Maine has a rich legacy of responsible and sustainable hunting. The Nature Conservancy owns almost 300,000 acres around the state, and most are open to hunting. By state statute, lands are open to hunting and fishing unless a landowner posts the boundaries against these activities. With a few exceptions, hunting is permitted on TNC’s Preserves in Maine without written permission, subject to state laws and regulations.
Preserve-specific regulations:
- Hunting is allowed with written permission at Leuthold Forest Preserve and Corner Pond Preserve. Please email naturemaine@tnc.org for permission.
- At Saco Heath Preserve, hunting is permitted, but hunters may not access the site through the parking area and trailhead at Rt 112.
- Hunting is prohibited on Great Duck Island between Feb 15 - August 15.
- Hunting is not allowed on Placentia Island Preserve, Smith Island Preserve, Big White Island Preserve and Indian Point-Blagden Preserve.
Overarching rules for hunting on TNC preserves:
- All state and local laws and ordinances must be followed at all times.
- Hunters may hunt one half hour before sunrise until one half hour after sunset. No overnight use permitted.
- Except where clearly noted on state and local marked and established trails, ATV use is not allowed.
- Temporary tree stands and blinds must be marked with personal contact information per Maine hunting regulations. Permanent shelters and blinds are prohibited. Please remove all temporary stands, blinds and flagging by the end of the season.
- Cutting of vegetation for trails, shooting lanes, blinds or any other reason is prohibited. No trail building or clearing.
- Climbing tree pegs and nails are prohibited.
- No use of game cameras.
- Bear baiting is prohibited except where managed by the North Maine Woods.
- Trapping is prohibited except in unorganized townships.
- Dogs are not allowed on most TNC preserves.
Additionally, visitors to TNC preserves in Maine should wear blaze orange during the deer hunting season, and hunters should be aware of high visitor use areas such as boardwalks, hiking trails and woods roads.
We Can’t Save Nature Without You
Sign up to receive monthly conservation news and updates from Maine. Get a preview of Maine's Nature News email.
More Stories From Maine
A Burning Need for Conservation
Managing Southern Maine preserves with fire for habitat and safety.
The Healing Power of Trees
An innovative partnership between The Nature Conservancy in Maine and Tree Street Youth connects vulnerable youth with the natural world.
Conserving Forests to Benefit Wildlife and People
TNC is using science to identify and conserve habitats that can withstand climate impacts.