LKRLT Hunting Policy

Maintaining traditional use, and safe recreation

October 20, 2008

Hunting season is now underway!

The Lower Kennebec Regional Land Trust (LKRLT) would like to remind both hikers and hunters to observe caution during this period. When hiking on LKRLT trails or elsewhere during hunting season, the public is reminded to wear visible orange clothing and exercise caution.  As always, we urge dog owners to have their dog on a leash.

The Thorne Head (Bath), Sewall Woods (Bath), Higgins Mountain (Georgetown), Weber-Kelly (Georgetown), and Bonyun (Westport Island) preserves allow hunting as a continuation of the traditional use of the land, affirmed when we acquired each preserve.  At Green Point (West Bath) only archery hunting is allowed. Hunting or trapping are not allowed on the Merrymeeting Fields Preserve (Woolwich). All of our preserves are open free of charge to the public from dawn to dusk. Please note hunting on Sunday is illegal in Maine.

Hunters are asked to use extra caution while on LKRLT property as other non-hunters are likely present and we request that you do not hunt along the trails. Please be aware that families are accustomed to hiking the LKRLT trails year-round, often accompanied by children and/or dogs. Deer stands are permitted but only as allowed by state law. We request that stands be located away from trails. They must be marked with hunter’s name, address and phone number and no metal can be put into trees. Hunters must follow all local and state regulations in which the LKRLT property is located. Cutting of trees or brush are not permitted.  No motorized vehicles are allowed at any time. Further information on hunting rules is available by calling the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife agency at 287-8000 or visit their website at www.maine.gov/ifw/hunting_trapping/index.htm.

The following are hunting dates for the 2008-09 season:

Large Game Bow                                Sept.6 – Dec.13

Turkey Firearm                                    Oct.18 – Oct.24

Deer & Large Game Firearm              Oct. 25 – Nov. 29

If you are not already a supporter of the Land Trust, we hope you will consider becoming a member. Membership dues and donations provide the needed financial resources to protect lands. Your donation will increase our ability to protect wildlife habitat in the Kennebec Estuary and continue to provide public recreation and hunting opportunities.

For more information or have any questions please call LKRLT at (207) 442-8400.