public land question

[pulleye16]

Lightning: If we are still talking about stands, the highlighted area is correct, however, Cameras are fine...for 14 days

[BoxMN]

I follow, but they don't specify a time on the portable stands. I would think it would be kind of ridiculous for the law to state you must take a stand down when you leave to go get lunch, knowing that most hunters may likely go back for evening, at least.

I think what they are getting at is that you can't leave your stuff laying around when you are done with it, i.e. after the season. But I don't know.

I do have a question in a contact at DNR enforcement, and will report what I get back. The Capt. is on vac today though.

The funny thing is that once again it shows how hard it is when honest people, trying to do the right thing, and reading the same rules put out by the DNR, can't figure out the darn rules and regs...

edit - i.e. it says the use of portables is "recommended" but goes on to "not" say you "can't" use nails... too much fluffy word usage in those "regs"

[Bear55]

Thats a good idea bear55, but the idiots will learn to do the same thing an youll be left wondering how they got that one, wont take long for theives to figure it out.

No it won't keep everyone out, just the honest ones. If they want your camera bad enough they will find a way.

I have managed for about 8 years now to run cams on public land without having any stolen. They key to my luck is putting them in either super remote northern mn locations or putting them in hard to access areas, the wetter the better! Some knee boots and a swamp will keep just about everyone away from your cams.

[Boar]

Yea the best defense is always a great offense.

[BoxMN]

FWIW, I got a reply today from DNR enforcement, and on public land in State Forests (not WMA's) you CAN leave a protable stand or a camera out overnight, and for up to 14 days before it is called "abandoned". After that people can take it. But if you "move" it you start the "days" over. If nobody knows it is out there, there won't be a problem, you just need to not leave it there (i.e. litter). IF anybody is using your stand out there, you need to leave them use it until they get down, but they can't claim it as their property unless it was in same spot for 14 days.

I am fine with that answer, and answers the question about cams, but certainly won't stop people from stealing them, I am sure... I will "hide" mine a bit better