There is no better hunting ground in New Jersey
The wildlife management area surrounding Eagle Manor is a little-known jewel encompassing vast marshlands and bounded by the Delaware Bay to the west. The fields, small woodlots, and forested wetlands provide a mosaic of critical resting, nesting and feeding habitat attractive to a variety of wildlife. Its somewhat remote location keeps it off the beaten path, which is appealing for many wildlife enthusiasts.
Dix WMA is a little known jewel surrounding Eagle Manor.
Fall: This is prime deer season in the lands surrounding Eagle Manor. The herd is large and well fed thanks to NJ State planted crops and additional private supplementation. Large bucks abound (see photos). By late fall the Snow Geese have returned. Look for Wild Turkey in the fields and at the forest edge. The Dix WMA surrounding the estate offers one of the best mixes of ducks and geese of any wildlife management area. Throughout the fall, both migrating and resident birds are available to hunters, with black ducks, mallards, pintails and Canada and snow geese making up the bulk of the birds found in the marshes. It’s also not uncommon to find green-winged teal mixed in with the birds during October and early November.
Winter: Snow Geese winter here by the thousands and Northern Pintail, American Black Duck and Bufflehead are almost guaranteed. Northern Harrier patrol the marshes. Eagles are often seen overhead or perched in the snags along the edge of the marsh. Great Horned Owl mate in late December and are on their nests in January. Bald Eagle do the same in February.
Spring: The Snow Geese depart and migrating birds arrive, some to nest and others to stop to rest after crossing the Delaware Bay before they fly farther north. Muskrat, frog, turtle, snake and the birds of the marshes bring the wetlands to life. Many mammals — deer, raccoon, skunk, opossum, squirrel and rabbit may be seen foraging in the forest, especially around dusk.
Summer: This is insect time in the forests, fields and marshlands, so long sleeves and insect repellent are highly recommended. Look for Indigo Bunting, Blue Grosbeak and American Goldfinch along the field and meadow edges and Scarlet Tanager in the forest. This is a great time to look for butterflies and to try your hand at wildflower identification.
Please consult NJ Wildlife, Mallards & More, and Dix WMA NJDEP for more details.
The Dix WMA surrounding the estate offers one of the best mixes of ducks and geese of any wildlife management area. Throughout the fall, both migrating and resident birds are available to hunters, with black ducks, mallards, pintails and Canada and snow geese by the thousands making up the bulk of the birds found in the marshes. It’s also not uncommon to find green-winged teal mixed.
The herd in the wildlife management area surrounding Eagle Manor is large and growing steadily due to active management by the NJDEP. The NJDEP plants crops in the summer to feed deer and upload birds. Those food sources are supplemented with feeders in the fall. The result is a large, healthy, well fed heard in which large bucks abound (see photos). The terrain is equally suited to bow hunters and gun hunters.
Each year approximately 50,000 pheasants raised at the Rockport Pheasant Farm are stocked on division wildlife managment areas including the lands surrounding Eagle Manor. The bird stocking teams actually park their vehicles next to Eagle Manor when stocking. This means hunters staying in the Manor house are ideally located for the following morning hunts. Why wake up at 4AM in the morning and travel hours, when you can stay literally next to the fields?
Turkey flocks are a common site in the woods surrounding Eagle Manor. They are thriving thanks to NJDEP management. The statewide population is now estimated at 20,000 – 23,000 turkeys with an annual harvest of approximately 3,000 birds. Turkeys are in season in both the Spring and Fall. You can find more information on the NJ Turkey Hunting site.
Small game species such as coyote, eastern gray squirrel, red and gray fox, rabbit, opossum, raccoon, and woodchuck remain at healthy population levels throughout New Jersey. You can find more information on the NJ Small Game Hunting site.
Stay the Week or the Month in this beautiful fully restored 10 bedroom pre-colonial mansion that easily sleeps 20.
Base packages include the entire 12 acre estate, fully furnished Manor house, rustic barn reception hall, expansive waterfront, boat house, river deck, and game cottage. All this for the same price as a ballroom for few hours. Please call for wedding and special event pricing.
Birding, Hunting, Fishing, Boating, Water Skiing, Kayaking, Paddle Boarding, Biking, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Campfires and more.
The estate is ideally suited for large groups including Weddings, Clubs, Reunions, Corporate Events, Conferences, and more.
