Post written by MackJ about private property!

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mikeg
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2008/10/02 13:24:39 (permalink)

Post written by MackJ about private property!

Written by MackJ, this is a very good post in regards to respecting landowners!


Any land on the tributaries that is not public land cannot be crossed without landowner permission.  Since the creeks are probably not navigable, standing in the stream doesn't put you on public land.  The owner of the adjacent land probably owns the streambed also.

Some private landowners do not object to people using their land.  You may find signs saying that anglers are welcome, maybe with a restriction like "Walk-In Only."  Also, some land is specifically posted against trespass or marked as Private Property.  Anywhere you encounter such a sign, you should not go.  If you can identify a residence or business that owns that land, nothing stops you from approaching them for permission at a reasonable time, but the chances of getting permission to use the land or creek where the owner has already posted it are probably slim to none.

The most difficult situation is land that is NOT posted in any way.  Some owners do not want you on their land even though they don't post.  Other who don't post may not care.  The best thing to do is to ask permission.  Again, knocking on a door at 600 AM is not a good idea, but if the hour is reasonable, there is nothing wrong with approaching a landowner for permission, the worst that will happen is they will say No.

Wherever you might fish, public or private land, you should conduct yourself so that you disturb the landowner as little as possible.  No excessive noise, no littering, etc.  If you are crossing their land with permission, walk well away from homes or buildings.  Don't use someone's yard as a bathroom, don't use foul language, etc.  Conduct yourself as you would want others to conduct yourself if you allowed your land to be used to access and fish the creek.

Finally, if you are confronted by a landowner about where you are walking or fishing, be polite, apologize if they say you aren't allowed there and then leave immediately.  Also, if you see a landowner who permits use of their land, say Hello, thank them for their generosity, ask them if they'd like a steelhead or if there is anything you can do to show your appreciation.

The truth is that many landowners don't mind anglers that conduct themselves respectfully and courteously and this is why they do not restrict access even though they have a right to do so.
post edited by mikeg - 2008/10/02 13:27:26
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    Skip16503
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    RE: Post written by MackJ about private and non-private property! 2008/10/02 13:27:00 (permalink)
    Well written  Good advice MackJ

     



    #2
    seejib
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    RE: Post written by MackJ about private and non-private property! 2008/10/02 13:34:07 (permalink)
    Good post
    #3
    indsguiz
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    RE: Post written by MackJ about private and non-private property! 2008/10/02 15:09:40 (permalink)
    That about sums it all up!  Good Post!

    Illegitimis Non carborundum
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    Kokanee Killer
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    RE: Post written by MackJ about private and non-private property! 2008/10/02 20:33:21 (permalink)
    good i just hope most remember when the time comes.in 15+years i have never been asked to move on so i think if you dont behave like a idiot so much the better.

    I have become comfortably numb
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