2009.10.23
Another early wake-up to not go hunting
It's 4:30 a.m. on Friday and this is my second early wake-up in a row.
I'd like to say it's because I've been on my way hunting, but it's not.
Yesterday I had to hit the road at O-dark-30 to go to the DGIF board meeting in Richmond to cover the board's vote on the proposal to protect elk that wander into the state from our neighbors, a story I wrote up for today's Outdoors Page in The Roanoke Times. I was going to link to that story here, but it didn't make it onto our Roanoke.com Web site. So if you want to read what happen you'll have to buy the paper. At least my fall turkey hunting preview made it.
Today I'm on the way to the airport for a 6 a.m. flight. But it's not a bad thing, either. My wife and I are heading to Chicago for short little getaway, and I actually will be back at Northwestern tomorrow for our homecoming game against Indiana. It should be a fun weekend, even though the weather doesn't look too good.
My mom is in town to watch the kids, and having her here next week should help free me up to finally get back in the woods.
Good luck to everyone this weekend and I'll be back at it on Monday.
Thanks Mark, have a safe enjoyable trip. I am hunting tomorrow rain or shine!!
Comment by Dewey Knight — October 23, 2009 @ 7:39 am
Even the outdoors stores are in on the lack of support for fall turkey hunting. I visited both Gander Mtn and Wally World today to pick up fresh diaphragm callers and was stunned at the lack of selection and quantity. The Bonsack Wal-mart didn't even have a single turkey caller of any variety! As usual, I picked up a couple of calls outside of the ones I normally use that I will experiment with to try and find a good kee-kee caller (my fall go-to call), or else I may have to resort to trying last year's leftovers, which usually doesn't work too well due to them drying out. Time for a Cabela's order!
Comment by botetourtsteve — October 23, 2009 @ 6:51 pm
Takin' some time off too this weekend to spend time with my son and girfriend. Weather isn't looking too good Saturday morning so carving pumpkins and makin' candy apples seems to be the plan. Good luck guys and be safe!
Comment by J.R. — October 23, 2009 @ 7:41 pm
I have respect for hunters and dated one for 10 plus years...HOWEVER, I have a real problem with hunters who hunt on my property without my permission. I have several animals and do not want any of them harmed.
From a hunters prospective, what is the best way for me to approach my neighbors? Should I just post No Hunting signs?
Thank you!
Comment by Tracy - Glade Hill — October 26, 2009 @ 10:31 am
You have every right to be concerned about that, Tracy, and I can understand why you feel uncomfortable. You want to maintain your property rights while also not coming across as unneighborly.
First, you need to know that your land is off limits whether or not it's posted. If it's not posted, the hunters still need verbal permission. If it's posted, they need written permission.
How you handle it really depends on how well you know the neighbors who have decided to make your land their private hunting area. I get the feeling you don't feel too comfortable with them or you would have already handled it by saying, "Hey, I actually don't allow hunting on my property. But good luck this season over on your own land."
That's probably the direction I would go. But I would post, too.
FYI, the absolute best way to keep trespassers off your property is to give a couple people you trust permission to hunt. They will handle the posting and patrolling for you.
Granted, that's not possible if your intent is to provide a safe haven for animals. (Which, by the way, is pretty difficult to do without fences unless you're talking about a very large tract of land.)
Good luck.
mt
Comment by Mark Taylor — October 26, 2009 @ 12:23 pm
Tracy,
Mark made some good suggestions that should all be effective. Furthermore, following the posting of property I would contact a local game warden and provide them with your address and further explain the situation. Then, when you are sure that your property lines are being violated you can contact them and have them pay your property a little visit. If you can't get the warden to come out take a few pictures of the vehicles so you will have some evidence for a judge. A few quick tickets written will absolutely put a STOP to your land being trespassed on because word travels fast in communities and folks will know where you stand.
Comment by bird_dog07 — October 26, 2009 @ 3:29 pm
thank you so much for your input. It is greatly appreciated and respected! Mark, you are right, I am not comfortable approaching the neighbor, unfortunately. However, I will make that my first effort. I will also take Birddog's advice too and post signs and contact the warden as well. Some hunters may unknowingly be tresspassing so hopefully the signs will eliminate that issue.
Happy hunting!!
Tracy
Comment by Tracy - Glade Hill — October 27, 2009 @ 11:31 am
Tracy, thank you for being so reasonable with your comments. I have hunted all my life, when you just went out your door and hunted and every neighbor did the same. Times have changed and if you don't want hunting on your land, that you pay taxes on, that is your choice. Hunters as a group are some of the finest people you will ever meet. Trespassers make it bad for all responsible landowners and are representative of a true sportsperson. Best wishes.
--Well said, CRS. mt
Comment by CRS — October 27, 2009 @ 8:56 pm
Trespassers make it bad for all responsible landowners and are representative of a true sportsperson.
Should have been a NOT representative of a true sportsperson. Thanks again Tracy.
Comment by CRS — October 28, 2009 @ 9:28 pm
Thanks CRS!! I appreciate it your comments. I know a lot of very fine hunters. I truly appreciate the fact that it puts food on many tables for many families.
Comment by Tracy - Glade Hill — October 29, 2009 @ 10:27 am