Before you run off to hunt, it is important to understand where you can hunt and avoid any type of trouble. The federal government has identified several hunting arenas on their land. It is important to understand in which areas you can legally hunt and in which areas you are not allowed. In this article, we will discuss the hunting areas of Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire, the Northeastern corner of the United States.
Maine
In Maine, the Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge is located in Milbridge, Maine. Encompassing 250 miles of the coastline in Maine, this refuge took eight years to establish. In 972, this federal land was first established as a refuge and over the next eight years, it grew and now houses a wide variety of different species of wildlife. When visiting this location, it is important to understand all rules and regulations as they apply to any activity. For example, the Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge is only open during the hours of daylight.
For hunters, you will enjoy a unique hunting experience. In this area, hunter's favorites big game, small game, waterfowl, and game bird hunting. However, the only hunting allowed on Bois Bubert Island is for white-tailed deer. Hunters are allowed to use archery equipment, muzzleloaders, and shotguns. Modern firearms such as handguns and center fire rifles are restricted and there may be other regulations and restrictions that apply. The monument and refuge publishes rules and regulations each year, which defines seasons and game allowed.
New Hampshire
In New Hampshire, The Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge located in Newington, New Hampshire is federally operated and allows hunting. Established in the year 1992, the Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge was first created to provide protection for the natural habitat of all wildlife species. With several acres of land, this refuge consists of plenty of natural habit. This refuge is open year around to visitors and is always open from dawn until dusk, every day of the week.
While hunting is allowed on this piece of land, they typically only host limited deer hunts during the month of November. This is because the refuge is first and foremost a protective element for our National bird. It is said that on any given night, up to three hundred bald eagles use the roost on the northeast slope of the refuge.
Hunters enjoy this location for deer hunting, as well as pheasant and waterfowl hunting. Any hunters at the Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge are required to pay a permit fee, of which there are only a few. You are further required to have a hunting license within the state of New Hampshire, along with any permits and stamps as required federally or by the state.
Vermont
In Vermont, the Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge is a 6,482 acre federally protected refuge located in Swanton, Vermont. Situated along the shore of the popular Lake Champlain, this refuge was created in 1943. The natural habitat offered by the Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge includes trees like red maple, silver maple, white oak, white ash, and American Elm.
At the Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge, hunters can enjoy deer hunting, upland game hunting, and waterfowl hunting each season. As for any federal refuge, it is important to read all rules and regulations prior to going to the site to hunt. You must have a permit, licensing, and follow all regulations as outlined at the federal and state level.
This means that you should understand the open season for hunting any game and so forth. At the Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge, you may want to make reservations so that you can take part in the sport, there is a quota each day that the refuge cannot extend. You should also know the days in which hunting is allowed.
Wrapping It Up
Before you visit any federal land, be sure that you obtain any special licenses, permits, or stamps as required. Many states require specific types of stamps to hunt specific types of game. Make certain that you have done this in order to avoid trouble. Every state is different in regards to their requirements on weapons, usage, and ammunition, be sure to understand them as they apply to you.
Hiking To and Fro in New Hampshire
If you have never been to New Hampshire, you are really missing out on one of the great states. Forgetting the hikes, the state itself is a bit like being in Switzerland with its rolling hills, mountain ranges and just all around beauty. There is no big city atmosphere in New Hampshire, just miles and miles of serenity and some of Mother Nature's best work.
Perhaps the most famous and important of the hiking areas is the section of the Appalachian Trail that runs through the state. As in many other states, the New Hampshire section runs through dramatic rugged mountain scenery of the White Mountains and attracts more hikers than any other area in the state. The Appalachian runs for 161 miles with elevation changes from 400 to 6,000 feet. It is well marked, so you can pick it up at various points and say you bagged at least part of the great Appalachian.
For those looking for something a bit different, the Presidential Range is a famous and often bagged hiking area. The route is long and you can pick it up in multiple points. It snakes through the Presidential Range and gives you the opportunity to summit a variety of peaks up to 4,000 feet. This is a popular spot for weekend hikes with many people tackling a summit a day. The main route runs between Madison Hut and Lakes of the Clouds Hut.
At over 6,000 feet, Mount Washington is the highest peak in the state and offers some of the best hiking in New Hampshire. There are a number of ways to attack the mountain. The Tuckerman Ravine route is the best known, but is also heavily trafficked. The Boot Spur approach is perhaps the better option if you are looking for fewer people. Either way, you will get a beautiful view from the summit, but keep in mind the weather can be cold, wet and miserable up there.
New Hampshire is an amazing state. Break out the boots and explore all it has to offer whenever you get a chance.
Both Scott Peters & Nomad Rick are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Scott Peters has sinced written about articles on various topics from Baseball, Diamonds and Hunting. Scott peters is an avid outdoorsman, hunter, and Leupold scope dealer. To learn more about Leupold VX-I rifle scopes please go to