To post or not in PA
 

I am hoping to get a bit of input regarding a property I purchased in May in central PA. It's about 150 acres of steep mountainous land that shares a .75-mile border with a modest sized state game land. During the summer and fall I would see a hiker or 2 from time to time and another time I had a couple of 4x4 trucks making their way through the property. I have since installed gates at main access points to prohibit motor vehicle use. I have also seen ATV tracks, but nothing destructive. Due to erosion concerns, the only ATV’s I want on my property are my own.

On opening day of rifle, however, my young son and I counted at least 12 hunters on property, most of them just walking around. I feel that is excessive. My tree stand setups ended up being useless. I also found the first litter on the property that day which ticked me off. I have enrolled my property in the forestry stewardship program and plan to practice QDM on the property. I am spending time and money installing food plots, habitat improvement, and road and trail improvement. None of my goals can be met with hunters on the property whose ethics and standards are unknown.

My forestry consultant is telling me to post the land without exception. I am hesitant as I am willing to share the land with a controlled amount of people who share my vision for it and might be willing to pitch in. I also do not wish to build resentment with the local folks. Any experiences or thoughts would be helpful.

RE: To post or not in PA
 

You need to post it then allow who you want on the land with written permission only.

Your going to hear well I've hunted here for ever and many other stories but you paid for the land,and pay the taxes on it.

RE: To post or not in PA
 

yea, what part of central pa? i have hunted all around state college, raystown and altoona area. I would DEF post the property especially the border of the gamelands because people sometimes don't know where it ends. If you are going to manage it for deer, i would not put the fields near the gamelands cause it will be over run with hunters. i understand the part of not pissing off the locals but you need to make friends with some of them and ask them a few to watch over the property when you are not around in exchange for hunting rights. Next time you go hunting, just go up and talk to them. Some people don't know a property is not gamelands, some just disobey......its up to you in the end but i would post!

RE: To post or not in PA
 

The property is in Juniata County. Thanks for the advice.

RE: To post or not in PA
 

Just about every tree is spray painted along a boarder between state and priviate property isn't it?

RE: To post or not in PA
 

I understand how you wanna leave it open and not make anyone mad. But on the other hand if you and your son want good quality land, posting is almost a must. The local will have no choice but to respect your decision, you bought it and they didnt. I live in Huntingdon county which is near by. Good luck, hopefully everything works out for you.


Zach

RE: To post or not in PA
 

The trees were freshly painted white, every 50 yds or so a week or two before opening day. This one old guy sitting next to one of my logging roads tried to tell me that he was on game lands. About 200 yds uphill were blazes that were clear as a bell. He didn't seem to care and said he "knew" this property was owned by the state. At this point is was 2:30 pm and our day was ruined so it was even worth the arguement. Any deer that were on my property at that time were deep in my laurel patch.

RE: To post or not in PA
 

Sounds to me like you really dont have any other option than to post it. But evenif u would postit thatdoesnt mean you still cant let some people on it like you said earlier. If they are friendly and respect you, let'm have atit. But if they act like that old fart did, there would be problems. The last thing you want is someone giving your son a hard time sometime on your own land.



Zach

RE: To post or not in PA
 

I commend you for not wanting to post. But I do agree that you should post it and then determine from those who ask whetheryou want to still allow them.

RE: To post or not in PA
 

Post by written permission only. That way you can control access. Who knows you might meet some new hunting partners who will want to help you do the work.