Official Site of The State of New Jersey
Fish & Wildlife
The Flatbrook Roy Wildlife Management Area in Sandyston and Walpack Townships in western Sussex County is 2,093 acres acquired through Hunter and Angler Funding. This area is one of the most heavily used of all the state’s Wildlife Management Areas, dating back to 1944 when the land was purchased from the Flatbrook Valley Club.
The tract, containing fields and uplands, is managed for upland game, deer, waterfowl, and fishing. The office, shotgun, and archery ranges are located on Bevans Road between Layton and Peters Valley.
A hunter training range for clay birds and archery is maintained on the area and is open to licensed hunters at 189 National Park Service Road, Sandyston. A rifle range, located at 189 Walpack Rd, is also available to licensed hunters and was recently upgraded.
The Big and Little Flat Brook, two of New Jersey’s most famous trout streams, flow through the tract. Trout are stocked throughout the spring and in the fall. Special regulations apply to portions of the Big Flat Brook. Consult the Freshwater Fishing Digest for details.
There are opportunities for birdwatching and winter cross-country skiing on the tract. The historic Walpack Inn is along the route.
Rabbit, squirrel, and woodcock are the main small game species found here. NJDEP Fish & Wildlife’s stocking program also provides in-season pheasant releases for additional recreation. The area contains some of the best turkey habitat in Turkey Hunting Area 2; however, it is also heavily used by spring turkey hunters. This area is a natural deer range in DMZ 1, with large herds found on the rugged tract. Bow hunters and firearm hunters consider it an excellent area when willing to cross heavy terrain. The marshy area provides good hunting opportunities for wood ducks, mallards, and black ducks early in the fall migration.
Owned by New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Fish & Wildlife, the Wildlife Management Area System is comprised of more than 360,000 acres in 122 areas throughout the state, which is more than 44% of New Jersey’s state-owned public open space. WMAs are maintained and supported with funding from hunting and fishing license sales, the Federal Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program and the Wildlife Habitat Supporter Program.
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WMAs are patrolled by NJ Fish & Wildlife Conservation Police Officers to ensure public safety. If you see violations while visiting a WMA, please call the 24-hour DEP hotline at 877-WARN-DEP (877-927-6337).
