Peaslee Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is one of the largest WMAs managed by NJDEP Fish & Wildlife spanning 29,570 acres in Atlantic, Cape May, and Cumberland Counties. The WMA consists of pine-oak woodlands, lowland bogs, and riparian borders of the upper reaches of the Tuckahoe River in Cumberland County which serves as the eastern boundary.
Visit For:
Wildlife
Peaslee Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is one of the largest WMAs managed by NJDEP Fish & Wildlife spanning 29,570 acres in Atlantic, Cape May, and Cumberland Counties. The WMA consists of pine-oak woodlands, lowland bogs, and riparian borders of the upper reaches of the Tuckahoe River in Cumberland County which serves as the eastern boundary.
Fishing
Limited freshwater fishing takes place at April Cranberry Bogs and Bennetts Mill Bog but Cumberland Pond on Route 49 is also popular with anglers. Pickerel and bass are the most common species caught.
Hunting
There are plenty of deer hunting opportunities at this WMA in DMZs 45, 46, and 47. Management efforts have focused on creating fields and planting crops that provide food and cover for wildlife. Cottontail rabbits, squirrels, foxes, and coyotes provide unique hunts. Several fields are managed to help increase native quail populations, and pheasants are stocked during the small game season. Peaslee WMA offers some of the finest spring turkey hunting in southern New Jersey in THA 22. The April Cranberry Bogs and the Tuckahoe River provide waterfowl hunting opportunities.
Trapping
The expansive road system opens many opportunities for trappers, providing access to a variety of habitat types. It is along these habitat changes (field to forest, upland to wetland) where trappers can find success targeting both red and grey foxes, coyote, raccoon, skunk, and opossum. There are limited opportunities for beaver, mink, and muskrat, but the trapper who spends time scouting can be successful in finding these species.
Access
Peaslee WMA is located approximately seven miles east of Millville along Route 49 and has several access points off Route 49, Estelle Manor Road (turns into Cumberland Avenue), Cape May Avenue, Route 50, and Tuckahoe Road.
To reach the two main parking lots, follow Interstate 295 South and NJ-55 South to NJ-49 East/East Main Street in Millville. Take exit 24 from NJ-55 South. Make a left on Route 49 and a left on Estelle Manor Road. Parking areas will be marked.
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).
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