We'd never make fun of anybody....LOL

we're probably some of the kind that you or your friends make fun of...rednecks.

I'm just glad that we can all get along...your own level-headed approach really helps everything...no matter what your ultimate decision is....that's what we all appreciate most.

now take care you tree-hugger....LOL

That's what I suspected and feared and why I'm asking. Thanks for the input here. I appreciate the view point.

I'm cracking up. I am a tree hugger!!! Are you guys scared of me now?

uh, we're not scared...remember, we're the one with guns...LOL

ha ha. I forgot about that. You will render my little pepper spray can useless.

Correct. If they approached you with a conversation that went along the line "we would like to hunt your land to thin the population," then they should be taking does, not bucks.

Their reasoning is a red flag - either they are not being truthful or they are uninformed. Either way, this would eliminate them from my land.

The key to successful herd management is removing the does this is why many states require you to take a doe before you can get a buck tag.

When they saw I was on the fence they brought up that the DNR is thinning the herd anyway and that they would be doing something similar AND eating them for food as a matter of persuasion. Meaning at least the deer aren't going to waste. I like that idea. I don't want to do anything that's not in accordance with proper hunting etiquette though.

I think I would ask to see their badge.... unless they were in uniform. Something sounds fishy. Sounds like new hunters.
Live it up! Doug

To be clear, they didn't say that they worked for the DNR. They said they were sheriffs. One had a gun and a badge on his belt but he wasn't in uniform. The other looked like a regular Joe.

I'll get to see how their hunting skills are by talking with my neighbor. Hopefully, they are skilled since he actually lives on the 5 acre lot they'll be hunting. Can't imagine looking out the window seeing the bows flying when they don't know what they are doing. I'm glad I don't live there right now.

OK guys. I just spoke with another hunter I know on the phone. I told him of my concern for the animal and what I've read here in the sticky about how long it takes for the animal to terminate, etc. He has said that everything I've read here is true. He has been hunting for years with his son. Coming from his perspective, he said it's ok to say no when asked by a hunter......that I just have to be respectful and not put the hunter on the defensive. He said that most hunters will respectfully understand and in the rare instance that one gets pissed off at me, I wouldn't want someone like that hunting my land anyway. As of current, I have come to the conclusion that my land will be a hunting free zone. I will tell my two neighbors that they can have their hunters track deer on my land as I don't want to get in the way of the most humane kill but I won't have them doing the actual hunting on the land.

You guys were tremendous with input and with educating me. I'm sorry if you feel you've wasted time on me as I've only ended up in a position that doesn't support your sport. I get your passion and the desire as I have the same for various outdoor activities so I'm sorry, in that regard, to have arrived at this conclusion. You guys are all such a great bunch and have been so helpful and I regret that I'm not able to return the consideration by letting folks like you with your mindset use my land.

What a great community you guys have formed here. Maybe I'll pop in once in a while just to see what you're up to. Have a great time in your endeavor, be safe and well, and know that at least one person out there regards this group highly.