Breaking bad reputation, land access issue

[Harbourone]

Hey guys. Im looking to move my duck hunting spot this year, I live next to some of the best duck hunting around but I want to find some timber areas, something more isolated and closed then the huge open marsh I use now. I found a great spot, but apparently the guy who owns the road in to it has locked the gate due to people destroying the road.

Im not a fairweather hunter, so I would be travelling this road in rain and wet conditions as well. My truck isnt light either. How do you folks think this situation could be resolved, obviously in my favor.

I own a farm tractor and could offer to grade the road post season if I and my hunt buddies are the sole users.

I could offer to pay toll.

I could just try and be nice and ask pretty please and give him some ducks.

I could really use some opinions from guys that have had land use problems before.

Mike

 

[jlovie]

Here's the thought that popped into my head after first reading your post, and it's in regaurds to grading his road. While I think it's great for you to offer, and I'm sure that you would actually go ahead and do it, I have a feeling he won't be wanting any vehicle in there due to what happened in the past. Any chance you could walk in? That might help sway him?

I have access to several properties, all friends, so I have never had a land use issue. However, in this situation, I would leave my vehicle out of it all together, that may increase your chances. Good luck!

 

[kjohn]

Tough one to overcome, for sure. I farmed for ten years, way back when, and saw many examples on my own land of morons driving where they shouldn't have. Making a big mess of a wet little old trail seems to be an accomplishment of some esteem to some people.

I had a small field of 40 acres of flax, nearly ready to swath. Some fool drove diagonally from one corner to the other and clipped the heads off the plants.

You could try to discuss the matter, and maybe offer to help out in some way. Sometimes things work out, sometimes they don't.

 

[Boomer74]

Get one of these ---> . Don't beat it on the head with a spear though...

Offer him 1/3 of every "take", AND offer to grade his road with your tractor (while still accessing "the spot" via horseback).

 

[Harbourone]

The only problem with riding in is that I need my boat once in in there. The road is probably 5-6 km long from the looks of it on google maps.

I got in touch with the owners nephew by accident. I was calling around to all the fellas I went to high school with that duck hunt. He said its sort of a select entry road, not public access. He also said hes sure his uncle wouldn't mind 2 more guys hunting down there. So I don't have to give up any game ect.

I'll call the owner and offer to grade the road off once it's wore out from sloppy season.

And just for anyone thats giving farm etiquette advice, I'm glad it's been put out there, but I run a small beef outfit and my father runs a standing hay and corn lease. I'm well aware of the do's and don'ts but always like to see them posted. I'll even toss another one out there,

Close the damn gate behind you!