FAQs

Hunting is permitted on nearly all MCHT preserves in accordance with state and local laws. MCHT believes that hunting is an important component of managing healthy wildlife populations and preserving our cultural traditions, so we try to keep this opportunity available wherever possible. Responsible hunters play an important role in our preserve management practices. The following are a few rules we ask everyone to follow to keep all preserve visitors safe:

• Check the preserve guidelines before heading out. Some preserves are limited to specific species, manner of hunting, or are restricted to by-permission only.
• Wear blaze orange if you are visiting MCHT preserves during firearms season for white-tailed deer—this is the most important season to wear blaze orange! We suggest staying away from preserves around sunrise and sunset if you are nervous about being around hunters. It is also recommended to put a blaze orange article on your dog as well during hunting season.
• Temporary tree stands and game cameras are allowed with permission; please contact us. Do not cut vegetation and only use ratchet straps to attach stands and cameras—do not use screws or other fasteners. All gear must be clearly labeled with owner’s name and contact information. Unlabeled stands and cameras, gear that has been placed without permission, or items that have been left out beyond hunting season will be removed.
• Field dress any game far away from trails and other established public spaces.
• MCHT allows for hunting with trained dogs unless expressly prohibited by preserve-specific guidelines. If you are a waterfowl hunter and are interested in hunting on a preserve where leashes are required, please contact us for permission.
• Lead is highly toxic, and we encourage you to use lead-free ammunition.
• For the complete and up-to-date hunting rules, laws, and seasons please visit: https://www.maine.gov/ifw/hunting-trapping/hunting/laws-rules/

You are welcome to enjoy a handful of berries or mushrooms. Please leave all vegetative parts of plants intact (roots, branches, etc.). Foraging for rare, threatened, or endangered species (e.g. wild leeks, Allium tricoccum) is prohibited on all MCHT preserves. Commercial foraging is also prohibited on all MCHT preserves.

Please also be aware that some MCHT preserves are used by commercial marine harvesters to access the shore and mudflats. MCHT feels strongly that this sort of use and access needs to be maintained and protected. Potential harvesters who have questions about this use are encouraged to contact your local MCHT office for more information.

Many preserves are open to camping. Most of these locations are first-come-first-served campsites, while a small section are by-reservation only. The by-reservation sites can be found here. Please keep in mind that in all cases, the preserve remains open for public use. Staying at a campsite does not entitle a user to exclusive use of the preserve.

• Camp in designated campsites only: Please use provided tent platforms and do not clear additional space for more tents than the campsite is designed for and help us limit campsite sprawl.
• Minimize campsite modifications: Do not attempt to improve campsite, cut limbs or trees, or construct additional structures or fire rings.
• All campsite stays are limited to a two-night maximum.
• Keep noise and disturbance to a minimum: The preserves are public spaces that are shared by people and wildlife alike; please be courteous of others’ experiences.
• Pack In/Pack Out: Please remove all trash and human waste with you when you leave the campsite. Human waste is a biohazard and there are a number of brands which offer bagging solutions for safe removal.
• Food Storage: Be sure that all your food is securely packed away, especially at night. Preserves are shared by wildlife who can be very determined when getting into human food. Allowing wildlife access to human food only reinforces this behavior, making things more challenging for other campers in the future.
• Car/Van Camping: Nearly all MCHT parking lots are designated for daytime use only, and overnight parking and mobile camping are not permitted.
• Large Groups: Groups of 8 or more should contact MCHT before planning their trip; not all campsites are able to accommodate groups of this size.

For commercial outfitters and guides, please see the additional requirements for Organized Group Use below.

Organized groups are welcome to use MCHT preserves, including campsites, with a free permit. This includes commercially guided groups, outing clubs, school groups, and researchers. Please contact MCHT to speak with our staff and obtain the permit.

Yes, most of our island preserves require private boats to access. MCHT does not provide access to island preserves outside of scheduled public events.

Keep in mind that the coast of Maine is rugged and generally not appropriate for novice boaters. The water is cold, and conditions can change quickly. All users should be aware of tides, marine conditions, and weather forecasts before heading out to visit a preserve. Please be sure that your skill level and equipment are appropriate for the journey and be prepared to self-rescue.

Campfires and cooking fires under 3’ in height and 3’ in width are allowed on many MCHT island preserves and a small number of mainland preserves without a permit. Fires are generally allowed in these places below the high tide line, or in MCHT-constructed designated fire rings. Please always check the preserve-specific guidelines to ensure fires are permitted at that site.

If you construct your own fire ring on a beach, please break it up when you are finished.  Please do not cut or break tree limbs (dead or alive), leave no fire unattended, and completely extinguish all fires before leaving the site.

MCHT does not allow drones to be launched or controlled from our preserves. Drones can be a significant disturbance for both wildlife and other preserve visitors. In some rare cases, drones may be permitted on a case-by-case basis for research purposes only. Please contact us for further information and permission.