Hey Guys. I posted this in the Bowhunting Forum as well. The discussion got pretty heated there. I dont consider stands "portable" if someone puts one up in August and takes it home in February. Thats just how I feel. It that puts me "out in left field" or makes me "clueless" Fine.

Here are some excerpts (sp) of 2 of my responses in the other Forum. Keep the opinions comming. I like reading them. But I think after you read below, you'll understand that I have nothing else to say about this (this should cover my opinion). Good Luck in the upcomming season.

Posted 8/25:

"I guess its partially my fault you got the wrong idea. Paragraph 5 makes it sound like I walked in to the area 1 week before the season. This wasnt the case. I was in there about 3 weeks, once a week, glassing and looking around before the stands went up. I didnt walk in, see the stands, and say "man this a good spot" and snuck in on opening day. What would you suggest bud? Should I have put an sign in the spot I prepared to hunt on the ground stating "Duckmastor2 plans to hunt this spot if the winds right opening day. Everyone else stay away and dont put up any stands". I wouldnt even think of such a thing. Thats the whole F'n point man. 1st come 1st served. Just because 2 guys put up stands doesnt claim an area. When they saw my flashlight, they should have respected the fact i was there and went elsewhere. Thats what I do. If someone's there first, god bless them and I hope they get a good one. That is common decency pal. Threatening me and throwing me out was wrong."

Posted 8/26:

"Probably the same thing that happened to you when you read my "or they may not be there at all". You automatically assumed I was a thief or condoned that activity. I certainly do not. What I meant was that as more and more people use the public land to hunt, you have a much greater chance of running into fine people "insert sarcasm here" like you did the morning your stand was in the process of being removed. People do take the public land attitude that far. Its not right, but they do. Also, there is a good chance that people will sit in your stand and if they do, you really cant do anything legally about it.

Below is a copy of an email I received in response to a letter I sent to Fish and Game back in early October 2001 on this issue. Its from Paul Tarlowe. The WMAs mentioned have been removed for my safety sake... Kidding

"X and Y WMAs are not among the 12 WMAs where permanent waterfowl blinds or deer stands are prohibited. On areas where they are permitted they could, theoretically, be used by whoever got to them first. I will pass your correspondence along to our Land Management and Law Enforcment offices for review. The best forum to express your views would be to the Director and Fish and Game Council when the proposed Game Code for next year is announced and public comment welcomed."

Although I dont think its right, "squawter rights" are supported by fish and game.

IMO I think it would just make things so much nicer for everyone if 'carry in and carry out' stands were the only legal type on public land. The only thing you have to worry about is people beating you to the spot you planned to hunt, which I think would be less likely without visable stands in trees. You wouldnt have to worry about your hard earned money (stands) disappearing into the night or being destroyed by people who dont respect others. I may be wrong, but we won't know until we try.

It obvious there are strong feelings on both sides of the issue. Look at what we've done to each other here? We've called each other names and threatened each other. I can only imagine what people in other states think of us.

I will continue to send letters, emails and talk to as many people as I can to change the law.

Right now, the permanent stands are legal. People like me who are against this, must respect it. Leave them be! People who hang them must except the fact that even though its legal to put them up, its 1st come 1st served, anyone can sit in them, people might sit on the ground close to them and you are taking a much bigger risk of them disappearing than you would on private land.

By the way SJ, if that guy shot an arrow at you, I would think 20 years for attempted murder would have been more appropriate.

Good luck to all this season!





Any day spent huntin, is better than any day spent workin,,

Duckmastor2