Posting land for 'No Hunting'

[Gary_in_Indiana]

Posting land for \'No Hunting\'

I was back in a woods behind my property recently and found what I believe to be a deer stand in a tree. At this point I do not own this land but will shortly. I do, however, own the only drive and place to legally park to get there conveniently. I'm not a hunter and have no particular desire to facilitate it for others especially those using my property as ingress and egress.

What is the appropriate way to post my property to avoid this both now and after I acquire title?

 

[DaveNay]

Re: Posting land for \'No Hunting\'

In my opinion, an obvious and clear "No-Tresspassing" and "Posted - No Hunting" sign is all you need. The person who put up the tree stand was obviously not attempting to be clandestine (poaching), as there is obvious evidence of their presence. Most hunters I know are perfectly willing to observe the posted signs. You could even speak with the prior owners if you know them, and ask if they know who the person is, then contact them to let them know the property is under new ownership.

Dave

 

[SkyPup]

Re: Posting land for \'No Hunting\'

This should do it:

 

[Wannafish]

Re: Posting land for \'No Hunting\'

"I do not own this land but will shortly"

Whoa, Gary. I think you are getting a little ahead of yourself. If'n ya don't own it, ya don't get ta make the decisions of whether the property is hunted or not until ya do own it. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Just my 2 cents worth.

 

[BB_TX]

Re: Posting land for \'No Hunting\'

I am sure each state is different, but if I remember correctly in Texas you are required to post a sign every so many feet around the perimeter of the property, including fences that don't face a road. Don't remember how many feet that is. It is likely that the person has hunted that land previously and is not aware of a pending change in ownership.

 

[bczoom]

Re: Posting land for \'No Hunting\'

Gary,
I agree with everything Dave said but want to add a couple things.

You said you "believe" you saw a tree stand. Is it a removable stand (like something you buy at a store) or is it a permanent type (normally 2x stock with plywood or something). If the latter, you may need to check closer to see if there's any evidence of it being used. If the former, you’re going to have to talk to the owner. There are several approaches for this but I’ll save those for later.

Dave mentioned the sign. Actually, check with your local requirements, but normally, multiple signs need to be put up at an interval around the perimeter.

I just saw SkyPups post. I like these as well for intimidation (or humor), but they're not really a legal post that can be enforced (by law enforcement officials anyway)...

Best thing to do is spread the word that you're the new owner and want to discuss hunting prior to anyone going in. If there's a vehicle there, leave something on the windshield. Use neighbors or whatever. Now, I said "prior to anyone going in". That was on purpose. It implies that you're not against hunting but want to control it on your property. Now, people will "hopefully" approach you about hunting on your land. If you really don't want anyone, just say that you've already granted others (relatives are a good choice) access to the land and for the # of acres, there's already a bunch of hunters that'll be coming in. If you don’t mind a couple people going in, you can pick who goes in based on how you feel about them when they approach you. If they have the attitude “I’ve hunted here all my life and I don’t care who you are…”, I probably wouldn’t want them in. If they’re forthright, and seem respectable and courteous, I don’t have a problem letting a couple in.

You may want to check with your game officials as well to see if/how they’ll help with enforcement (e.g. you didn’t grant any privileges but there’s someone back there), will they come.

This may take a couple years for the word to get out and get everyone straight on your intents but it’s worth it. I have seen people remove tree stands when found on their property. The owner now has to come to you if he wants it back. If he doesn’t want it back, he won’t put one there next year.

 

[Gatorboy]

Re: Posting land for \'No Hunting\'

<font color="blue"> and found what I believe to be a deer stand in a tree </font>

After the property is yours, take the stand down and put it in your garage or barn. When the owner comes to ask about it, you can give it back to him and explain that you would not like him to hunt on your land.

 

[YanmarFever]

Re: Posting land for \'No Hunting\'

When we purchased our 20 acres we were informed by the local hunters that they would be out to hunt on our property.
They didnt even ASK they told me!
On opening day I set up a target in the middle of our property and proceded to unload around 100--- 223 shells in a few minutes /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif Plus with Engelbert on my boom box I think they were blown away
They never came back ! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[MossRoad]

Re: Posting land for \'No Hunting\'

Hey, Gary. We have land out in the county that we only go to several times a year. We posted no hunting signs on every corner and a few places down each property line. We also told the neighbors that if they see anybody on the property, please call us. We gave them all our number. We then contacted the local Conservation Officer and asked them to keep an eye on it once in a while. Surprisingly, they have. They stopped my in-laws and asked them for ID when they were out there cutting firewood. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

As for once you own the property, just do the same as you would for your current property. Keep vigilant. Call the police each and every time someone unauthorized uses the property.

Don't mow any areas where vehicles access the property. It just encourages folks. Instead, post signs stating the trails are closed and start piling brush next to the trail entrances. Gradually make the piles move into the trail, then across it over the course of the summer. Use plenty of yellow tape and orange flags. Just don't do it all at once or someone could get hurt. You don't want that.

As for tree stands, if you own the property, take the tree stand down and leave a note in a zip lock bag in its place. The note should read something like this:
"To whom it may concern: Your tree stand was accidentally left on our property. Since I do not know who you are, I had no way to contact you, so I took it to the County Police. Here's their number 123-4567. You may pick it up at the Police Station."

Eventually, people get the hint and find other places to go. We have had fewer and fewer problems over the years by following these methods. Good luck. Hope this helps.

 

[JimR]

Re: Posting land for \'No Hunting\'

You can do whatever you choose once you own the property. I would take the stand down and leave a note there to pick it up at your house.
In some states "No Hunting" means "No Hunting" period. That means even for friends or anyone else you may want to allow on the property. In Ma. you can get arrested on posted property even with permission to hunt there. Posted means Posted for everyone. I was told that even the owner is not allowed to hunt his posted property in our state. I was going to post my property and decided against it. I wouldn't be able to hunt my favorite spot.