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
Riverview Natural Area
Turkey Season | April 23rd - June 7th
Hunters will park at the Riverview parking lot and walk in. Turkey hunters would be required to return to vehicles around 12 PM at the latest, unless otherwise noted, using the trail as much as possible for walking in and out of the preserve to minimize human impact. They would also be required to have their guns unloaded.
Turkey Season | April 23rd - June 7th
Hunters will park at the Riverview parking lot and walk in. Turkey hunters would be required to return to vehicles around 12 PM at the latest, unless otherwise noted, using the trail as much as possible for walking in and out of the preserve to minimize human impact. They would also be required to have their guns unloaded.
George and Sue Lane Preserve
Turkey Season | April 23rd - May 31st
Hunters would park along Schmidt Rd or in the parking lot on Shearer Rd. Turkey hunters would be required to return to vehicles around 12PM for hikers and management purposes. Guns must be unloaded while walking in and out of the property.
Bow Season (Deer) | Oct 1 - Dec 31
Of the Lane Preserve’s 270 acres of land open to the public, we believe 188 are suitable for hunting. A zone system is in place giving 6 hunters a permit at once; the season is split into month long increments (October/November/December).
Turkey Season | April 23rd - May 31st
Hunters would park along Schmidt Rd or in the parking lot on Shearer Rd. Turkey hunters would be required to return to vehicles around 12PM for hikers and management purposes. Guns must be unloaded while walking in and out of the property.
Bow Season (Deer) | Oct 1 - Dec 31
Of the Lane Preserve’s 270 acres of land open to the public, we believe 188 are suitable for hunting. A zone system is in place giving 6 hunters a permit at once; the season is split into month long increments (October/November/December).
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Note:
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Each Hunter who is granted a permit is allowed to bring 1-2 Apprentice Hunters (though the total across all zones 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
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Current applications/RulesBow Season (Deer) 2022 -- Application for George and Sue Lane Preserve
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PaymentsIt 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 organization or volunteer their time assisting with maintenance of the property.
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