TX - Proposed bill regarding blinds, feeders, etc. within 200' of property line

[Greybeard]

While I'm in full support of the pending TX legislation prohibiting "internet hunting", that subject reminded me that possibly a heads-up of interest on this one:

HB 560, by Miller
Categories: Hunting. Status: Filed 01/25/05.
Relating to the placement of traps, deer stands, hunting blinds, wildlife feeders, and other hunting devices.
Prohibits placeing or building a hunting device, including a trap, deer stand, hunting blind, or wildlife feeder, less than 200 feet from a line that separates property owned by one person from property owned by another person without a written agreement.

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While I've got some guesses, I'm not familiar with the specific background on this one. Anyone know?

 

[Greybeard]

I just discovered the following this morning at www.txchlforum.com

"Here's one we don't have to worry about.

Scott Campbell (R) filed HB185, a bill that would, with limited exceptions, prohibit the use of hunting blinds and/or feeders within 150 yds. of a fence line dividing property owned by different owners. In response to a request from TSRA, Rep. Campbell will withdraw the bill if possible, and if it is not possible to withdraw it, it will not be pursued. Good work Alice Tripp! "

However, it looks like maybe just one of two similar bills by different politico-critters ...

 

[halvey]

Maybe I'm missing something here, but what the problem with this law?

My friends dad had people setting up right on their property line for years and there wasn't a thing he could do. Since this was recreational land, he wasn't always there, but the hunters would take the deer on their property evidenced by the blood trails.

 

[Art Eatman]

halvey, while it might deal with the specific problem you mention, it's still arbitrary and capricious in that it takes no cognizance of terrain and vegetation. In forested land, it might be impossible to see into another's property at a mere 20 or 50 feet. And if the neighbor is an anti-hunter...

Art

 

[DigMe]

My friends dad had people setting up right on their property line for years and there wasn't a thing he could do. Since this was recreational land, he wasn't always there, but the hunters would take the deer on their property evidenced by the blood trails.

So if they are already breaking the law how is another law going to stop them from breaking the law? I realize the law could be used to make them take down the blind but it won't stop them from continuing to shoot deer off his land if they want to. I suggest he try putting up a motionsensing camera during deer season to try and catch hard evidence.

Aside from that there are greater issues with the law than your friend's dad's problems.

A law like that would be a burden to a lot of people who are engaged in legitimate activity. If our neighbor wasn't cooperative it would force us to abandon TWO well-made deer stands that overlook established hunting areas on our own land and completely start over establishing two new hunting areas and moving the stands or building new ones. I'm glad the TSRA was on top of this.

brad cook

 

[halvey]

So if they are already breaking the law how is another law going to stop them from breaking the law?

Since there's little to no cover on the neighbors side, he simply would never get a deer.

 

[Greybeard]

In thinking about it from another perspective, a month or so ago, I discovered a situation up on one of the units at Caddo National Grasslands that would make me want stay away during deer season.

A buddy and I were following hog tracks that paralleled a tree line on a western boundary. Some of the tracks eventualy led thru brush and under fence into an approximate 200 yard X 1/2 mile strip of winter wheat on the private land. Just beyond the 200-yard strip of wheat was another tree line with 4 deer blinds - all with the front windows facing back toward the public land.

Any guesses on how many bullets from those four blinds don't stay on the private land? (Ya think hunter orange might be "mandatory" on the Grasslands for a good reason?!?)

Or care to guess how many critters been sniped from the public land while nibblin' or rooting out in that wheat field? DigMe's right - another law for the lawless won't make a rat to such people.

And, with Tejas being such a "private property rights" state with about 600,000 deer hunters, I suspect that any politico-critter who sponsors one of these bills that does get much scrutiny, wiil be looking for a BIG rock to go hide under ...

 

[DigMe]

Since there's little to no cover on the neighbors side, he simply would never get a deer.

They'll get one if they really want to.

"Instant cover... just toss 'em and their spring steel frames expand!"

brad cook

 

[halvey]

I see your point. But I look at it differently, not hunting deer but birds.