Hunting on BTLT Lands: What to Know

The Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust recognizes the many intersections that hunting and conservation share, as both require keen observation, and understanding and respect of the natural world. Hunting is an important cultural tradition that has provided sustenance for thousands of years to the people who call these lands home, and continues to provide food, play an important role in conservation, and connect people with nature.

As the Land Trust works to conserve open space in our community, we strive to keep many of the properties that we own open for hunting by permission. 

Hunting is not only an important tradition in Maine, but an important management tool to protect farmers’ livelihoods. Deer can ravage crops overnight and create a significant burden for farmers, straining their finances, endangering the health safety standards of their fields, and costing them valuable time and labor.

Expanded bow archery season begins on September 6th and runs through December 13th, so next time you head out on the trails, remember to wear your blaze orange!

Below is some information for trail users to help ensure a safe visit to the few BTLT trails where bowhunting is allowed:

• Bowhunting only is currently allowed at Crystal Spring Farm, Tarbox Preserve, and Woodward Cove. Blaze orange vests can be found at the parking area kiosks for visitors to borrow to wear while on the trails and return after using. 
• Hikers should wear blaze orange and exercise caution during hunting season (click here to find hunting season dates).
• Hunters who you encounter on trails will have their arrows in a quiver while traveling, making it impossible for an arrow to accidentally be fired.
• Please stay on marked trails and keep your dogs on leash – it is required on all BTLT trails all year long and is especially important during hunting season to keep deer (and hunters) from being disturbed. There are fines if your dog is off leash and chases deer, so leash your dog or leave them at home during hunting season!
• Please note that hunting on Sundays is illegal in Maine.
• Bowhunters are not allowed to discharge an arrow within 75 feet of a trail and are made aware of the location of all trails on the property they are hunting. 

If you are interested in learning more about the Land Trust’s hunting rules or are interested in requesting permission to hunt on Land Trust properties next year, please visit https://www.btlt.org/itshuntingseason/.

The permission window for the upcoming 2025 fall season is open until Labor Day, September 1st. 

 

Photo credit: Rangeley Made in Maine