Hunting

2023 Guidelines for Hunters on
Nantucket Conservation Foundation Properties

Whether you are a resident or visitor, you will benefit from knowing more about the ownership and use of Nantucket’s open lands, as well as becoming familiar with some of our local traditions.

Areas open to the public for hunting on the island include both publicly- and privately-owned land. While many public and private landowners make their properties available for responsible hunting, the majority of the land open to hunting is owned by the Nantucket Conservation Foundation. This document contains information on the 2023 hunting guidelines of the Foundation, state hunting regulations, and the long-held customs of Nantucket hunters.

The Foundation is a privately-administered, non-profit conservation organization that was established in 1963 to preserve and protect places of natural importance on Nantucket. It presently owns and manages 9,010 acres of undeveloped land, much of which provide habitat for the white-tailed deer and other game species. These lands are private property and are open only to hunters who comply with guidelines established by the Foundation’s Board of Trustees.

Deer hunting (archery, shotgun, and primitive firearms) and hunting of other game species during designated seasons is allowed on most Foundation properties. Exceptions include parcels that receive high levels of year-round pedestrian use or are in close proximity to homes. Closed properties (see map to the right) are conspicuously posted and include, among others, The Sanford Farm (NCF 146), Ram Pasture and The Woods - see note below (NCF 23, 24, and 186), the Tupancy Links on Cliff Road (NCF 59, 94, and 112), the Masquetuck Reservation in Quaise (NCF 169), portions of Squam Farm (NCF 202), Trot's Hills (NCF 66), property bordering the Quaise Road (NCF 79 and 101), the University of Massachusetts Nantucket Field Station on Polpis Road (NCF 210), property bordering Quidnet Road (NCF 73), and portions of Little Neck (NCF 6).

Portions of NCF property on or abutting Milestone Cranberry Bog (NCF 12 and 37) are open to hunting BY INVITATION ONLY. A “by written permission” limited shotgun deer hunt may be conducted again in 2023 in a section of Ram Pasture (NCF 23 and 24) during the second week of shotgun season (December 4-9) utilizing members of the Nantucket Hunting Association. All other hunting on these three properties is prohibited.

The numbers shown here match those on the Foundation’s Properties Map, available at its office, by mail, or by clicking here.

As the stewards of 30% of Nantucket’s land area, the Foundation’s Board is mindful of the need to manage the size of the Island’s deer herd, especially because of the connection between the number of deer and the high incidence of Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases. The Foundation’s deer hunting policies have been established with the understanding that deer hunting is necessary for the continued well-being of the deer herd, the health and safety of the people who live on or visit the island, and the quality of the natural habitat that we all share.

The following regulations and guidelines have been adopted to ensure that hunting by responsible sportsmen and sportswomen is a safe experience for all:

 1.   The 2023 Massachusetts deer hunting seasons are as follows: archery, October 2 – November 25; shotgun, November 27 – December 9; primitive firearms, December 11 – 30. Click here for designated hunting seasons for other game species. By law, hunting is only permitted between 1/2 hour before sunrise and 1/2 hour after sunset. Hunting is prohibited on Sundays.

2.   While hunting, maintain a legal distance away from occupied buildings or those that may be in use (by law at least 500 feet) and paved roads and bicycle paths (by law at least 150 feet). Massachusetts prohibits loaded shotguns from being carried in a vehicle.

3.   Respect the rights and wishes of all property owners – including areas that are posted to prohibit trespassing and/or hunting.

4.   Keep vehicles on well-established roads. Don’t drive or park on Nantucket’s grasslands and heathlands; they are extremely fragile and easily damaged.

5.   Don’t drink alcohol while engaged in any hunting-related activities.

6.   Don’t litter. Carry your trash out. Please dispose of all entrails and carcasses at the landfill.

7.   PLEASE HUNT SAFELY! Be alert and courteous to pedestrians, bicyclists, dog walkers and their pets, and other non-hunters who are also out to enjoy Nantucket’s open lands.

Helpful Tips and Information:

•    The deer check station is traditionally open during shotgun season at the Nantucket Waste Water Management Facility at the end of South Shore Road (phone 508-325-5333). Hours are limited during archery and primitive firearm seasons; call ahead for further details.

•    For information regarding hunting on properties owned by the Nantucket Islands Land Bank Commission (a public agency) visit their office at 22 Broad Street or call 508-228-7240.