The WMA is between Route 4A and Interstate Route 89 and borders both highways. From south of Enfield Center on Route 4A, take Bog Road south at George Pond. About two miles farther on there will be a sign, parking area and trail on the west side of the road. Access to the west side of the WMA is possible from Exit 14 off I-89. Go under the interstate and immediately turn south over a small bridge.

Archers are allowed to take deer of either sex and Sunday hunting is allowed.

For more information on the deer- hunting opportunities available in the Granite State, as well as information on the state’s WMAs and other public hunting grounds, contact the New Hampshire Department of Fish and Game at (603) 271-3421; or visit the agency’s Web site at www.wildlife.state.nh.us.

MASSACHUSETTS
Muzzleloader hunting is allowed until Dec. 31 in the Commonwealth, and there is good reason to do so. With an estimated 85,000 to 95,000 whitetails statewide, according to John McDonald, MassWildlife’s Deer Project leader, there are plenty of whitetails out there even after early archers and shotgunners have taken their share, which has been running less than 10,000 combined in recent years.

Deer densities are anywhere from 50 per square mile in parts of the eastern half of the state to 10 per square mile in the west, so the chances of seeing a deer are quite good. There are also fewer muzzleloader hunters, so there won’t be as many folks in the woods.

The number of deer taken by frontloader enthusiasts has also been on the rise, from 1,350 in 2002 to 2,147 in 2004. Each year’s total has been the highest since the first muzzleloader season took place back in 1973. Finding a place to hunt in Massachusetts is easy, too. MassWildlife manages over 100,000 acres of wildlife management areas, and all are open to public hunting. In addition to that, the state Division of Forests and Parks manages over 100 state forests covering more than 280,00 acres.

While hunting is highly restricted or prohibited in state parks, hunting is allowed in most state forests.

Freetown State Forest
One prime example of a state forest open to hunting is Freetown State Forest near New Bedford. It covers more than 5,600 acres and offers over 50 miles of unpaved roads and trails. While there is a day-use area near the main entrance complete with picnic area and restrooms, most of the forest is undeveloped. The exciting thing is the forest is located in a part of the state known for big deer, and the forest has its share.

To get there, take Route 24 south to Exit 10, and then take South Main Street to Route 79 north. Finally, turn onto Slab Bridge Road and follow the signs to the forest.

For more information, maps and hunting restrictions in the forest, call (508) 644-5522.

Douglas State Forest
Another state forest open to hunting is Douglas State Forest on the border with Connecticut and Rhode Island in Douglas. The forest covers 4,640 acres in an area with a good deer population. It offers miles of trails into the interior of the forest and is easy to get to. From Exit 10 on I-90, take Route 396 south to Exit 2, and then Route 16 east five miles, turn right onto Cedar Street for one-half mile and then go straight on Wallum Lake Road for about one mile. For more information, including hunting restrictions, call (508) 476-7872.

Georgetown-Rowley State Forest
The Georgetown-Rowley State Forest is in Georgetown in the northeast part of the state. Deer densities are quite high and hunters should have little trouble seeing deer.