Hunting and 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 form.  Registration allows us to effectively monitor hunting activity, track land use, and have up-to-date contact information. 

RRCT strongly encourages hunters to report their successful harvests to Steward@RRCT.org. This data is confidential and helps us monitor wildlife populations. 

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 permission from RRCT. No permanent tree stands or screw-in pegs are allowed.  No live branches are to be trimmed during installation. Equipment left unattended must be identified with the owner’s name and contact information. RRCT shall not be responsible for lost or damaged equipment. Equipment placed contrary to these rules may be removed and disposed of by RRCT.
  • 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. 

If you have questions about hunting or trapping on RRCT property, please email Steward@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.