James V. Spignesi Jr. WMA
Connecticut Wildlife Management Area
524 acres in Scotland, CT
Parking: Medium sized lot near 210 Pudding Hill Road, Hampton, CT
Area Map Trails: 0.75 miles Rating: ★☆☆☆☆
Spignesi WMA is almost exclusively for hunting access. There is a 0.75 mile access road heading downhill until reaching a pair of managed fields for pheasant hunting.
A bit beyond the fields is a view of the Little River. Like most WMAs it isn’t particularly welcoming for walkers though the path is wide and easy walking. Be sure to wear bright colors during hunting seasons.
History:
The WMA is named for Jim Spignesi who was a state Conservation Officer killed in while on routine patrol by a hunter’s bullet in the Fall of 1998 near the current WMA.
Officer Spignesi graduated from the University of Connecticut in 1975. He began his 21-year career at the DEEP as
a seasonal employee in the wildlife division before moving into a permanent position as a wildlife biologist in the deer research program in 1981. He became an EnCon Police Officer in 1991 and in 1998 was awarded DEEP’s Medal for Meritorious Service for the safe recovery of a runaway youth in Natchaug State Forest.
There is a memorial scholarship and a portion of Rt. 97 from Sprague to Hampton is also named in his honor.
The state purchased an additional 54.7 acres in 2017.
Links:
- Lisa Goldberg – Family, Friends Say Goodbye to DEP Officer (1998)
- Laurie Fortin and Elaine Hinsch. Connecticut Wildlife Magazine Sept/Oct 2017, pg 21.
The information shown here is for general reference purposes only. exploreCT.org gives no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy or reliability of this data. Parking in all areas, whether designated here or not, is at your own risk. exploreCT.org is not responsible for any damage or loss to vehicles or contents.
Last updated March 15th, 2021
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