March 29, 2024

Hiking the Trails

Posted

Fall is a great time to get outdoors and explore. The oppressive humidity is gone and most of the pesky insects have ceased to buzz around our heads, but it never hurts to dress appropriately, use repellant, and take precautions.
As we near the month of October, please be aware that hunting is permitted on Land Trust properties, as well as on Town Forest land and in the State Forest. Beginning at the end of September, the various deer seasons span several months.

There is a youth hunt day on September 28, but the official start of archery season in this part of MA is on October 7. Archery season ends on November 30, and it is followed by shotgun season December 2-14. The remainder of December is the season for primitive firearms, which ends on December 31. In Massachusetts, hunting is prohibited on Sundays. Hunting is permitted from half an hour before sunrise until half an hour after sunset.

If you and your pets plan to hike during the hunting season, there are a number of precautions. Obviously, avoid drab clothing and early morning and early evening. Bright colors or the luminous safety vests are recommended, which are also available for your dogs.

Why is Hunting Permitted?
One of the pluses of living in Rehoboth is being close to nature – even seeing deer in our back yards – along with the turkeys, many kinds of birds, reptiles and amphibians. We welcome them and encourage them, often by providing food and great habitat. Some nibble at our gardens and cause minor problems, but most of us enjoy their presence.

Maybe we have been too kind, as some populations have thrived on our nurturing. Deer populations have often grown too large for the habitat they require, especially as development consumes the forests and fields. They tend to eat the understory growth in forests, preventing the regeneration of new growth. Many a farmer has had crop damage as well. Even worse, perhaps, is the fact that in some places deer starve over the winter because the habitat can’t support the number living there. A limited hunting season helps keep a balance in the environment that they, and we, occupy.

Save the Date
A fall guided walk will be held at Ephraim Hunt Ministerial Land on Pond Street on October 5 from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon. This is a free event offered by Land Trust board members and friends. For details, please visit our website: www.rehobothlandtrust.net



Join Us
Rehoboth land Trust welcomes your support in our mission to preserve open space and make it available to residents and friends. So be aware of activity around you, take precautions, and enjoy the trails through the changing seasons.

(Member ship form alternative.)
To donate: Send your name, address and contact information to: Rehoboth Land Trust, PO Box 335, Rehoboth, MA 02769. Donations can also be made securely via PayPal at www.rehobothlandtrust.net

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