Hunting Season

[Patty Barnes]

This is hunting season in Maine and I dread it each year. We live on 30 acres in the country and have posted many "No Hunting" signs on the property but some hunters disregard the signs. We have fenced about an acre for the dogs to run in but, when I hear shots outside I cannot let the dogs out until dark. I have tied blaze orange kerchiefs around their necks but the dogs love to take them off each other and circle the yard as if running a victory lap. Help! Does anyone have suggestions?

[Patty Barnes]

True, Amanda. At least today is Sunday when hunting is prohibited.

[Patty Barnes]

Now guns are going off all around me even though it is Sunday and hunting is not allowed. Terrifying.

[Eva (Lilo and Rocky)]

I'd be really scared also. I assume that you cannot put a fence up around your property? Have you checked with your local law enforcement office for ideas on how to keep trespassers out? Maybe there are companies that will install infra-red sensors, which will trigger a blast of pepper spray or similar nasty stuff in the hunters' direction when they cross your marked property line ;)

Good luck keeping everyone safe!

[Patty Barnes]

Thanks for the suggestions, Eva. Yes, we can report the trespassers to the police, but this is "Man's Country" and the police do nothing. Yesterday, one of the hunters parked on a trail into the heart of our property right next to a tree with a "No Hunting" sign. Could it be any more blatant!

[Eva (Lilo and Rocky)]

Wow. I had no idea there were places like that; I guess we are spoiled living in a part of the country where laws are enforced. Makes me hate guns even more. I sure hope your pups will be safe and that those horrible people will STAY OFF your property and take their nasty hobby somewhere else. You and your dogs will be in our thoughts!! Please look out for yourself too. I wish we could help you mobilize a property line patrol, armed with pepper sprays and NO KILL signs!!!

[Patty Barnes]

Thanks Eva. You sound as passionate about this as I am. Wish you lived next door then maybe we could get something done.

[Tamara & Giada]

I know some of you don't like hunting.......and to me that is ok, but to say that hunters have a nasty hobby hurtful!

I don't think the average person has any idea what happens to deer and other wildlife if their is NO hunting..........THEY STARVE TO DEATH!!!!!!!!! Can you even imagin that fait??? Their is NO process for us to sterilized these creatures, this is a way to thin the herds, so that the ones left are the able to eat and live!!

JMO:)

[Patty Barnes]

Probably. We think we know who it is so intend to speak with him. Sometimes a prior owner gave someone permission to hunt on the property, and that person thinks he has "forever" rights. Time for a chat.

[April Cliber]

As I type this I am listing to my neighbor target practice. He's been at it all afternoon. We also have property in the country and I worry this time of year. My neighbor shoots everything! Turkey, deer, muskrats, birds, ducks. It seams like it's always season for something. Like you, I just keep the dogs in during the day. I also keep the kids out of our woods. I cringe to think of the "what if's". It seems like every year there is a hunting accident. It's a shame that we can't enjoy our property, but I know just because you post "private property" doesn't mean they will stay out. :o(

Having said all that, I think it's fine for someone hunt, with a license, on their property, or state approved property. Just stay away from my kids and dogs please!

[Patty Barnes]

Hi April. I cringe just like you do, terrified a stray bullet will kill one of my dogs or a passerby. I don't even like to drive down our dirt road to go to town. I hold my breath a lot.

[2wpu1zztl11wu]

I am so glad I live in a none hunting area here in Ca....but I did lived in Virginia for 7 years, and remember hunting season very well! Pretty scary.

Please be careful and stay safe!!!

[Patty Barnes]

Thank you, Lori. I promise to be careful. It is 4:30 pm and I hear guns shooting all around me. It reminds me of war