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?

[Tamara & Giada]

I am from a large hunting family, but our hunters would NEVER think of tresspassing on others property...........that is just rude and illegal!! Do you have a sign that staes you will prosecute? Maybe after coming down hard on one they all would think twice. GL:)

[Patty Barnes]

Tamara, we do not have a sign that says we will prosecute but it sounds like an excellent idea.

[Patty Barnes]

Thank you for the many suggestions all around. I will look in my pet catalogs to see if they carry the slots you speak of. Also, thank you for the sign suggestion.

[Scott Chalkley]

Patty, I am so sorry you and other owners have to go through this. I never even thought about that situation before. Thanks for opening my eyes to the different lives that we all live with our doodles all over the world. I just couldn't even imagine what thats like. And so unfair to your pups!

I would joke about shooting back or arming your doodles but I will restrain. Although, technically you could chalk it up to self defense since it's your property and you have posted no hunting signs.

But back to reality, how are your pups dealing with the loud, sudden noises?

[Patty Barnes]

Scott, they don't seem to mind the noise. Maybe it's because 10 adults and 12 puppies are in the house at this time--noise is rather common!

[Christa]

Hi Patty, we live on 40 acres in southwestern Wisconsin and go through this every year with our dogs as well. I usually wear a blaze orange baseball cap when I am outside for the month of November. I take our two dogs, golden and a doodle out quite a bit, but am always with them. I make sure to make plenty of noise talking loudly so if there is anyone around, they hear me. Its the price we pay for living in God's country. I wouldn't let them out alone if you can't watch them. This too shall pass. Good luck. I love Maine!! Went leaf peeping in Greenville a few years ago. Always said Maine looks like Wisconsin on steroids. Bigger, brighter more water. Good luck!

[Patty Barnes]

Hi Christa. I grew up in Madison and raised my family in Wausau so I can appreciate your comment that Maine looks like Wisconsin on steroids. So true. We live outside Greenville and chose this area because it reminded us of Wisconsin with mountains. I often say with a wink, God lives in Wisconsin but vacations in Maine!

[Patty Barnes]

Hi Ann. We are pretty sure we know owns the car that was parked on our land, and plan to speak with him. Not all our property is fenced--just the area where the dogs run and play. I doubt we could afford the cost of fencing the entire 30 acres. But I appreciate the suggestion.

[Tante & Jordan & now Annie!]

In Wisconsin where I grew up just about every male hunts (some females also). We had property and would put up signs to no avail. I understand what your going through. We were not allowed to play outside at all.Until hunting season was over, sometimes they would extend hunting if the deer population was high. As a child it sucked.
My Mom would call the DNR...I do not remember if anything come of it.
Can you put a "letter" on the trucks asking them not to come back. I would also write down their license plates too.
Maybe even take a picture of the trucks too.

[Patty Barnes]

Thanks Jordan. The truck I wrote about had camouflage paint, so we think we know who it is. I like your suggestion of attaching a letter to the truck--I think we'll do that if he returns.

By the way, many woman love to hunt here. I think it's something you are raised doing. Bless them all and keep them safe. Men, too, of course.

[Tante & Jordan & now Annie!]

My Sister is a hunter....she got it from our Dad. I would never ever go..... I love Deer, hate Guns/Bows.
I joke with her about going all the time. A poor Deer minding its own business going for walk.... My Sisters response to me....But you will eat the meat wont you... She has a point.
My Sister's fiancee was over the other day and he is a jokester, he changed my Desktop background to the Elk he and my sister "got". It was gross.

[Becky Meddleton]

Hi, I am very sympathetic - used to live in upstate NY - same problem. How about tieing orange ties all along your acre fence that the dogs are in to draw the hunters' attention to the fact that it is an enclosure - maybe they will hesitate before pulling the trigger when they see movement.