Land Use on Bear-Paw Preserves

Note: These permissions apply only to land owned by Bear-Paw. Access to and use of privately owned land that Bear-Paw holds a conservation easement on is at the landowner's discretion and subject to the terms of the conservation easement. Please reach out to those landowners directly. All Bear-Paw lands, whether owned or held in easement, remain subject to federal, state, and local laws.

Recreational Uses

All land owned by Bear-Paw is open to the public for passive, low-impact, transitory, non-commercial outdoor educational or recreational uses unless otherwise stated. 

Examples of acceptable recreational uses include:

  • Walking, hiking, and trail running

  • Picnicking

  • Birding or nature photography

  • Snowshoeing

  • Cross-country skiing

  • Bouldering and rock climbing

To minimize human impact and maximize wildlife safety and public enjoyment, please adhere to the following guidelines:

  • Leave it as you found it.

  • Carry in, carry out.

  • Stay on marked trails when on properties with official trail infrastructure.

  • Respect allowed/prohibited uses.

  • Do not create or use rogue recreational infrastructure, including unauthorized trails, permanent climbing attachments, or signage.

Dogs

Dogs are allowed on preserves owned by Bear-Paw, except where expressly prohibited, so long as their handlers adhere to the following conditions:

  • Dogs must be under control at all times. If a dog is off leash and does not respond to commands promptly, under any & all circumstances, they are not under your control and should be leashed.

  • Help protect nesting wildlife. Dogs should be kept on leash during bird nesting season (March 15 – July 15).

  • Remove dog waste. Dog fecal matter contains bacteria and diseases that are harmful to the ecosystem, and it doesn’t take long for their waste to build up on trails. Dog waste should be removed year-round.

Please get in touch with Bear-Paw at info@bear-paw.org or call 603-463-9400 for questions about land uses.

Hunting, Fishing, & Foraging

  • Unless otherwise posted, hunting and fishing for recreational, educational, or personal consumption purposes is allowed on Bear-Paw Preserves.  

  • Foraging is allowed on Bear-Paw lands unless otherwise stated; Written permission is not required so long as foraging is done for personal consumption and in an ecologically sound and sustainable manner.

  • Sugaring or other sap extraction activities require prior written permission from Bear-Paw.

  • Baiting and trapping are not currently allowed on any Bear-Paw lands.

Game Cameras

  • As of January 1, 2024, New Hampshire law has changed, and game cameras now require written permission from the landowner. Please fill out this form HERE if you’d like to set one up on Bear-Paw preserves.

  • Game camera must be tagged with easily visible owner identification and contact information.

  • Persmission expires on Dec 31st of each year.

Tree Stands and Blinds

  • Temporary tree stands and hunting blinds may be placed on Bear-Paw property, but written permission is required. Please fill out this form HERE to submit your request. Tree stands and blinds must be tagged with easily visible owner identification and contact information.

  • Permanent tree stands attached with bolts or nails or any stand that damages a tree is not allowed. 

  • Blinds made out of natural materials gathered from the surrounding area are not allowed.

  • Once permission is granted, tree stands, and blinds may be placed on the property no sooner than two weeks before the start of hunting season. They must be removed by two weeks after the hunting season ends.

  • Motorized vehicles may not be driven beyond designated parking areas, including during the installation or removal of tree stands and blinds, gear, or for the removal of animal carcasses.

Wheeled Motorized Vehicles

No wheeled motorized vehicles are allowed on Bear-Paw lands at any time.

  • This includes all off-road vehicles such as all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), dune buggies, dirt bikes, and standard or modified passenger cars.

  • Electronic Bikes (e-bikes) are considered wheeled motorized vehicles. They may not be ridden on trails designated as open for non-motorized bicycles. Riders who use e-bikes due to mobility issues are welcome to contact Bear-Paw staff for an exemption.

  • Any person(s) found driving or riding an unauthorized wheeled motorized vehicle on Bear-Paw property will be persecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Mountain Bikes & Horses

Mountain bikes and horseback riding are allowed only on trails or locations where expressly stated.