Hunting on Somerset Woods Lands

New policy adopted August 20, 2024

Hunting has traditionally been allowed on most Somerset Woods Trustees (SWT) properties. As local lands are more frequently posted against hunting and public access, SWT properties are experiencing increasing pressure, especially during deer firearms season. The following rules and guidelines have been adopted to help manage the increased demands by hunters and non-hunters alike.

Public Safety is our number one concern. We are committed to working with property users to continue Maine’s tradition of cooperation between hunters and non-hunters to keep everyone safe.

All hunters must submit a Hunting Notification Form every year. See below for details.

For Hunters

General:

Hunters are expected to abide by all state and local hunting regulations, avoid heavily used hiking areas, and to be courteous to any non-hunters they may encounter. Hunters are expected to review and respect the SWT Hunting Guidelines .

Hunter Registration:

Hunters must submit a Hunting Notification Form to SWT every year. Find the link to the form below.

In this inaugural year, the Hunting Notification Form will go live the second week of September. In future years, the form will go live by April 1.

Harvest Reports:

Hunters are asked to report harvests to SWT’s Stewardship Coordinator as this is useful habitat data. Email Stewardship@SomersetWoodsTrustees.org.

Motorized Access:

All SWT properties are closed to unauthorized motorized uses, including hunting. Only hunters with a valid Maine Dept. of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife accommodation guidelines may request authorization to drive onto properties for any reason.

Baiting:

Establishing bait stations to attract game is strictly prohibited on all SWT properties.

Gear:

All gear (except game cameras labeled with your contact info) must be carry-in, carry-out for each trip. SWT will remove unattended gear found on SWT properties.

STANDS: Ladder stands are not allowed on SWT lands unless you meet Maine Dept. of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife accommodation guidelines and have explicit permission from SWT Staff.

Climbing/hang-on stands may be used but they must be packed out with you after every visit. No drilling, nailing, or cutting of trees or other vegetation is permitted. Equipment may only be affixed to trees with straps and other non-damaging methods.

SWT has designated an accommodation for ladder stands for those 65+ and for those holding a Permit Available to Individuals with Permanent Physical Disabilities from the Maine Dept. of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. There is an option to request this accommodation on the Hunting Notification Form. SWT may request proof of age and/or appropriate valid permit.

If this accommodation is being utilized by someone other than whom it was issued, the entire permission will be revoked.
Approved ladder stands must be removed promptly at the end of the season (within 7 days) and be labeled with contact information.
Only one stand is permitted and is restricted to one property for the year.

a deer looks out from tall grass and ferns

Property Restrictions:

Somerset Woods owns nearly 30 properties in southern Somerset County. Most are available for hunting by registration. Exceptions in 2024:

Young’s Wildlife Preserve in Concord is CLOSED to all hunting activity.

Parkman Hill Farm in Solon has several safety zones around residences where hunting is prohibited. Map.

Conservation Easements Lands on which Somerset Woods holds conservation easements are not regulated by this hunting policy as these lands are owned and managed by private landowners.

SWT Hunting Guidelines

Hunting Notification Form