Making Sure Your Hunting Rights Are Current
Before you go hunting it's important to make sure that your hunting rights are still valid. Things, like who owns the land the rules that apply and where the borders are can change from one year to the next. This can make it hard to trust what you knew before. To avoid getting into trouble and to stay on terms with the people who own the land it's an idea to check your rights before you start hunting. This helps you know where you are allowed to hunt and what you need to do when you're there.
Hunting Rights Are Not Forever
Hunting rights should be seen as something that's not something you get and keep forever. These rights are usually for areas times of the year certain animals and sometimes specific people. Unless the landowner says otherwise you can't just assume that your rights from year still apply. You also can't assume that your friends have the rights just because you did.
Ask the landowner about the area you are allowed to use if you can bring others with you, where you can park and any places that are not allowed because of animals or farming. A quick message or call can help make sure you understand everything. It's much better to talk before the season starts than to show up and find out you were wrong which could cause problems for the landowner.
Knowing Your Way Around the Land
Maps and online tools can be very helpful when planning your hunt. They are not always right. The lines that show where the land ends can be wrong. The people who own the land can change without the records being updated. Also places that used to be open can become closed making it hard to tell what is allowed.
It's important to look at the land in person to understand where you can hunt. Look for signs, fences, gates and other markers that show where the boundaries are. Remember a fence does not always mean the legal edge and a path that people walk on does not always mean it is public. If something doesn't match what you see on the map fix it away of guessing what is best for your hunt.
Before you even put your bag down mark where you are parking and how you are getting in. Have a map printed out or a copy saved offline in places where your phone might not work. Don't just rely on one point on your GPS especially if the land is big or has parts. Clear directions are part of being a hunter because even small mistakes can cause problems for others or the animals.
Knowing the Rules for Your Hunt
Having a right to hunt on the land doesn't mean you don't need to know the rules that apply to that area. Before you go make sure you know the dates of the season, which animals you are allowed to hunt the ways you can hunt and how many you can take. Talk to the wildlife group or the people who manage the land. Rules can change, so always use the up-to-date information of old papers or what you remember.
Be careful when moving between areas like from one county to another. These places can have rules. If you are not sure get the number for the land. Talk to the right group for the most accurate information. A detailed answer is better than an one about the state or region.
Also check your hunting license. Make sure it covers the animals you want to hunt and that you have all the papers you need. Carry proof with you that the people in charge will accept.
Planning for Tags and Taking the Animal
When you are focusing on getting permission it's easy to forget about the rules for tags. This can cause problems. Learn about the rules for using tags. When you need to put them on. Know what papers are needed and how to report after you take the animal. Some places have rules that say you need to tag while others have different steps.
Plan how you will get the animal back before you start. Think about if the animal might go onto land and if that means you need permission. If you need to go through another landowners property talk to them in advance. Pick a place that's easy to get the animal back from. Sometimes it is better to not take a shot if you're not sure about the land, the lines or how to get the animal back.
Keep your tools ready. Only bring what you need to take care of the animal in a way. Carrying a note with the landowners details your permission and the exact places you are allowed to hunt can be more helpful than gear.
Double-Check at the Gate
Before you go into the hunting area take a second to check:
– Permission: Is it still active and clear about the land if you can bring others and where you can't go?
– Boundaries: Can you tell where the real land ends and where it starts?
– Rules: Are you sure about the dates the license requirements, how you can hunt and the limits from places?
– Tags: Do you know how to tag the animal report it and what steps to take after you take it?
– Recovery: Are you clear on how to get the animal and handle any land you might need to go through?
If anything is unclear stop and take action. Check the permission get answers about the lines or even think about waiting to hunt. This kind of care helps keep your access in the future and builds relationships with the people who own the land and your neighbors.
Building habits when it comes to access shows that you are a hunter. It shows respect for the landowner, the people who make the rules and the people who will hunt in the future. Since rules and land can change, checking your rights can be very helpful and last longer, than one trip.