Hunting Guidelines

Hunters are welcome on many of our properties

Our protected land supports many uses. Maine has rich hunting and fishing traditions and these activities are permitted on many properties we own. Read below to learn where we allow hunting, and what guidelines and or restrictions apply.

  1. All state and local laws must be followed.

  2. You may not shoot across established walking trails.

  3. Prior permission is required to place any hunting gear (such as stands or cameras) that will be left for multiple days. Use of nails, screws, or screw-in steps are not permitted.

    • Gear must be labeled with your name and contact information.

    • Gear may be placed one month prior to opening day and must be removed within one month of the end of hunting season.

  4. Any gear placed on the property outside of that timeframe may be removed

  5. We recommend the use of non-lead ammunition and non-lead fishing tackle is required.

  6. Motorized vehicles are not allowed for hunting.

  7. Target shooting is prohibited on all our properties.

  8. Trapping is prohibited on all Midcoast Conservancy preserves, unless otherwise permitted by Lands for Maine’s Future funding (see below.) Please contact tim@midcoastconservancy.org for trapping permits on these preserves.

Special restrictions on the following properties:

Bass Falls Preserve – “Heart of the Watershed” parcels

  • Hunting and fishing permitted; trapping is allowed with permission–contact info@midcoastconservancy for more information. Trapping is possible thanks to funding from the Land for Maine’s Future program.

Bog Brook Preserve

  • No hunting, fishing, or trapping allowed.

Hidden Valley Nature Center

  • State-designated Wildlife Sanctuary: no hunting or trapping allowed under Maine State statute.

Marsh River Preserve

  • Hunting and fishing permitted; trapping is allowed with permission–contact info@midcoastconservancy for more information. Trapping is possible thanks to funding from the Land for Maine’s Future program.

Northern Headwaters Preserve (with exception of Whitten Hill parcel)

  • Deer hunting only and only during firearm season. Hunting by permission.

West Branch Preserve, parcels west of North Mountain Road

  • Prior permission required: Bow hunting and trapping prohibited. Bird hunting limited to turkey.

Whitten Hill parcel within Northern Headwaters Preserve

  • Hunting and fishing permitted; trapping is allowed with permission–contact info@midcoastconservancy for more information. Trapping is possible thanks to funding from the Land for Maine’s Future program.