Chiming in from NY.

Can' t track on private property with or without weapon, unless you have permission. Encon can' t even help. The landowner has the ability to dictate that the animal lay and suffer until it dies if they wish, and the meat ROT.

There is a lady who owns property which borders the farm I hunt on. If we shoot a deer and it goes on her property and dies, she immediately gets the backhoe out and burys it so we can' t sneak back and get it later.

It' s only rumor, but it has been rumored that she has actually shot at deer hunters on her property.

She' s wacked.

Anyhow...as to going on unarmed in the places where that is required.....You leave your firearm UNATTENDED and UNSECURED leaning on their gate??? That sounds very irresponsible to me. Is this really how it' s done?

Thanks;

Darrin