Why open a preserve to hunting?Management of game species can simultaneously provide a recreation opportunity and protect our plant life at the preserves. Turkey and deer are both herbivores that browse on plant material. When those local populations increase without a natural predator, the impact from these browsing animals can diminish the biodiversity of plant life and start to affect other organisms utilizing the area. We have seen evidence of this at a number of preserves, but especially at Riverview Natural Area. After years of population surveying and documenting deer browse, we have decided to open two of our preserves to hunting using a permit system.
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Conservation & Hunting
Historically, hunters have contributed greatly when it comes to conservation practices on a state and federal level. Once concerned leaders within the hunting, angling and shooting communities (i.e. sportsmen) saw that game populations were depleting, some species approaching extinction, they banded together and used their influence to make great strides for conserving our wildlife resources. Important laws were passed that became a foundation for land management practices.
current opportunities
Spring Turkey Hunting - Riverview Natural Area, George and Sue Lane Preserve
Spring turkey hunting is allowed by permit only within set hunting zones and on specific dates at Riverview Natural Area and the George and Sue Lane Preserve. These hunting zones, dates and other information can be found in the 2025 Turkey Hunting Application. Hunters may hunt individually or in groups of up to four people.
All hunters must be granted a permit by the Little Forks Conservancy to hunt either preserve open to turkey hunting. To apply, please download, read, and submit your completed application along with a photo of your hunting license via email to the Preserve and Volunteer Steward to be considered.
Spring turkey hunting is allowed by permit only within set hunting zones and on specific dates at Riverview Natural Area and the George and Sue Lane Preserve. These hunting zones, dates and other information can be found in the 2025 Turkey Hunting Application. Hunters may hunt individually or in groups of up to four people.
All hunters must be granted a permit by the Little Forks Conservancy to hunt either preserve open to turkey hunting. To apply, please download, read, and submit your completed application along with a photo of your hunting license via email to the Preserve and Volunteer Steward to be considered.
Bow Hunting, Deer - George and Sue Lane Preserve (October 1 - January 1)
Of the Lane Preserve’s 270 acres of land open to the public, we believe 188 are suitable for deer bow hunting. A map of area open to hunting is provided in the 2025 Fall Deer Bow Hunting Application. Permits are issued to hunters in an annual application process; the season is split into month long increments (October/November/December) to which hunters are randomly assigned after the application deadline. Hunting is restricted to bow hunting only.
Of the Lane Preserve’s 270 acres of land open to the public, we believe 188 are suitable for deer bow hunting. A map of area open to hunting is provided in the 2025 Fall Deer Bow Hunting Application. Permits are issued to hunters in an annual application process; the season is split into month long increments (October/November/December) to which hunters are randomly assigned after the application deadline. Hunting is restricted to bow hunting only.
Each hunter who is granted a bow permit is allowed to bring 1-2 Apprentice Hunters (though the total hunters in a single monthly session is not to exceed 12). The permitted hunter is responsible for the safety of the apprentice hunter and to ensure they follow the rules listed.
All hunters are required to apply for a hunting permit to hunt the property. Those interested in bow hunting deer at the George and Sue Lane Preserve are encouraged to download, read and complete the 2025 Fall Deer Bow Hunting Application. Please email your completed application and a photo copy of your hunting license to the Preserve and Volunteer Steward by August 22, 2025 to be considered.
Payments
It is acknowledged that there are costs associated with maintaining a large property, however we will not require a payment to hunt on the property; hunters are encouraged to make a donation to the Conservancy or volunteer their time assisting with maintenance of the property.
