I know many states have already implemented this program, but Virginia is finally starting a program where they pay private land owners for sportsman to be able to access their lands. Looks like they have started focusing on some bigger old strip mine areas in the southwest part of the state and are looking to expand. This is exciting news for public land hunters!
That’s great. All states should implement this, Pa has a program similar it’s called Hunter Access Program.
Idaho has had this for several years now, they call it "Access Yes!". I don't know how it'll be set up in Virginia, but here in Idaho it is important that Hunters/Anglers first read about the Access Yes property they plan to use. On several of the properties the property owner has some specific rules in place. Things like, "only park in such and such place", "no shooting coyotes", "contact property owner so they know you're there", etc. There is a link at the IDFG site that directs us to the location and specific rules of the different Access Yes properties.
This a win win. Landowners getting some money for properties they arent using and more access for sportsmen. Cool to me. Those old strip mines might get a visit from me even though they are hours away. Camp out and hunt for a week. Sounds fun.
Hey this might make for a good get together and hunt. And you wouldn't need to buy a out of state license. Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
I know some Appalachian states also introduced elk on former strip mine lands... Though, maybe only KY (that I recall of eastern states) also built the relationships to allow hunting on some of the private tracts.
30,000 acres on one spot. And Sunday hunting which VA public lands dont normally have during the season....
sure beats letting developers buy it, timber it, and pave it. 'you' you as in Brett, or generic 'you' as in the rest of us? B/C the similar program in MI, you still have to buy a non-resident license (assuming you are a NR) regardless if public or private land.
Is it accessible to all without clauses? IL has a private land access program but is by application and then assigned dates and parcels if drawn. No choice on where or when you want to hunt.
Been talking alittle about trying to do a public land get together this year. Just haven't picked a place or time yet. Sure it's going to be a open invite thing. Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
Holy cow! That's some hilly crap! Is that the 30k acre place? I believe I've hunted down near there before. My mom has a house down that way and my older brother lives in it now. That is some rough terrain. Did see plenty of deer and a nice buck last time I was there. That is also Elk country, I believe. Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
Wow! You could spend a lifetime running that place. My moms/ brother place is right out side of St Paul. Not far at all. Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
Should have noted, you can choose county just not individual properties. If I remember correctly it is only open October and December. I looked into it and then said screw it, not for me.
I remember doing the same. Michigan's (last I looked) the owners could set max hunter quotas and it was first come-first serve at the check in stations, but that's more than reasonable (and safe, esp in gun season.)
