Hunting season is now under way, and the Boothbay Region Land Trust would like to remind both hikers and hunters to observe caution during this period.

Hunting is allowed on BRLT properties unless otherwise posted. When hiking on BRLT trails or elsewhere during hunting season, the public is reminded to wear visible orange clothing and observe caution.

Hunters are also asked to use precautions while on BRLT property. When using BRLT trails, firearms must be unloaded. Hunters are required to wear two items of "hunter orange" clothing during firearms deer season. They are also reminded that families are accustomed to hiking the BRLT trails year-round, often accompanied by children and/or dogs.

Deer firearm hunting season began Oct. 29 and ends Nov. 24. Hunting on Sundays is illegal in Maine, but guns may be discharged on Sundays. Deer archery season began Sept. 9 and ended Oct. 26, with an expanded season in designated areas only ending Dec. 8. The season for hunting birds, ducks, geese, sea ducks, etc., varies by species, but started Oct. 1, with the season for some birds ending in October and others extended until Dec. 31.

Further information on hunting rules is available by calling the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife agency at 287-5210 or checking its Web site,

www.maine.gov/ifw/in

dex.shtml .

More information on BRLT trails is available at its Web site, www.brlt.bbrlt.org . or at the Land Trust office, 1 Oak St., Boothbay Harbor.