Hunting Information

Wildlife Management

FALPT Deer Management Program

A controlled archery hunting program designed to responsibly manage deer populations on selected FALPT properties.

The Fairhaven Acushnet Land Preservation Trust's Deer Management Program is a carefully regulated initiative aimed at maintaining balanced deer populations on selected Trust properties. Overabundant deer can place significant pressure on native plant communities, damage sensitive habitats, and disrupt the ecological balance of the lands we are committed to protecting.

Participation is by invitation only, and all hunters must meet strict qualifications, agree to all program requirements, and sign a liability waiver before being assigned to specific FALPT properties. The program supports FALPT's broader conservation mission by helping to ensure that the lands under our care remain healthy, sustainable, and thriving for both wildlife and visitors.

Program Requirements & Regulations

The Deer Management Program is governed by clear rules designed to ensure safety, conservation, and responsible hunting practices across all participating FALPT properties.

Program Overview:

Eligibility & Hunting Locations

Participation in the Deer Management Program is by invitation only. Invited hunters are assigned to specific FALPT properties and must agree to all program requirements and sign a liability waiver before participating.

Hunting is permitted only on designated Trust properties — specifically, properties that do not contain marked public trails. This ensures that hunting activities remain separate from areas used by visitors and the community for walking, hiking, and nature enjoyment.

Participant Requirements:

Regulations & Qualifications

Only archery equipment is permitted — no firearms of any kind. Hunters may harvest only white-tailed deer and must comply with all Massachusetts hunting laws. Participants are required to report their harvest to FALPT on a weekly basis.

All participants must pass an archery proficiency test, complete CORI and SORI background checks, and provide proof of liability insurance before being accepted into the program.

FALPT continues its regular inspections of all properties included in the program. Unauthorized hunting stands will be removed, consistent with current FALPT practices. For more information about the Deer Management Program, please contact Marcus Hendricks at the Fairhaven Acushnet Land Preservation Trust. Call (508) 965-1825 

Deer Management Program Rules

I. Program Eligibility

Participation in the FALPT Deer Management Program is by invitation only. Invited hunters will be assigned to specific FALPT properties based on the Trust’s conservation and management needs. Only hunters who agree to all program requirements and sign a liability waiver may participate in the program.

II. Hunting Locations

Hunting will be permitted only on designated FALPT properties that have been approved for the program. To prioritize public safety, only properties without marked public trails will be included. This ensures that hunting activities remain separated from areas where visitors and community members walk, hike, and enjoy nature.

III. Hunting Regulations

  • Archery equipment only — no firearms are permitted under any circumstances.
  • Only white-tailed deer may be harvested through the program.
  • All participants must comply with Massachusetts hunting laws, including seasons, licensing, and reporting requirements.
  • Hunters are required to report their harvest to FALPT on a weekly basis to support ongoing population monitoring.

IV. Hunter Qualifications

All program participants must meet the following qualifications before being assigned to a property:

  • Pass an archery proficiency test administered or recognized by FALPT.
  • Complete CORI and SORI background checks.
  • Provide proof of liability insurance.

V. Property Management and Enforcement

FALPT will continue its regular inspections of all properties enrolled in the Deer Management Program to ensure compliance with program rules and conservation standards. Unauthorized hunting stands will be removed, consistent with current FALPT practices for managing and maintaining Trust properties.

For questions about the Deer Management Program or to learn more about participation, please contact Marcus Hendricks at the Fairhaven Acushnet Land Preservation Trust — Phone (508) 965-1825

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