Expanded archery season begins on September 12th!

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 archery season begins on September 12th and runs through December 12th, 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 by permission is currently allowed at Crystal Spring Farm, Tarbox Preserve (north of Middlesex Road where trails are located), Woodward Cove, and Woodward Point. 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.  
  • 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 Land Trust accepts permission request forms to hunt on properties that we own throughout the year and conduct a lottery drawing each year the day after Labor Day. The Land Trust consults with MDIFW Game Wardens to determine the number of hunters to give permission to hunt on a given property based on wildlife management, property size, and public access. The lottery drawing will take place on September 8th this year and hunters will be contacted prior to the start of hunting season to be notified if they have received permission to hunt during the 2026 season. Any properties with remaining availability for addition hunters will be assigned on a first come, first served basis until filled throughout the remainder of the hunting season.