Hunting Program
Turkey Shotgun Season–October 3 through October 31. Monday through Thursday on these preserves only: Beebe, Chestnut Hill, Hand-Smith, Plimpton, and Slawson.
Deer and Turkey Bow Hunting Season ––September 15 to November 17, 2020, Monday through Thursday.
The preserves remain open to non-hunting users during these seasons. Please note that no hunting is allowed in these preserves on Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays during this season. Hikers and other users are encouraged to wear bright colors on all the preserves during hunting seasons as hunting may be allowed on adjacent private or State land.
Preserves Where Hunting Occurs
- Beebe Preserve
- Chestnut Hill Preserve
- Hand-Smith
- Honey Hill
- Jewett
- Johnston
- Mount Archer Woods, Eno, and Pickwick’s Preserve
- Plimpton Preserve
- Slawson Preserve
Regulations and Permits
For hunting regulations, requirements and for permit application instructions: Hunting Policies with Season Chart and Map. For partly filled out consent forms (there are several pages): Pre-filled Hunting Consent Forms
Consent to hunt may be granted to licensed hunters by request to the Open Space Coordinator of the Town of Lyme.
Contact: openspace@townlyme.org.
Open Space Coordinator,
Lyme Town Hall,
480 Hamburg Rd,
Lyme CT 06371
Hunting Seasons
The Land Trust has partnered with the Town of Lyme to cooperatively administer a hunting program on some of our preserves. Much of Lyme’s forestland is experiencing deer browse damage to the valuable understory vegetation. Controlled hunting protects vibrant habitats, decreases the number of wildlife related car accidents, helps decrease the spread of tick-related diseases, and provides access for a traditional use of open space in Lyme. A limited number of permits are granted to licensed hunters. All State laws and safety regulations are followed.
Bright clothing is recommended for all users during hunting seasons.
Spring Turkey Hunting Season: April 29 to May 30, 2020: Monday through Thursday, 1/2 hour before sunrise to noon; the preserves where hunting occurs are open to non-hunting users during that time. Please note that no hunting is allowed in these preserves on Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays during this season.
Deer and Turkey Bow Hunting Season: September 15 to November 17, 2020 and December 23, 2020 to January 31, 2021: Monday through Thursday, 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset; the preserves where hunting occurs are open to non-hunting users during that time. Please note that no hunting is allowed in these preserves on Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays during this season.
Turkey Fall Shotgun Season: October 3 through October 31, 2020: Monday through Thursday, 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset; the preserves where hunting occurs are open to non-hunting users during that time. Please note that no hunting is allowed in these preserves on Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays during this season.
Deer firearm Season: November 18 through December 22, 2020; Monday through Friday, 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset; Preserves where deer firearm hunting occurs are closed to all other users, except for Saturday and Sunday when no hunting is allowed.
The Nature Conservancy coordinates a deer hunt at Selden Creek Preserve; however, the preserve will not be closed because the hunting area is safely separated from the part of the preserve with public trails.
Hunting on State property is allowed with a State permit. On State property, hunting is allowed every day, during hunting seasons, except Sunday. The preserves remain open to all users. Be aware and always wear bright colors.
Practice caution and wear bright colors in the woods during hunting seasons.
Maps for Hunters
Beebe Preserve Hunting Map
Chestnut Hill Preserve Hunting Map
Hand Smith Aerial Map
Hand Smith Hunting Map
MT Archer, Jewett, and Eno Preserves–Bow/Muzzleloader Hunting Map
Jewett Preserve Hunting Map
Johnston Preserve Hunting Map
MT Archer Woods and Eno Preserve–shotgun/rifle Hunting Map
Plimpton Preserve Hunting Map
Slawson Preserve Hunting Map
For all other trail maps, click here.
