Programs
Stewardship
Hunting
In accordance with Sheriff’s Meadow’s hunting policy, archery hunting of white-tailed deer is allowed by permit on designated properties.
The 2025 hunting season will start October 6th
Please note that the hunting season has been expanded to allow for a late winter season from Jan. 1st – Feb. 14th and an early fall season from Sept. 21st – Oct. 1st. Archery will be allowed by permit on SMF properties listed in our hunting policy during this expanded season.
We are providing the following information to help you navigate your walks in the woods: Hunting begins half an hour before sunrise, ends half an hour after sunset, and is NOT allowed on Sundays.
Firearm hunting is NOT allowed on any SMF properties
*Hunting at Squibnocket Pond Reservation North and South is managed by the Land Bank. Both properties will be closed to the public during shotgun Dec. 1st-13th.
Archery hunting of deer is allowed by permission on only the following five properties that are also open to the public:
Brookside Ridge Preserve
Phillips Preserve
Cedar Tree Neck Sanctuary
Middle Road Sanctuary
Quansoo Farm
if you are interested in hunting on a Sheriff’s Meadow property, email Joseph Rogers at rogers@sheriffsmeadow.org for an application.
Hunting is NOT allowed on these Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation properties that are open to the public
Bittersweet Hill
Brightwood Park
Caroline Tuthill Preserve
Eastman & Knapp Preserves
Huckleberry Barrens
Nat’s Farm
Packard Preserve
Roth Woodlands
Sheriff’s Meadow Sanctuary
Slater Preserve
Hall & Olive Tilghman Preserve
Wallen, Preston, & Shands Preserve
West Chop Woods
We recommend wearing blaze orange while out on the trails (whether you are hunting or not). Please email Catherine at hall@sheriffsmeadow.org if you’d like to hear about SMF’s available merch!
White Tailed Deer 2026 Season
Winter: January 1- February 14
Early: September 21 – October 1
Archery: October 5 – January 31
Shotgun: November 30 – December 12**
Primitive Firearms: December 14 – January 31**
**Not allowed on SMF properties, but may occur on abutting property

Painting by Jack Yuen | 18″x24″ Acrylic on Canvas

