Hunting Policy

Hunting Policy and PKCA Permit: 2026 Information

Updated August 15, 2026

It is the policy of Orono Land Trust (OLT) to permit use of its fee lands for a diversity of outdoor recreational activities. Hunting of game species, where appropriate and under appropriately issued State of Maine licensure, and under conditions where the activity can be pursued to ensure safety of the hunter and other users of the property, is allowed on Piney Knoll Conservation Area (PKCA) by OLT-issued permit only. No permit is required on other OLT fee lands, as listed below.

Properties Open for Hunting

The following rules apply to all types of hunting, for all species of game, and by usual means of take (bow and arrow, shotgun, rifle). The following OLT properties are open for hunting consistent with Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife current regulations:

  • Dorion Land: All game species, all methods of take.
  • Hsu Land: All game species, all methods of take.
  • Newman Hill Land: All game species, all methods of take.
  • Piney Knoll Conservation Area: White-tailed deer only, by bow and arrow only. Permit required. See special instructions below.
  • Thibodeau Land: All game species, all methods of take.
  • Wickett Land: White-tailed deer by bow and arrow or shotgun. Other game species by shotgun.
  • Otter Point: All game species, all methods of take.

Applying for a Piney Knoll Conservation Area Permit

To obtain a permit to hunt on Piney Knoll Conservation Area, owned by Orono Land Trust, email PKCA.Permit@oronolandtrust.org with:

  • Your name.
  • Your email contact information.
  • The season you are applying for, as described in the separate PKCA season announcement:
    • Early season: September 12–October 24, 2026.
    • Late season: October 26–December 12, 2026.

Jerry Longcore, OLT’s authorized representative, will issue permits to hunters selected according to the PKCA season announcement.

If selected by lottery for a PKCA permit to hunt in either season, you must acknowledge receipt of the permit by return email to validate it. Failure to acknowledge receipt prior to the start of the selected season may result in revocation of the permit. A sample permit appears below.

Maine Expanded Archery Deer Zone

Only Piney Knoll Conservation Area and Hsu Land are OLT properties in the Maine Expanded Archery Deer Zone. No permit is needed for the Hsu property.

The Orono Land Trust Board of Directors approves hunting of white-tailed deer by bow and arrow only on Piney Knoll Conservation Area, by OLT-issued permit, during Maine’s Expanded Archery Season: September 12–December 12, 2026.

See the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife for details of the white-tailed deer expanded archery season.

Hunters who apply for the OLT permit must fulfill all license and training requirements and comply with all Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife regulations for archery hunting.

Safety and Hunting Requirements

Safety and Tree Stands

Safety for hunters, the public, and domestic animals is paramount. Take all safety precautions and be aware of the horses and goats on the Trask property, which abuts OLT property.

  • For safety, please hunt from a temporary tree stand.
  • Do not stalk deer or hunt from ground blinds.
  • Do not use another hunter’s stand without permission.
  • Your elevated deer stand must have a tag attached with your contact information: name, address, phone number or email address. This is a state law.
  • Use of trail cameras is not allowed.

Disposal of Deer Entrails

Dispose of deer entrails appropriately, off OLT property, but not on Orono Town land or other nearby private property.

Removal of Tree Stands and Scent Tags

Tree stands and scent tags, if used, must be removed on the last day of the permitted season, early or late.

If a stand remains after this period, you will forfeit the stand and OLT will have it removed.

Permit Requirements

The permit must be carried with the permittee while on PKCA lands and presented as requested.

End-of-Season Survey

Permit holders are expected to respond to a short online survey after their season. The survey will be online, and the information will be sent to the email used by the permit holder after the end of the season.

OLT would appreciate comments on your experience, including:

  • The number of hours spent hunting on OLT land.
  • The results of your efforts.
  • Whether you did not hunt.

Not submitting a survey response may be cause to deny a permit in subsequent years.

The survey will be emailed to permit holders prior to the end of their season.

Sample Hunter Entry Permit

Property: Orono Land Trust – PKCA

Permission is granted to: ________________________________________

Permission is granted for the purpose of bow hunting for white-tailed deer during the 2026 Expanded Archery Season, for the season selected below:

  • ☐ Early season: September 12–October 24, 2026.
  • ☐ Late season: October 26–December 12, 2026.

Place an X in only one season to be valid. The permit is void if altered or if both seasons are checked.

Permit Terms

By accepting this permit, the identified hunter accepts and agrees to:

OLT will not be required to provide permittees warnings of hazards, hazardous conditions or use of any structures or activities on the land.

OLT does not grant any assurance to permittees that the premises are safe and do not assume, in any way, the responsibility, or incur liability for any injury to any person or property caused by any act by persons to whom permission is granted.

Permittees shall indemnify OLT and hold OLT and its members harmless for any and all actions or causes of action that result from the permittee’s use of the land.

Permittees are solely responsible for any environmental damage caused by a permittee’s activities.

This permit is granted only to the permittees and is non-transferable.

The Marsh Island Preserve, now known as Piney Knoll Conservation Area (PKCA), is a multi-recreational area; undue conflict between hunters and other recreational users may result in loss of hunting opportunity on this property.

Keep permit on your person when hunting on this OLT property.

Permission Granted

Date: ________________________________________

By: Orono Land Trust
P.O. Box 4
Orono, ME 04473

For the Board: Jerry Longcore, Hunt Coordinator
Phone: 866-3104
Email: jrlongcore@gmail.com

Signed / issued: ________________________________________

Failure to follow laws, rules, and permit requirements may result in revocation of the permit and disqualification of the permittee for future seasons.