Common sense/teamwork/common decency...

[pheasantguy]

In reading some of the posts in various forums, (including a few of my own), regarding "conflicts" with other hunters I recalled a hunting organization to which I was once a member. There were various properties leased by the organization and each property had a set limit of hunters. One was required to make reservations for the property in order to hunt. This eliminated the problem of too many hunters in one area and also made for a safer hunt. One requirement, (or perhaps it was just a suggestion), was that each hunter post a note or a copy of the aerial picture of the property on the dashboard of their vehicle noting where the member would be hunting. I recall this was for deer hunting only. This virtually eliminated the problem of setting up too close to another hunter. Even if one hunter was bird hunting while another was bowhunting the birdhunter could plan his hunt accordingly. Provided, that is, that the bowhunter preceded the birdhunter in arriving at the property. Members were also allowed to erect blinds and stands on the property that other members were free to use. If the member who erected the blind, etc. arrived and found another member in his blind the other hunter had to leave. I don't recall there ever being any issues with these regulations. Perhaps one reason was that you signed a contract agreeing to the rules and regulations.

One of the properties I currently pay to hunt doesn't have those rules, but many of us have talked with each other and have agreed to post at least a note in the dashboard that describes what they are hunting and their location. We even have one bowhunter who always posts a note asking birdhunters or small game hunters to hunt toward his location as they often push deer right to his stand!

I think this goes along with issues of common sense, common decency, teamwork, whatever term one chooses to use. It certainly is something that is lacking in todays society and seems to becoming an issue in the hunting world, also. What does everyone else think?

[JWICKLUND]

Common sense, common decency, teamwork, whatever term one chooses to use. It certainly is something that is lacking in todays society and seems to becoming an issue in the hunting world, also. What does everyone else think?

I couldn't agree more, especially this time of the year.

[swamptromper]

What an awsome place to hunt ! Was it in Michigan ? :lol:

I truly wish this was the norm, however.....

The clincher is signed agreement/contract/lease. Above that is that it was probably enforced.

Enforcement is the key wether it be a club, state land, or even private property.

Growing up hunting on a large chunk of land, with a private club concept. The rules laid down where older than the trees on the property. :lol:

Established members, present members and future members knew what was in front of them before even showing up. Sadly over time, the rules only applied to the few, and rarely enforced.

Much less common decency and respect to others. I miss hunting that area and property, dont miss the people that came with it.

[kbb3358]

Treat them with respect and the way you would like to be treated. Then there should be no or little problems. We have neighbors that respect your land as they would their own. But that doesn't seem to be the ways of others. We are lucky.

[stevebrandle]

With more and more hunters carrying portable GPS units now, you could leave your hunting spot numbers on the dash, too. I predict in the future this will be a common practice. Many phones are GPS enabled. From a saftey point of view it could save your life in an emergency. :idea: I think the DNR should consider implementing something on these lines. What do you think?

[eino]

I think it would be a great idea as far as courteous is concearned. As far as the DNR implementing anything like this I'd have to say no. You could easily not remember to bring a pencil to write your location. Or try and keep all sorts of different map in order. What if you see a deer somewhere else on the way to your marked location. I'd want to try and get it. Then there are thoes who prefer to still hunt a large area. Some of us don't want to give our location away. I hunt squirrels with dogs. I certainly would try to give a deer hunter or any hunter space if I seen something telling me where they are. I don't think that there should be any requirement though.

Ed

[mydogisscout]

I believe the organization he's referring to was called ASA. it was a pretty hefty fee to join and they only took on limited numbers of members. I had the privelege of hunting a couple of properties of thiers as a guest back in '98. too bad they went under.

[stevebrandle]

eino,

Everything you posted is very true. I surely wouldn't want it to be manditory. But, there are folks that stay put in one place for long periods of time and this might give them some uninterupted hunting. Heck, I'd make a sticky label on my computer with my hunting location printed on it to put on my truck window if it would help keep me alone in the woods. Especially on public lands. As far as keeping a hunting location secret, hmmm, that may require a plane and a parachute. ;)