Tyler Mill

[Big Game]

Sept 13, 2002: All of the big stuff from the windstorm cleared. The race loop is totally rideable. Thanks to Chris from Southington for helping me with that big ol' fallen tree heading up to the double drops.

[Big Game]

Hunting season is on at Tyler Mill. That means no riding on hunting days.

Hunting Days: Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays

Riding Days: Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays.

Note: I believe Thanksgiving is a hunting day. Don't ride that day. Instead, sit back, eat a lot of turkey and let the women folk clean up the dishes. You've earned it. (And look out for the Turkey Burner happening on that Friday, the 29th)

I know what you're going to ask me. "If I wanted to go riding on a hunting day, couldn't I just strap my 20 gauge to my camelbak and say I'm looking for rabbits?"

Well no.

Reason #1: You must have a hunting permit for the Town fo Wallingford (along with a State license) to hunt at Tyler Mill.

Reason #2: Assuming you had all the applicable licenses, state law still prohibits hunting while on any trail. I'm serious. You must be off-trail to hunt. (Tell that to a hunter the next time you see him/her walking on a trail, with his hand on on the trigger and his shotgun loaded)

I suppose you could ride off-trail to perpetuate the guise that you are in fact hunting. But then you would be breaking IMBA law by not riding on a designated trail.

And lastly, even if you are riding on a designated non-hunting day, Tyler Mill is rife with Poachers. They care not for gun safety or laws. So be sure to were your safety colors and make a lot of noise. And if you do get shot, MidState Hospital is about 10 minutes away (I-91 north to 691 west, the hospital exit is marked). Myself, if I was shot, I would probably opt for Yale-New Haven (or even St. Ray's). Even though it is 10 minutes further, they have a little more exprerience treating life-threatening shot wounds.

[Yo Gurl]

Reason #2: Assuming you had all the applicable licenses, state law still prohibits hunting while on any trail. I'm serious. You must be off-trail to hunt. (Tell that to a hunter the next time you see him/her walking on a trail, with his hand on on the trigger and his shotgun loaded)


I assume that the hunters are allowed to get from point A to point B by trail before they haul out their guns - or is this not the case? Just wondering.

[Big Game]

I assume that the hunters are allowed to get from point A to point B by trail before they haul out their guns - or is this not the case? Just wondering.


Yes, they can walk with their guns on any trail. However, their guns must be unloaded as to prove that they are not hunting.