2022 Deer Hunting Program and Horse Hunt Events
Deer, Bow Hunting Program
When:
October 3rd to December 31st, 2022
Where:
Wright Woods
Bigelow Woods/Soutter Field
Hunting Information:
Deer bow hunting occurs 1/2 hour before sunrise to 10:00 am and 3:00 pm to 1/2 hour after sunset. There is no hunting on Saturdays or Sundays.
All trails remain open, even during hours of hunting, except for two secondary trails in Wright Woods, which have posted signs indicating their closures.
In Wright Woods, check the map at the trailhead kiosk off of Arena Terrace to view where bow hunting is taking place.
Please pay attention to posted signs and follow trail use policies:
– Stay on marked trails
– Dogs (no more than 3 per person) must be under control at all times
– Leash dogs that wander off trail
Program Background
The bow hunting program began in 1997 in response to requests by several abutters to try to control the deer population in the area. The allowed time period is determined by the Commonwealth and is generally mid-October through the end of December. The Land Trust allows bow hunting only to a small group of qualified hunters in the areas with written permission from the Land Trust and from the abutters. An overabundant deer population is negatively impacting the ecology of the forested habitat. Through the hunting program, we hope to help restore the essential ecological services that a diverse forest provides.
Horse Hunt Events
Old North Bridge Hounds host annual riding events in Wright Woods and at October Farm Riverfront. The group is one of seven hunt clubs in New England. They engage in drag hunting, which involves laying a scent trail where riders and hounds ‘hunt’ an artificial scent for sport. They also host Hunter Pace events, which are low-key, competitive, cross-country rides that are meant to simulate a fox hunt. Horse and rider teams are sent off at intervals to follow a pre-set course. The goal is to not ride too fast or too slow, but to achieve an optimal time or pace in order to win. There are several of these events occurring in the fall on Land Trust properties.
Events in Wright Woods:
Old North Bridge Hounds will host a Hunter Pace event on Sunday, October 16 from 8:00 am until 3:00 pm and a Drag Hunt on Saturday, October 29 from 10:00 am until noontime.
Events in October Farm Riverfront:
Old North Bridge Hounds will host a Drag Hunt on Saturday, October 8, 2022 from 10:00 am until noontime and a Drag Hunt on Saturday, November 12, 2022 from 10:00 am until noontime.
All trails remain open during the riding events. Please plan ahead and remember: horses always have the right of way, followed by hikers, then by bikers!
In other words, hikers yield to horses, and bicyclists yield to hikers and horses on trails. If you must step off a trail to make room for a horse rider to pass, step off to the downhill side. Whenever possible, watch where you step and be mindful of the plants or animals around you. If you approach a horse rider from behind, calmly make your presence known by offering a friendly, “Hello!” Let the rider know your intentions and only pass once they tell you it is safe to do so.
