Official Site of The State of New Jersey
Fish & Wildlife
Turkey Swamp Wildlife Management Area in Freehold Township, Monmouth County is a 4,009-acre tract adjoining Monmouth County’s Turkey Swamp Park. Turkey Swamp WMA is in the northern section of the Pine Barrens and is a significant stopover for land birds. The WMA is named after the nearest town, once known as Turkey, and is not named after the game bird.
The North Branch of the Metedeconk runs through the WMA and offers some fishing opportunities for pickerel and bass.
Turkey Swamp WMA is in Deer Management Zone 16 and Turkey Hunting Area 12. There is a healthy population of both deer and turkey. Waterfowl hunting can be conducted along the Metedeconk River, and smaller ponds offer excellent early-season wood duck spots. Additional hunting in the County Park is by permit.
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).
