Hunters

[kgchis]

OK deer season is around the corner and hunters are a growing problem for me and the cattle. I have had one shot, deer dogs run through the woods (this group actually killed my cattle dog for interferring), and most recently they cut my fence to bring a four wheeler onto the property and my cattle went into the road.

Do any of you have problems like this, and what do you do to control it?

This year I am putting up 25 no tresspassing and posted signs specifically forbidding hunting. I know a sign won't stop them, but I plan to enforce it no matter how many times I have to call the law.

I have already seen a couple big bucks on the property and if word gets out, I am in for trouble again this year.

FYI - I am not anti-hunting. If I know them and they ask, I would give them written permission to be there. These hunters are from out of town and don't get permission from anyone. I like to know when people are creeping around with guns.

[agmantoo]

Between leased and owned land I look after nearly 2000 acres in very populated areas. In the past I have experienced the same problems you have. The best solution that I have found is to lease the land to hunt clubs and let them police for trespassors. Believe it or not, hunters either respect other hunters or they are intimidated by other gun toters. Have your people to post the property excessively. Word will spread that the property is being tended by a group rather a single owner and the problems will subside. I actually think that I have less people hunting since leasing than I had previously trespassing! The lease money more than pays the property tax which is a nice side benefit.

[dagwood]

When we started leasing our 240 acres out to a local Hunting Club the problems ceased completely. They do keep the riff-raff out and respect our property and horses. Win-Win for both sides here.

[afrikaner]

Put up a sing that says "My dog eats everything I shoot"

The leasing to a hunting club sounds like the best idea.

[Up North]

I'd have to agree with everyone elses posts. A group of hunters that have your permission to be there will be the best protection for your land. We have the same group in every year. I'm sure others charge money but we get a nice assortment of vension chops and sausages for letting these people hunt on our property. It's a win win situation.

Heather