Amherst - Owl Woods - Deer Season

[DarylG]

Does anyone know when the owl woods on Amherst will be closed for deer hunting season?  Has it already passed on the island or is it coming up?  Or are the woods currently closed?

Daryl

[MEGHAN]

Hey There DarylG
I believe the Island is closed to the pulic from Nov24-Dec9
Meghan

[denis]

hi daryl
i just booked a room for this sat., night at the lodge inn,on the island.owl woods,is never closed,and a sanctuary,according to staff,at the inn.duck hunting took place last week-end,and deer bow hunting is going on right now.gun season is nov 24-dec 09,for deer,but again,i was reassured by the staff,at the lodge,that at no time,is owl woods closed,or open for hunting.
hope this helps. i,m looking forward to finally,making it out there this week-end
denis

[DarylG]

Great, thank you for the update.  

I recall in the past notices on birding sites that the woods was closed for hunting.  The back end of the woods (the best part) is or was private property.  The front end to the feeders  is conservation land.  Or at least that was my understanding.

In any case it appears the woods is open this weekend, which is great as I may be down on Sunday.

Daryl

[JTF]

Hi Folks, I live in Kingston and visit Amherst Island most weekends throughout the winter months and can assure you owl woods is closed from Nov. 24th to Dec. 9th inclusive, during deer hunting, for public safety.  This happens every year the same time, hope this helps with any planned visits during this time. Signs are already in place and posted. As of my last visit on 7 Nov 09  there was 1 Barred Owl; 1 Northern Saw-whet Owl, and 2-3 Long Eared Owls. Other raptors such as rough legged hawks; red tailed hawks; northern harriers, and kestrel can be found in many of the fields throughout the island. Won't be able to go this weekend due to a wedding, have fun over there and happy birding.

[denis]

hi paul
thanks for clearing that up.i will certainly have this conversation with victoria,at the lodge inn,who reassured me tonight on the phone,that owl woods never closed,due to hunting.i,m glad i,m going this week-end, and not then.thanks for the heads-up,on the owls,i may encounter
denis

[DarylG]

Thank you Paul.  This fits with my recollection.

Daryl