2024 Deer Hunting Program and Horse Riding Events
Bow Hunting Program Details
When:
October 7th to December 31st, 2024
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 one secondary trail in Wright Woods, which has been signed.
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
A limited number of licensed hunters are granted permission to bow hunt each year. Nearly all have been bow hunting with Land Trust permission for twenty-plus years. The use of guns is prohibited.
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 Riding 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 (no hounds are involved). 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.
Events
Old North Bridge Hounds will host a Hunter Pace event on Sunday, October 6 from 8:00 am until 3:00 pm in Wright Woods.
Old North Bridge Hounds will host a Drag Hunt event on Saturday, October 26 from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm at October Farm Riverfront.
Bay State Trail Riders Association will host a casual ride on Sunday, October 20 from 9:00 am until 12:00 pm in Wright Woods.
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.
