys. Hunters will find the best turkey hunting in these small forest clearings.

The area is divided into 10 separate parcels in the towns of Barnard, Bridgewater, Sherburne and Stockbridge. All the parcels have gentle slopes and one or more small streams.