{"id":63642,"date":"2025-12-19T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-12-19T15:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/njfw\/?p=63642"},"modified":"2025-12-19T10:27:02","modified_gmt":"2025-12-19T15:27:02","slug":"news-2025-12-19-wma-of-the-month-colliers-mills","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/njfw\/news-2025-12-19-wma-of-the-month-colliers-mills\/","title":{"rendered":"WMA of the Month – Colliers Mills"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The Colliers Mills Wildlife Management Area, located in Ocean County, comprises 12,968 acres of mostly pitch pine and scrub oak. The lowland is Atlantic white cedar swamp. Colliers Mills WMA is managed for upland game, deer, and waterfowl. There are also six water impoundments and 250 acres of wetlands managed for waterfowl and freshwater fishing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Birding<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Due to its habitat and location along the Atlantic Flyway, the National Audubon Society has classified Colliers Mills as an Important Bird Area. Over 140 species of birds have been identified in the Pine Barrens, and many of these species can be found at the WMA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Recreation <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

A trail system navigates through the WMA and around several of the lakes. Hiking and horseback riding are available on the paths and unpaved roads within the WMA. There are no blazed trails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Fishing <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Five of the major impoundments covering a total of 150 surface acres, support bass, pickerel, catfish, and perch fishing. NJDEP Fish & Wildlife has stocked channel catfish into Turnmill Pond, which have reached upwards of 10 pounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Ranges<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Archery, muzzleloader, and rifle ranges are open to licensed hunters and their guests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Hunting<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

DMZs 17 and 18 support a robust deer population, offering excellent hunting opportunities. Waterfowl hunting is productive on five major impoundments, with mallards, black ducks, wood ducks, and teal being the most commonly harvested species. Key upland game species include rabbits and squirrels, and pheasants are stocked each fall. Turkey hunting is strong in THA 14 and often draws competitive interest during the spring lottery. A designated dog training area is a popular feature of the WMA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Access<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Support the maintenance of New Jersey\u2019s Wildlife Management Areas by becoming a Wildlife Habitat Supporter! Donate now and get your Third Edition sticker:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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DONATE NOW<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Wildlife Management Area Maps<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

WMA Regulations<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a>).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Colliers Mills WMA Web Map<\/a><\/strong> <\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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