Conference vmsnet::hunting$note:hunting

    
    No one seems to be answering you. Please don't be offended. We in
    northern New-England are pretty lucky compared to some of our western
    cousins. We have lot's of open wilderness and farm areas to hunt,
    leasing is un-heard of here. All you have to do is ask and respect the
    land and you'll be more than welcomed to hunt or train dogs just about
    anywhere.
    
    Good-Luck,
    
    Rick
    
    P.S. Where do you reside?
    

    
    Rick,
    
    The family is spread out over Worc., Clinton and Lancaster. No offense
    taken... 
    
    
    thanks,
            Michael
    
    
    

    
    Michael,
    	
    	Your request is a little bit different for a Massachusetts 
    based readership, but I believe we're ALL gonna find this becoming 
    the norm vs the extraordinary in the near future. AND ITS GONNA
    BE REAL TOUGH TO DO !!!!! Look at the number of corn fields 
    already leased by 'guides' during the migratory season. These
    are the folks who can more afford to pay for the use of the land,
    which will be shutting out the individual and small group.
    
    	I think you'd probably find some strong reluctance by the 
    folks who own enough property to be able to train and hunt on.
    Liability will probably be a big issue. Pressure from antis will 
    also be of concern. 
    
    	Also don't forget the permits required by the state to 
    possess and release game birds. As shorthanded as the F&W is,
    they're still trying to crack down on John Q Public with the
    dozen quail or pheasant in his backyard chicken coop.
    
    	Good luck in your search !!!!

    
    	Not meaning to get off the subject but..
    
    	in re.3 you said that the F&W would come after me if I have some 
    	pheasant or quail in my back yard?(That I had bought or hatched
    	myself)
    
    	YOU MEAN I CAN"T EVEN HAVE A FREAKIN BIRD IN MY OWN D*#M YARD?????
    
    
    
    	

I would approach a local farmer.  He may have land
that is fallow that you can train in.  He may also 
agree to keep quail and pheasants for you to release.

Point out also that there is a CRP program for farms
that will pay him to dedicate a portion of his land
for wildlife.  Your local Agric. Agent should be able
to tell you about it.

You could advertise or ask for a farmer at the local
feed store.

Our club started this way and it has been very
successful.

Bill

      Here is how we have been sucessful in gaining permission to hunt.
    The biggest rule is don't wait until the last minute to ask.  Land
    owners with "birdy" looking land are overrun with guys asking for
    permission on opening day.  Approach them well ahead of time, during
    the summer or early fall. Follow all the rules in regards to presenting
    yourself in a positive manner.  We will offer to trade some labor for
    the priveledge of hunting there property.  This is another reason to 
    approach them before the season.  Haying season is a good time to offer 
    your services.  Let the owner know that you are willing to help in any
    way he needs.  Good luck
    
    Jeff
    
    P.s. You may wonder why I'm willing to tell people how to get
    permission?  the reason is easy, 99% of the people out there won't
    take the time or effort needed to get permission.  Thats why my
    partner and I have been able to gain exclusive permission on several 
    farms.  Two farmers have told me that we are the _only_ hunters that
    ever asked for permission.  Everyone else just jumped there fences and
    tresspassed.  Both farmers hve been around for over twenty years!!!
    Ask first, you might be suprised by the results. 

    RE: .4
    
    	YES SIR !!!!
    
    		A permit is required to purchase, possess, sell, etc...
    		any gamebird in the Comm. Of Mass.
    
    		It took me three months to get my Class 8 permit, 
      		which allows me to LEGALLY purchase, possess, release
    		and recapture up to 25 quail, FOR THE PURPOSE OF
    		TRAINING DOGS. This included a visit by the local 
    		game warden to 'inspect my facilities'. All this for
    		a mere $7.50 initial fee and $5.00 renewal.

    
    re.7
    
    	I could probably scrape up the bucks for the permit, and if I think
    about it, I can see where the Wildlife people would like to know what
    kind/where they're from/health of, any birds released into the general
    area.  The TIME involved bugs me a bit-it's another way of regulating
    things.  BUT, we all don't want someone releasing 30 birds infected
    with cholera either do we!!??  
    
    	I just feel that If I want to get 25 quail, put them in a pen, and
    raise the souly for meat(NO release) that I should be able to do it
    and say 'toss off' to the government.
    
    	IF I did this, what would be "The Penalty"?  Would I get a $5.00
    fine, or a $500.00 fine?
    
    
    	CP
    

    re.6
    
    Good going Jeff,
    
    I've been tring to get that exact message across to people for years.
    That is the way I get all my hunting land in south Texas. Many people
    think leasing is the only thing left. But many farmers and ranchers
    will let you hunt any game in season for some "work around the place".
    Some of the best deer hunting I have ever done was on land obtained
    this way. The only payment I had to make was repair an old Ford 8N
    tractor for the old farmer. He even had the parts need but not he
    physical strength and stamina for the actual work involved. Thanks
    again for letting me know there are other people out who don't mind
    doing a little work in trade for the PRIVLEDGE to hunt.
    
    						Harvey