Falling leaves and cooling temperatures are a reminder that hunting season is almost here. Many Midcoast Conservancy preserves are open for hunting but permitted activities vary from one property to another, and all hunters must follow Midcoast Conservancy’s recreational and hunting guidelines listed on their website at https://www.midcoastconservancy.org/hunting.

The following Midcoast Conservancy  properties have specific guidelines regarding hunting: 

At Bass Falls Preserve, Marsh River Preserve and Whitten Hill (part of the Northern Headwaters Preserve), hunting, fishing, and trapping of all types permissible by Maine law are allowed thanks to funding from the Land for Maine’s Future program.

Deer hunting, only during firearm season and by permission, is permitted at the Northern Headwaters Preserve (with the exception of the Whitten Hill parcel). No hunting, fishing or trapping is allowed at the Bog Brook Preserve.

On the West Branch Preserve parcels west of North Mountain Road, bow hunting and trapping are prohibited. Bird hunting is limited to turkey; all hunting there is by permission. Anyone with questions or seeking permission should contact Forest and Lands Manager Tim Libby at tim@midcoastconservancy.org or (207) 200.8840.

For hikers, bikers and others looking to find places to be outdoors where hunting is not permitted, Hidden Valley Nature Center offers 1000 acres of protected trails to explore. HVNC is a State Wildlife Sanctuary; no hunting, trapping or firearms are allowed, and the preserve is closed to all motorized vehicle access as well. Information on all of Midcoast Conservancy’s preserves can be found at https://www.midcoastconservancy.org/preserves.

Everyone should take safety precautions when recreating outdoors during hunting season regardless of where they are. Both people and dogs should wear prominent blaze orange; dogs should be kept on leash when walking anywhere that hunting is permitted. This is a beautiful time of year to be outside–taking the time to review the rules of one’s location will make it fun and safe too!