Is it legal for a town to label all of the public land as conservation land simply to outlaw hunting anywhere in the town.
There is a great piece of property across the street from my work that I google earthed, I pulled up to check it out and there is one sign at the entrance to the fire road. ( a paper sign that is falling off the post, which I had to get out of my car, and pick it up to read) stating that it is conservation land and there is no firearms, and it is illegal to hunt any animal. All the towns here label all non private land conservation land because the rich people think the deer are cute. Is there any way to fight this???

Jim

VOTE! Every time there is an election. Find out where the different candidates stand on issues that are important to you and then make sure you get out there on election day. Also join local and national hunting and shooting clubs like the NRA.

I doubt it. Most towns accomplish this simply by making it illegal to shoot any weapon that launches a projectile. This takes care of firearms, archery, and even slingshots.

This is what every one I've ever lived in did.

I think Greg is right for the majority of cases, there may be a few exceptions here and there. There are several cities in Montgomery Co where I live that allow bow only and have restricted fire arms in certain zones on public, park and private property.

It defies ALL reason that a state can staff andmanage a Fish and Game department to manage the fish and animals within its borders and enforce state laws pertaining to the harvesting of those animals; BUT any town or city within that state can pass local ordinances that completey override the state laws.When the state set laws for legaldistance from dwellings hunting laws or legal weaponsfor appropriate seasons then to have a pocket of people completely make it illegal to hunt because they don't like it seems to me to beso fundamentally wrong. Towns and cities can't make and enforce thier own seatbelt or helmet laws?A town cannot make an ordinance that allows for the use of firearms during archery season. I KNOW a town can not make an ordinance that allows fish to be harvested out of season on their local ponds.... so HOW do they get to make illegal a completely legal and state managed program such as hunting and the harvesting of animals?

I don't know how they do it, but here in the east some states have dozens of towns and cities that have completely made it illegal to hunt, even on private lands that have 10 times the legal minimum distance to hunt as set by their state hutning laws. Those who say vote and it will fix things, it doesn't work. Unless people haven't noticed, in many areas of the country, the hunting communityis in the minority.

Dude, I feel your pain. In the end.. you may just have to move. I did.

Pretty much any land that a town owns that they do not intend to develop will be labeled "Conservation" land. It's a tax thing.

Most towns do not allow firearms on conservation land by by-law and hunting is "prohibited" but that does not mean that you cannot hunt it.

Town conservation land is controlled by the conservation agent(s) and the conservation commission. Some will allow you to bow hunt the land with their permission, but sometimes unfortunately it's all about who you know. But you can try:

First, identify the parcels that you'd like to hunt. Walk them each and get to know them, including where they may abut private land and especially houses.

Then, make an appointment to meet with the conservation agent, explain that you're a responsible bow hunter and you're interested in helping to manage the deer herd in the town. If you get a flat "no way", then I'd suggest dropping the issue unless you have the time and energy to take it up with town officials (usually the selectmen or town councilmen).

If you get your "foot in the door" however, go on to show your knowlege of the area, point out where you would plan to hunt on a map (which will usually be on the wall in their office with the conservation areas labeled). Show that you are both conscientious and respectfull. It may be decided that the commission will have to be consulted, which isn't in your favor but it's a shot. Either way, make sure to leave a card with your contact information. Having a copy of your hunter's safety card with your contact info is a nice touch.

At every step, it's important to appear as respectfull, responsible and intelligent as possible. If you do get permission, be sure to ask for written proof so that it can be presented to anyone who might question you (nearby landowners, law enforcement, etc.) It can also be useful when this agent moves on and the commission members change. For that reason as well, you will want to remain in contact with them from time to time. Let them know of any problems you might see on the land (illegal dumping, other hunters, etc.)

It's a real long shot, but it can be done and if it works you'll have a prime hunting spot truly all to yourself!