Hunting on York Land Trust Property

York Land Trust is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to conserving the natural landscape and environment and providing opportunities for the public to connect with nature in meaningful ways. In addition to hiking, canoeing, cross country skiing, dog-walking, fishing, and nature observation, York Land Trust recognizes hunting as a recreational use suitable on many of its preserves.  Wildlife science shows that when conducted within the confines of applicable laws and regulations, hunting can serve to balance wildlife populations and reduce over-browsing of important understory vegetation. Hunting also provides sustenance and offers the public a longstanding traditional connection to nature and the outdoors.  York Land Trust welcomes hunting on all of its preserves unless posted otherwise.  

Please be aware that York Land Trust also holds conservation easements on land that we do not own outright; such land may be owned by private parties or other organizations. York Land Trust DOES NOT have the authority to grant permission to hunt on these lands—please contact the landowner directly for permission to hunt.  

In order to create a safe and enjoyable environment for all visitors to York Land Trust owned properties, we require hunters to review and comply with our hunting rules listed below.  

 RULES FOR HUNTING ON YORK LAND TRUST PROPERTY

• State and Local Hunting Laws: Hunters must possess a valid Maine hunting license and comply with all applicable State and Town of York hunting regulations.
  • Maine State hunting laws, regulations, and seasons
  • Town of York Firearms Safety Ordinance
• Discharge of Firearms or Bows for Purposes Other than Hunting: Target shooting, practice shooting, placing of targets, or discharge of firearms or bows for purposes other than harvesting legal game is not permitted on York Land Trust property. 
• Game Baiting is not allowed on York Land Trust properties. 
• Ammunition: York Land Trust requires hunters to use lead-free ammunition alternatives. 
• Motorized Vehicles and Parking: The use of motorized vehicles is prohibited on York Land Trust properties. Do not drive into fields or wooded areas. Park in designated parking lots where provided, or at safe locations alongside public roads. 
• Tree Stands and Blinds: No more than one (1) temporary tree stand, tree chair, or hunting blind per hunter may be placed on any York Land Trust property at any given time.  No permanent tree stands or screw-in pegs are allowed. No live branches are to be trimmed during installation or use.  Equipment may be placed no more than 14 days before the start of the season and must be removed within 14 days after the close of the season.  No equipment shall be placed within 100 feet of designated trail systems, yards, and develop areas.  Equipment left unattended must be identified with the owner’s name and contact information.  York Land Trust shall not be responsible for lost or damaged equipment.  Equipment placed contrary to these rules may be removed and disposed of by York Land Trust.   
• Gutting or Cleaning Game on York Land Trust property is allowed but remains must be left at least 200 feet from any trail, waterbody, or nearby residential areas.  
• Safety: Please hunt safely and courteously. Be aware that you may be sharing the woods with other recreational users and their pets. 
• Interfering with Hunting: It is illegal in the State of Maine for any person to willfully interfere with lawful hunting. Please report any interference to state and/or local law enforcement and also notify York Land Trust.
• Other Rules: All rules that apply to the public’s general recreational use of York Land Trust property also apply to hunters. Click here to view these rules.

If you have questions about hunting on York Land Trust property, please contact York Land Trust’s Stewardship Director, Liz Walworth, at 207-363-7400 ext. 6 for more information. 

As a local, nonprofit organization, we ask that hunters consider making a donation to York Land Trust. Donations are essential in our efforts to conserve more land for public access and wildlife conservation and to sustainably manage our existing preserves. To donate, click here, or go to our website at www.yorklandtrust.org, or call 207-363-7400.