Good news came last night on new hunting spot

Mark W

Mark W

Well-known member
Since I had so much vacation to get rid of last year, I did lots of travelling around looking for new hunting spots. I came across an area that looked to be about the best hunting spot that can be found within 60 miles of the Twin Cities. Problem was, I couldn't get to it. I researched ways to get in and did lots of runs on the river and did find what I thought were access points. I did speak with many hunters who had hunted areas near this place and all said it was private land and no one was allowed out there. I couldn't believe this as it looked to be well within what is defined in the Federal Navigable Waters laws/rules as navigable. When I tried to access this spot near the end of last season, I was met by a person in a shack on the channel telling me this was private land and a private lake. I left. I found this interesting as someone has enough money to hire a person to sit in a shack during hunting season to keep people out. I went to work to find an answer which came last night. This was going to be a challenge.

It seems there has been litigation and much discussion over what is and is not allowed in this paticular spot. The State won their arguement and the landownwers with the big money lost - sort of. They lost by not being able to keep people out of this spot but they won as the State is not publically advertising this spot as a spot allowable to hunt ducks. The DNR has posted signs at the two entry points where hunters are allowed to cross the man made structures currently preventing access but readily admit the signs tend to "disappear" immediately prior to the hunting season. I witnessed this first hand at the end of the season as I found what I thought would be acess points and there were no signs. After talking with the CO, the spots I found were the spots where acess is allowed.

I asked the CO if I would be hasseled when hunting this area and he said I would with certainty. He also said that I was well within the rule of law and told me what to say should I be confronted. I also have his cell on my speed dial. I got the feeling this particular CO was not happy with the way hunters, who are well within the right, are treated when trying to hunt this area. He says the owners of the land treat this spot as their own private hunting hunt club and they are not allowed to do so.

So anyway, looks like I have a new spot to try next year. I don't think it will be easy to get to without having to take both boats but I think I may have found a public landing closer to the access points that would allow me to just take the Hoefgen. We'll have to see when the ice leaves then a boat trip is in order.

I look at this as a big win but I'm sure others here will disagree. I have witnessed so much harassment over what is legal to hunt around here and what isn't that I use the law in my favor when appropriate after checking with the proper authorities. I respect private landowners and their rights but have no respect for those who break the laws to keep law abiding citizens off of property/waterways that they do not own but claim as theirs.

Can't say again how excited I am to have this new spot to look into next season. According to the CO, it is duck heaven.

Mark W
 
My first thought is be careful...

Second one is to contact the guy, tell him you realize it is legal, understand his issues, but you will be hunting it and you know the law but you thought you would just let him know so their could be maybe less problems. It may or may not work.

Good luck either way, hope it works out for you.
 
Good luck with that next year and dont let them bother you to much. In WI if it is a navigate-able water way (can you float a canoe or kayak) and your feet are wet you can be there. You run into issues with it for beaver ponds and small lakes. I'll float in be sitting in my boat and then get told I'm trespassing and on a private lake. If the guys start to give you to hard of a time bring a video camera, otherwise it turns in to a he said she said pissing match.

Pat M.
 
Sounds great and I hope it all works out for you. But I fear that the hunts there will be filled with high blood pressure, and cussing. Which really sucks since you will be within the laws. Not trying to be negative and I hope I'm worng about all of that. You may want to start motoring up in the area right now to test the waters. Maybe work something out with the owners of the surrounding land that are trying to keep people out. Heck you never know, you may make new friends/hunting partners.
 
Good for you Mark, you have made the effort to do things the right way and have the CO on your side. I agree with Eric though, I would notify the appropriate parties that you have done your homework and intend to hunt the property next season. And..... I wouldn't turn my back on anyone while there.

Good luck
 
My first thought is be careful...

Second one is to contact the guy, tell him you realize it is legal, understand his issues, but you will be hunting it and you know the law but you thought you would just let him know so their could be maybe less problems. It may or may not work.

Good luck either way, hope it works out for you.
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I think Eric has a good point here, well two actually. One, be careful. Two, call the dude ahead of time as it may prevent an on site confrontation when he strolls in on the same morning as you and is taken by surprise.

Good luck.
 
Good for you Mark, you have made the effort to do things the right way and have the CO on your side. I agree with Eric though, I would notify the appropriate parties that you have done your homework and intend to hunt the property next season. And..... I wouldn't turn my back on anyone while there.

Good luck
Click to expand...


I've been down this road before on a couple of other places I hunt (constant problem with hunting near big metropolitan areas). Both have turned out to be good places to hunt and I have not made enemies doing so. I like to know what I can and cannot do prior to approaching people like these land owners who like to keep others out when what they are doing is illegal. I also like to have had conversations with the proper authorities prior to any discussion that may occur between myself and the law breaking parties. In one of the two cases above, the CO needed to be brought into the exchange and the other, the person knew they were wrong and when called out, told me to enjoy the hunting but not to tell others about the spot. I respected his request and don't bring others in that would exploit the situation.

This one is going to be a bit more difficult. I know who the owners are (not personally but by public records) and they are well know in town and have a bunch of money. They lost the battle with the State and know it but can still make a fuss. I do like the idea of a video camera on me which I have on my phone. I will attempt to contact the land owners prior to hunting but because of who they are, it could be problematic.

I'm sure more on this will be posted next season.

Mark W
 
I would take someone with me as well as the video camera. Watch your vehicle at the boat launch. I personally would not contact the parties who act like they own the property. It appears to me that these folks are willing to lie and remove signs for their own benefit. I do not believe you owe them anything. I would not tell them my name or give them any other information. They can have the boat registration number and you can talk to the game wardem when he arrives. You don't have to be nasty, but if you are within the law, exercise your legal rights and answer only to the people who enforce the law.

Not looking for a fight, just looking to do what I am legally allowed, without anyone hassling me. Be safe and if it gets to nasty, you could post the location of the access points on the net!

I hunt public marshes all the time and it is amazing how people think they own the public lands. We have a good shoot one place and next thing you know there will be a blind there. Build a blind and feel they now control that spot on public land for the season. I am to the point where I believe blinds should no longer be allowed on public hunting ground. That is how it was at the NWR: first come first serve, no permanent blinds, all blinds must be removed at the end of each day. I know that it is first come first serve on the public land and the blind builder does not have any claim to his blind if someone beats him to it, but it is still a hassle. Hope your site works out for the best.
 
The thing that you have to keep in mind is that its possible that these people are trying to keep people out for other reasons than just being a-holes. I know that littering is a big problem in many parts of the country, and is a big concern for any landowner. Add to that, are there other things that can be damaged? Fences, buildings, livestock, etc.. Like I mentioned before, if it were me, I'd contact them and tell them that you are wanting to hunt next season, and will be within the law, and just tell them that you would like to keep it civil. If they are rich and think they own the state I see nothing but bad in the future of hunting that spot. Unless you make some type of agreement with them and assure them you are only going to be in there to have fun and will respect the land. All this talk of video cameras, and doing what is legal no matter how they feel is fine and dandy. But remember, if they own the land they can go out and cut their grass, rake leaves, take walks, take 4 wheeler rides, place scarecrows, etc. ... I know this sounds ridiculous, but I have dealt with people that would do just that during a hunt just to ruin it. I have alot of land to hunt here so when I run into such things (mainly adjoining landowners that are tree huggers) I just pack up and move to greener pastures.
 
Gary, there is no "working" things out with people that use their money to deprive citizens from using public ground. And mowing, etc have been found to be hunter harrassment in some cases...

The thing that you have to keep in mind is that its possible that these people are trying to keep people out for other reasons than just being a-holes. I know that littering is a big problem in many parts of the country, and is a big concern for any landowner. Add to that, are there other things that can be damaged? Fences, buildings, livestock, etc..

????? It is public ground... they have NO LEGAL STANDING to keep people out.


Now if you want someone to go with, give me a call!! :) Good for you!!! You know... no matter how fun it is to have....money does appear to corrupt...... :)
 
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Phil I understand that. But if they own the land around the water, I would think that pollution would be a concern, at least it would be if I owned it. From what I see alot of people are hogs and don't respect the land what-so-ever. Tossing trash out of their boats while fishing, food wrappers, bait containers, soda/beer cans, etc., etc. All I was saying is, I would go out of my way to get in good with the people (within reason), if I was limited to hunting areas, and it was a hotspot.
 
Seems to be an interesting situation where the big money still is pushing to maintain the status...protect thy backside....
 
This spot is hundred and hundreds of acres big, not just some small body of water. Thay have been able to keep this place to themselves for some time. According to the CO, one other person has taken the time to find out what can legally occur in this area and he is the only one who occassionaly hunts the spot. I don't think trash and other stuff would be the problem but do understand the issue of land owners and trash. My father in law is a farmer in South Dakota and I see and hear firsthand what people do to the land that he allows them to hunt. Pretty brazen.

Mark W
 
I'm thinkig Kevlar and don't forget about the dogs. Good for you and all of your hard work. I did the same years ago to hunt a permanent blind in Maryland. The owner was in a senior's home and I went to the courthouse to find my contacts. Alot of hard work and phone calls but it paid off. Couldn't believe the first morning I showed up late and found someone in my blind with their decoys spread in the water. They were not very happy when they had to pick up and leave. I was stunned at how brazen someone could be to try and pull that off. Be careful and good luck. dc
 
Mark,

I'm not sure I would notify them in advance if you are in the right, but if you intend to do so I would suggest doing it by mail, with a copy to the game warden who advised you it was ok. A cordial, but firm, letter explaining your understanding of the situation, including your contact information, sent certified mail w/return receipt requested will put the other party on notice that you are serious. If you get a negative response, send a copy directly to the game warden and ask him to deal with it. Good luck.
 
Let them know by mail - I like that one
Invite the CO - I like that one too as a justincase

No need to grovel - just let em know your coming. I would give anything to be there.

A holes who think they own everything because they are rich need a reminder once in a while.

I think you will have a great time - One for the small guys.

Bill
 
I find that A Holes come from every income bracket equally. From the toothless sister-dating trash that used to run dogs right under my bow stand deliberately across private property under the auspices of "dogs don't read no trespassing signs" in Virginia To the rural suburb Hippie tree huggers on a hobby farm who wear outlandish colors and sit in lawn chairs at the edge of the pond to keep the ducks from flying into the decoys as soon as they hear the first shot. (At least they got a ticket the 2nd time they actually rowed in the pond against the CO's orders)

I encourage you to visit the site and do so often. I was in the Navy for 21 years and we used to exercise our rights in international waters within disputed claims, just to remind countries that international law prevailed in navigable waterways, not the rules of crazy despots. We did so often, but we also never did it wouthout being ready to react just in case the crazies got a wild hair up their backsides. If you ever want company, lemme know.
 
"toothless sister-dating trash that used to run dogs right under my bow stand "

Hey now! We don't need to bring my wife into this!


On a serious note. Mark if you would, keep in touch and let me know how things are unfolding. I wish you the best.
 
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