Western Foothills Land Trust is committed to keeping our conserved lands accessible for traditional outdoor recreation, including hunting and trapping where appropriate. To ensure safety, protect ecological integrity, and balance a variety of public uses, we’ve established clear guidelines for these activities on our fee-owned properties. Below is a quick overview of what hunters and trappers need to know before heading out.​

 

Quick Overview: Hunting on WFLT Lands

• Hunting is generally allowed on most WFLT fee-owned lands.
   

• Notice Required: Hunters must email lands@wfltmaine.org (subject: Hunter) or mail (to Western Foothills Land Trust, PO Box 107, Norway, Maine 04268) their name, contact info, license plate, and anticipated hunting location(s)
   

• Prohibited: baiting, shelters, blinds, tree stands (temporary or permanent), game cameras, or any structures.
   

• Follow all Maine hunting laws and WFLT property guidelines.
   

• Keep a safe distance from trails; no shooting across trails.
   

• Motorized vehicle use allowed only where each property’s guidelines permit.
   

• No individual permission letters provided unless requested.

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Hunting Exceptions

• Shepard’s Farm Preserve (Norway): Closed to hunting.
   

• McKeen Wildlife Refuge (Oxford): Closed to hunting.
   

• North Norway Forest: Deer hunting only; all other hunting prohibited.​​

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Hunting Policy

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WFLT requests that anyone hunting on WFLT’s lands annually provide notice to WFLT by email at lands@wfltmaine.org using the subject line “Hunter,” or in writing to PO Box 107, Norway, ME 04268 and providing the hunter’s name, address, phone number, license plate number, and anticipated hunting or trapping location(s). Except in the circumstances required below, WFLT does not provide individual letters of permission for hunting or trapping activities.  

 

WFLT believes in allowing hunting on the properties that it owns, including those it acquires through donation, whenever possible. This policy does not apply to lands on which WFLT holds a conservation easement, since these lands are owned by other parties who continue to exercise control over public uses, including hunting, consistent with the terms of the easement. Accordingly, the following policy provides guidance to the public on the issue of hunting on WFLT fee-owned lands only.

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WFLT recognizes that our fee-owned lands contribute to the overall quality of life for inhabitants of and visitors to our communities. WFLT is strongly committed to keeping its lands accessible to the public for traditional recreational activities including hunting, where appropriate. Hunting can help to maintain a healthy balance between a game species and the land’s ability to support it; this in turn contributes to ecological diversity and helps native plant and animal communities thrive.

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It is WFLT’s policy to allow hunting on its fee-owned lands, except when there are overriding safety or other concerns, as determined by the Board and except as noted below. In accordance with Maine law, visitors to these properties should presume that hunting is permitted in the absence of boundary postings or other warnings that state otherwise. All hunting activities must be conducted at a reasonable distance from any established recreational trail. Hunters may not use bait, erect shelters, blinds, tree stands (temporary or otherwise), game cameras, or other structures on WFLT-owned lands, and anyone hunting on WFLT lands must observe all applicable laws. The use of motorized vehicles for hunting is permitted only in accordance with each property’s use guidelines. Shooting across trails is prohibited.

 

Exceptions

• A portion of Shepard’s Farm Preserve (19 acres Norway) is closed to hunting because of its proximity to residential neighborhoods as well as to provide a preserve for people with dogs. Shepard’s Farm is posted with signage that hunting is not permitted.

• McKeen Wildlife Refuge (78 acres in Oxford) is closed to hunting in keeping with its designation as a Forever Wild property.

• North Norway Forest (76 acres in Norway) is open for deer hunting only.  All other forms of hunting are prohibited.​​