asking for hunting use

[sweet old bill]

In NY state if land is not posted you can hunt the land. But in all my years of hunting (over 50 years) I was trainned to go and ask first. Over the years I never have had a problem till this year.

I am living in a new location and found that the land across from were I built has a old trailer on it but was told the owner has not been up for over 5 years, and lived in another state. I did the research and got his address from the tax map and sent him a letter asking for his ok to bow hunt the land and also if I shot a deer on my land and it went into his land could I trail it to recover the deer.

 Well after waiting over a month, I had a guy who said the owner had called him and would not give permission, nor even being on his land to recover a deer etc.

What gets me, is last year I saw several hunters all in camo in the gun season driving his land, now I just bet they did not have his ok. some times you try to do the right thing and get a kick in the head.

[Earl E. Nov...mber]

5 will get you 10 that one of the guys you saw hunting the property was the same one who called..

[T Folts]

Bill: If you foud his address I bet you could find his phone number. Give him a call and find out for sure, I'm betting the guy you talked to wants it for himself. Go to anywho.com and put in his name, town and state he may be listed.

Terry

[SteveB]

You can hunt IF it appears to be unused and unimproved. The trailer shows improvement even if neglected. You did the right thing by asking and the others did not. Something to feel good about in my eyes.

Steve

[Shawn Leonard]

Sorry but in NY you need permission to hunt the land even if it is not posted. It is still private property and if caught on it they can have you arrested for trespassing. If it is state owned land and there are no signs than ya may hunt it. This is a fact and confirmed by ENCON. Shawn

[RC]

I had kinda the same thing down here once. I finally got hold of the owner and offered to keep the grass cut on the place and things kept up.It was his Moms old "homeplace".it got me in to some fine hunting for several years untill he passed away and the place got sold.RC

[Widowbender]

It used to be that way here years ago. You have to have written permission now in most counties. That's a good thing... I always got permission...having a good relationship with the landowner is a great way to promote hunting in a positive manner. I wouldn't take someone else's word. Talk to the landowner and explain the situation. I've gotten several places to hunt just for helping to keep an eye on things for an absentee landowner.

David

[BobW]

Shawn has it correct.  Use of private land, regardless of posting, without authorization can expose you to potential trespass charges.

[bbassi]

Being turned down is part of the game. At least you asked. I throw guys off our place yearly that just can't be bothered to ask. The truth is I probably would let a couple hunt if they asked FIRST, not when they get caught.

Anyway, the good thing about NY Bill is that rarely does anyone own over 100 acres in a block, especially absentee owners, they can't afford the taxes! Go up or down the road a little ways and I'll bet your dealing with a different owner.