October 6th marked the beginning of hunting season in Massachusetts. Licensed hunters play a pivotal role in deer management. Without any natural predators of deer on Nantucket, we rely heavily on hunting to control one of the densest deer populations in the state and to alleviate some of the pressures a sizable herd puts on the island’s ecosystem and community. However, even with a 3-month (extended this year to a 4-month) hunting season, the deer population is still rapidly rising rather than leveling off or decreasing.
Deer densities vary widely across Massachusetts, ranging on average from 15-50 deer per square mile. Nantucket, however, averages 70-100 deer per square mile, putting the low estimate of total deer on-island at about 10,000. A large, overpopulated deer herd causes damage not only to the ecosystem but also becomes a public safety risk. Over-browsing by large herds causes damage to vegetation and hinders plant regeneration. Along with the environmental issues that arise, deer are also a burden to islanders growing their own food or landscape plants, an incubator to many tick-borne diseases, and deer-vehicle collisions are all too common on island.
There are numerous far-reaching benefits to deer hunting beyond herd management. Regulated hunting is a safe activity that brings friends, families, and communities together while encouraging outdoor recreation and exercise. To be successful in hunting, you are required to be patient, focused, and able to immerse yourself in nature for hours at a time, promoting mental and physical wellbeing. A successful deer hunt provides Nantucket families with local lean protein and memories that last a lifetime.
Hunting season represents a window of time when public lands are shared perhaps more than ever. It is important that we are all mindful of ourselves and respectful of others in these shared spaces. Whether you are a hunter or nonhunter, you can benefit from knowing the rules and regulations of hunting season and the allowed uses of Nantucket’s open lands during hunting season. The Nantucket Land Bank has over 3,000 acres of public property open to hunting. Most Land Bank properties are open to hunting with exceptions at Burchell Farm, Cato Commons (previously known as Trimpi), and Burnt Swamp trails. To ensure safety, wear blaze orange or other bright colors while out recreating, keep dogs on leashes, and preferably put an orange hunting vest or reflective collar on them while out walking. Hunting is prohibited on Sundays and within 500 feet of a dwelling in use. If a hunter successfully kills a deer, they are responsible for removing all carcasses/remains.
If you have any questions or concerns, please call our office at 508-228-7240, email Dr. Emily Goldstein Murphy at egmurphy@nantucketlandbank.org or stop by 22 Broad Street.
Click here to learn more about hunting on Land Bank properties