Fall is among the best times to hike and enjoy Greenbelt properties. The air is cooler, the bugs are gone and the trees are bursting with color.
However, as you are hiking, there is a small chance that you may be sharing open space with a hunter. But there is little to worry about and a simple precaution adds peace of mind.
Sportsmen were among the earliest supporters of Greenbelt’s land conservation mission. Today, Greenbelt continues to make some of our conserved properties available to qualified hunters in a very controlled and careful way.
Written permission is issued primarily to highly skilled archery deer hunters, who are all members of Greenbelt and follow strict protocols in an effort to help control the expanding white-tailed deer population and associated deer ticks in eastern Massachusetts. These men and women are respectful and discreet, and they know they are sharing the land with you.
Chances are you will never encounter a hunter on our land or even have an inkling that they are there.
No guns are allowed on Greenbelt’s public reservations - just bow and arrow - and the hunters steer clear of our marked trails.
However, it is a good idea for you and your pet to wear something blaze orange or red to be sure you are highly visible in the woods.
They are inexpensive and widely available at sporting goods stores.
More fall hiking tips:
If you are concerned about hunters, they are most active in the early morning or at dusk.
Be prepared for changing temperatures by dressing in layers. A morning chill can give way to warmer temperatures. A heavy jacket you're wearing in the morning can leave you sweating in the afternoon.
Bring a headlamp or flashlight! The days are getting shorter and it's easy to lose track of time. Don't get stuck in the dark.
Stay hydrated. Even though you may not be sweating, it's still important to stay hydrated in cooler temps.
Bring tick repellant. While the biting insects are mostly gone, ticks are still active. And bring sunscreen. The sun is still strong and you can burn.
If hiking alone, let someone know where you will be and when you plan to return.
Bring your smartphone. Many properties on our website have real time mapping that will show you exactly where you are.
Contact Dave Rimmer at dwr@ecga.org with any questions about our hunting program.