{"id":64202,"date":"2026-01-29T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-01-29T15:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/njfw\/?p=64202"},"modified":"2026-03-04T15:45:03","modified_gmt":"2026-03-04T20:45:03","slug":"2026-01-29-wma-of-the-month-mad-horse-creek","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/njfw\/2026-01-29-wma-of-the-month-mad-horse-creek\/","title":{"rendered":"WMA of the Month – Mad Horse Creek"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The Mad Horse Creek Wildlife Management Area in Salem County is 9,515 acres of estuarine habitat. Saltwater fish, waterfowl, pheasant, and rabbits inhabit this area of tidal marsh and upland habitat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Wildlife<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

A variety of shorebirds can be found at the WMA, along with diamondback terrapins, snakes, raccoons, foxes, and other mammals. Hawks and eagles abound in the fall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Fishing<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Delaware Bay and the streams and creeks within the tract provide very good saltwater fishing opportunities. Striped bass and white perch are the major species of fish found in the area. Crabbing is also popular in the tidal creeks during the warmer months. A boat ramp located at the end of Stow Neck Road offers access to the tidal creek system and Delaware Bay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

The WMA is in Deer Management Zone 29 for bow and firearm hunters. Wild turkey populations in Turkey Hunting Area 20 have been significantly higher than in other portions of the state. Mad Horse Creek WMA is also stocked with pheasants in the fall and offers excellent squirrel and rabbit hunting. Waterfowl, including snow geese, green-winged teal, northern shoveler, and wood, black and ring-necked ducks, can be found here for waterfowl hunters. This unique habitat supports a wide variety of furbearers and provides a multitude of opportunities for trappers during the open trapping season.<\/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 Fourth 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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Your donation shows your commitment to conserving New Jersey\u2019s fish and wildlife species and the habitats on which they depend!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/strong><\/font> (<\/i> 877-927-6337<\/strong><\/a>).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Mad Horse Creek WMA Web Map<\/a><\/strong> <\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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