Survey: Landowners will work with hunters
Source: Great Falls Tribune Online, by Michael Babcock
September 13, 2007
An issue that likely will never go away is that of hunter access to public wildlife on private land.
The Private Lands/Public Wildlife Council established in the early 1990s works year in and year out to solve the recurring problems that bubble up out of this tar pit.
Another group tireless in trying to keep hunters and landowners at the table is the Montana Wildlife Federation.
The MWF recently surveyed 800 Montana landowners to find ways to improve relations between landowners and hunters.
The MWF aims to identify, design and put into place cooperative projects to foster better relations between sportsmen and landowners, promote good hunter behavior, reduce conflict and improve the image of hunters. They also want to open up more access.
Craig Sharpe, head man at the wildlife federation, said, "MWF has long recognized that if hunters' relationships with landowners could be improved, public hunting on private lands might also improve."
In all, 138 landowners or 16 percent of those sent the survey responded. Fifty landowners said they would be willing speak to talk to the MWF about how landowner/hunter relations might be improved.
Sharpe said more good news is that 114 of the survey respondents already allow some level of public hunting and most of those — 95 to be exact — don't want any money in return.
The survey asked the landowner to identify and rate the problems they have experienced with hunters. Improper use of motorized vehicles, failure to ask permission, littering, and hunters not following instructions, topped the list.
A fifth of those who responded said they would help develop or discuss test-model projects. Sharpe said MWF will contact those landowners in the hopes of developing one or two model projects with participating landowners.
"It's exciting to think that this could result in new opportunities not only for public hunting but also other collaborations," Sharpe said.
When Fish, Wildlife & Parks initiated the anti-poaching campaign called "Enough is Enough," the MWF published a "Hunter and Angler Code of Ethics" that identifies "Ten Rules of Conduct" for sportsmen and sportswomen.
The "Ten Rules of Conduct," the MWF says, will improve both relationships with landowners and the image of hunters. They are:
practice and promote ethical, fair chase hunting and fishing;
respect fish, wildlife and natural environments;
elevate fish, wildlife and habitat conservation
respect private property
hunt and fish courteously and safely
show consideration for all outdoor users
know, uphold and advance the law;
be proficient in outdoor, hunting and fishing skills;
be knowledgeable about fish and wildlife
assist others in becoming ethical hunters and anglers;
"The results of our landowner survey show that if all hunters followed the code of ethics it would go a long way towards being better neighbors and keeping public hunting open on many private lands," Sharpe said. "Our challenge now will be to work with landowners on a few pilot projects that will be productive for both private landowners and sportspersons."
For more, go to www.montanawildlife.com or call the group at 800-517-7256.
