joetronic

Anyone know the legality of riding state game lands? Not being a hunter, I'm not sure if they allow hunting all year or only during certain seasons. Also, do you need to be a hunter (permits) to use the lands during the off season? Besides the obvious safety issues, anything else? There are some sweet looking lands around here, and I have hiked (maybe illegally, again I'm not sure) a little and the trails look nice for riding, but have never seen anyone riding or even tire tracks. Looks like some virgin riding.

TIA ~joe

JonnyV

State Game lands are for anybody thats not on a motorized vehicle. You're good to ride, just make sure you know when there is a hunting season going on. Keep an eye out for the more popular ones, Spring/Fall turkey, deer (usually the first 2 weeks of Dec.) and bear (early Nov? I don't quite remember exactly). Anyway, during the summer you're pretty much safe as there really shouldn't be hunters out. And yes, there are some freakin' sweet trails on state game lands. Enjoy!

joetronic

Thanks. Thats what I thought, but wanted to make sure. One of the best trails in northern Baltimore County MD just got shut down to us completely because a few people not following the trail rules and riding on horse only trails, causing an issue for us all. Anyone ever think there may be a reason the trail is closed to bikes? The incident that caused the closure was a horse was spooked, and the rider was thrown off. Being a horse back rider myself, I can understand why they were upset. Its a shame when a few people ruin it for us all.

Ali_Pine

There are marked trails that are open to MTB. Most foot trails aren't marked so ride at your own risk.