Hunting is permitted at Nod Brook WMA. Therefore, it is recommended that visitors wear hunter orange (hats and vest/jacket) and that dogs wear an orange vest during the fall and winter hunting seasons.

Nod Brook Wildlife Management Area (WMA) and Field Trial Area is a 137-acre parcel of DEEP-owned property located along the Farmington River in Avon and Simsbury, east of Routes 10 and 202. The property, formerly known as the Holloway Farm, was purchased by the State in 1975 with partial funding from the federal government (Land and Water Conservation Fund) for the primary purpose of establishing a sanctioned training and field trial area for hunting dogs. As the site of a former gravel operation, the priority for purchase of the property was determined by its suitability for development as a field trial area. It is the only state-owned property in Connecticut which has been developed specifically for water-based retriever-type dog trials and, as such, is used intensively for organized training events and informal training. Nod Brook is not a State Park. It is one of 4 state areas available for field trial events, and one of the only three state areas available for the year-round training of hunting dogs.

Within the context of Nod Brook’s specialized purpose, the Department has encouraged other compatible uses of the property, including fishing, small game and waterfowl hunting, hiking, wildlife viewing, and cartop kayak and canoe access to the Farmington river. However, during organized events, which typically occur on weekends and average more than 50 days annually, the area is closed to all other use pursuant to existing Department regulations to avoid potential conflicts and ensure public safety. If a field trial is in progress, it is unlawful to enter the property.