I was a member of the group that lobbied to save Broken Ground from development years ago and was glad when the city finally purchased the parcel that was slated to become “Whispering Heights.”

I understand that the new, expansive trail network off Curtisville Road – like the new power substation off Portsmouth Street – were the “quid pro quo” in this land deal. I knew that keeping this land “safe from development” meant that the city would exact its pound of flesh in the form of “just a little” development around the fringes of this parcel. I consider that a necessary evil.

I would, however, like to clear up some misinformation that I found on signage at the trailhead parking lot, which I feel would benefit the nonconsumptive wildlife user.

First of all, bear season doesn’t “begin in August” as stated. It starts on Sept. 1, along with squirrel and goose seasons. Another incorrect statement is that the busiest time of the year when it comes to hunting is the month of October. Due to lack of sufficient early-successional habitat, upland game, such as grouse, are not as plentiful as they are north of the notches. Woodcock hunting takes place in October but is fleeting as flight birds make short stopovers on their way south for the winter. And since there is no pheasant stocking site near the new trail system, the only hunter one is liable to encounter in October is the lone bow hunter on their way to or from their tree stand.

The busy time for hunting begins with the opening of the muzzleloader deer season the Saturday closest to Halloween, which may or may not be in October. And when shotgun deer season opens the Wednesday before Veterans Day, even more hunters flock to the woods. This season lasts until early December.

I’d make sure to wear plenty of orange from late October through November, because that is the busiest time for hunting in this area. And don’t forget: There’s a very popular spring turkey season that runs from May 3-31, so autumn isn’t the only time to be mindful of others in this multi-use area.

(Dan Williams lives in Concord.)