The Parker River Refuge has the unique advantage of being accessible by foot or boat. Parking near the refuge is limited, especially on weekends, with lots filled on a first-come basis. The gate and entrance to the park open an hour before gunning time.

The Parker River refuge is divided into areas A, B and C, each with its own restrictions. Area A is attainable by boat only from the refuge boat ramp opposite Lot 1 or from off-refuge sites. Vehicles and trailers must be parked in Lot 1.

Area B may be accessed by boat from either the refuge ramp or off-refuge sites. For hunters without a boat, it’s legal to walk into Area B from Lot 8 at Newbury Neck Road and Marsh Avenue.

Area C, also called “Nelson’s Island,” is accessible only by foot. For parking, use Lot 9, which is off Stackyard Road. Hunting is not permitted within 150 feet of the lot.

See maps 19 and 30 in DeLorme’s Massachusetts Atlas and Gazetteer for more details. Be sure to call for more information, changes, current regulations, maps and conditions before hunting either Parker River or Salisbury Park.

To learn more, contact the MassWildlife office, 251 Causeway Street, Boston, MA 02114; or call (617) 626-1590. Check out the latest regulations at www.MassWildlife.org.

For directions, maps, regulations and local conditions for Salisbury State Park, call (978) 462-4481.

Contact the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge office at 261 Northern Boulevard, Plum Island, Newburyport, MA 01950. Or log onto FWS.gov/northeast/ParkerRiver/ recreation.html, or phone (978) 465-5753.

For travel and lodging information, write the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism, 10 Park Plaza, Suite 4510, Boston, MA 02116. Call 1-800-227-MASS, or visit their Web site, Mass-Vacation.com.

To purchase an updated copy of any DeLorme map book, write the DeLorme company at P.O. Box 298, Yarmouth, ME 04096. Telephone (207) 846-7000, or visit their Web site at DeLorme.com.