Hunting & Trapping on RRCT Property

Royal River Conservation Trust (RRCT) has a history of encouraging and advocating public access for safe and responsible traditional uses like hunting and trapping. RRCT generally allows hunting, with permission, following all applicable State and Town hunting regulations. Trapping is permitted with notification at select preserves. 

We do so with careful consideration of the need to reduce conflict and ensure all visitors have a safe and enjoyable experience. In certain situations, maintaining public safety and a quality hunting experience may be challenging due to nearby residences, trail density, or activity levels. RRCT evaluates these cases individually and may impose prohibitions or restrictions as necessary. To help manage these activities more effectively, we ask hunters to register annually with RRCT. 

‍Please note that RRCT holds conservation easements on land we do not own, which may include private property or land owned by municipalities. RRCT does not have the authority to grant hunting permission for these areas. Please reach out to the landowner directly for permission to hunt. 

Register to Hunt or Trap on RRCT Property

Royal River Conservation Trust is committed to ensuring public access to our conserved lands for low-impact and traditional uses including hunting.  We ask hunters to register annually before hunting on an RRCT property by using this online registration form.  Registration allows us to effectively monitor hunting activity, track land use, and have up-to-date contact information. 

RRCT strongly encourages hunters to record their harvest at the end of each season they participate in.  This data is confidential and helps us monitor wildlife populations and hunting activity at out properties. Please fill out the form even if no individuals were harvested. To record your harvest, please complete this form.

Rules for Hunting and Trapping on RRCT Property

  • State and Local Hunting Laws: Hunters must possess a valid Maine hunting license and comply with all applicable State and Town hunting regulations. Maine State hunting laws, regulations, and seasons
  • Trapping is permitted with notification on select RRCT properties. Please complete the registration form. 
  • Discharge of Firearms or Bows for Purposes Other than Hunting: No target shooting, practice shooting, placing targets, or discharging firearms or bows for purposes other than harvesting legal game.  
  • Game baiting is not allowed on RRCT properties. 
  • Ammunition: RRCT strongly encourages hunters to use lead-free ammunition alternatives. 
  • Motorized Vehicles and Parking: The use of motorized vehicles is generally prohibited on RRCT 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: Temporary tree stands and ground-level blinds may be allowed with annual permission from RRCT. No permanent tree stands or screw-in pegs are allowed. The hunter may put up a stand and related equipment no more than 10 days before the start of the season and it must be removed within 10 days after the close of the season. Email Stewardship Director Hanae Garrison at hanae@rrct.org to request permission. In your email, please include the name of the property you would like to place the tree stand/blinds and the approximate coordinates.
    All hunting stands, blinds or equivalent should face away from public trails. Shooting over a defined trail is prohibited. Tree stands and blinds must be clearly labeled with the owner's name and contact information. Any unmarked or unauthorized game stands, blinds, or seating may be subject to confiscation.
  • Game Cameras: Game cameras may be allowed with annual permission from RRCT. Email Stewardship Director Hanae Garrison at hanae@rrct.org to request permission. In your email, please include the name of the property you would like to place a game camera and the approximate coordinates.
    Cameras must be clearly labeled with the owner’s name and contact information. Cameras may not be pointed at public trails, parking areas, or other locations the public routinely uses. Cameras straps or cables may not be bolted or otherwise secured in a way that damages trees. RRCT shall not be responsible for lost or damaged equipment. Any unmarked or unauthorized game cameras may be subject to confiscation.
  • Gutting or cleaning game is allowed on RRCT property but remains should be left at least 100 feet from any trail 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, and you should prioritize their safety. 
  • 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 notify RRCT.
  • All other RRCT property rules and regulations also apply to hunters. 

Hunting is permitted on the following RRCT-owned properties:

Hunting and trapping are prohibited at Thayer Brook Preserve, as it is part of a state-designated wildlife sanctuary. 

No hunting is allowed at Littlejohn Island Preserve due to its small acreage, high traffic of people and dogs, and proximity to nearby residences.

If you have questions about hunting or trapping on RRCT property, email Stewardship Director Hanae Garrison at hanae@rrct.org or call (207) 847–9399. 

‍As a local nonprofit organization, we ask that hunters consider making a donation to RRCT. Your gift helps us conserve and connect resilient lands, protect ecological integrity, restore our waters, and secure welcoming access for all. To donate by mail, you may send a check to P.O. Box 90, Yarmouth, Maine 04096, or click here to donate online.