Re: #@%*&!! AMATEURS!!!
Uncovered holes is just the start of what gives this hobby a bad name to private property owners, as well as public property.
1.)
I ALWAYS get permission from the property owner before I get on a piece of property. I have the property owner show, or describe where the property lines are, and if I am not sure where they are I do not assume their location. Also, when I am talking to the property owner, I will always tell them that I will not leave any holes uncovered, and that if they see anything that I may have left out of place, to contact me and I will return to correct the problem. I don't know how many times I have been turned down for permission to hunt a piece of property just because the property owner has had people trespass on to their property with a metal detector. With that said, I have also had people thank me for asking permission, and tell me that they will let me hunt just because I stoped and asked. Words can not explain how being respectful to people will help you in the end.
2.)
I always respect a landowners property. As stated above, if you show the property owner respect, you will receive it in turn. With that said, I don't know how many times I have been turned down permission to hunt a piece of property where people have been there previously and left gates open where livestock is enclosed, dug holes and didn't fill them, rutted up fields, yards, or even farm roads with there vehicles when it was too muddy to be there, or left behind all of their trash, both dug and non-dug. It is simple....fill in your holes, pick up your trash, close the gates, and don't do anything with a vehicle, be it a car, truck, or ATV, that will deface the property....I know it takes a little more time, and if the property owner is nice enough to give YOU permission to be on their property, then YOU should show them and their property a little respect....Heck, if you are nice enough, and do what you are suppose to, most of the time they will let you come back! Something else I also do is revisit a site within a week or so of me being there, and check to make sure that all of my holes are still covered. I too, have had raccoons and rain effect the holes that I have dug, and because I revisited the site, I was able to recover the holes so that they were no longer a factor. Also, I ask the property owner where I should park my vehicle. I do not drive in to fields, or park in their way of getting in and out of their own property.
I wouldn't credit all of these things to newbies or amateurs. I give credit to all of the people who simply do not have respect for other peoples property. I do realize that there are variables that can effect a hole being covered, be it dry/wet weather, raccoons, and etc., but with a little effort and respect, those things can be attended to as well. Another thing that I would like to add is that if you come across where someone has left a hole uncovered or trash thrown about...FILL THE HOLE AND PICK UP THE TRASH! If you don't, the property owner may think that you are the one that did those things, and can/will refuse you permission to return.
OK...my rant is over now.
I am certainly learning alot from TNet! Here and now I pledge to always "Fill My Holes."
