I can't find any bells to hang from my handlebar that will ring when I ride - does anybody know where I can get some?

THANKS :)

I use a orange safety vest but if you want some bells here is a link.http://www.ares-server.com/Ares/Ares.asp?MerchantID=STK00013&Action=Catalog&Type=Department&ID=84

The Christmas shopping season started two months ago.
You can't find any jingle bells?

How about a feed store for farmers? Maybe they make smaller sized cowbells. The ones they handed out at the T-Mobile race here in San Francisco can be heard from quite a distance.

Ugh...I hate hunting season. I cannot ride on my own property because of the trespassers always hunting illegally. :(

Ugh...I hate hunting season. I cannot ride on my own property because of the trespassers always hunting illegally. :(

MsVicki, Have ever thought of leasing your land to small group of respectful hunters in your area? They would basically police the area for you and run off the poachers.All you need to do is tell them when and where you ride.
Just a suggestion from a deer hunter.

Please don't take it the wrong way. I haven't taken a deer in 3 years and I always take half to a food shelf program on a local Indian reservation.

Ugh...I hate hunting season. I cannot ride on my own property because of the trespassers always hunting illegally. :(

As a hunter, I hate it when people do that. It's become really bad back in my sister's area of Michigan. Too bad law enforcement can't catch all those idiots and hit them with poaching violations. In most states, that could include vehicle confiscation.

MsVicki, Have ever thought of leasing your land to small group of respectful hunters in your area? They would basically police the area for you and run off the poachers.All you need to do is tell them when and where you ride.
Just a suggestion from a deer hunter.

Please don't take it the wrong way. I haven't taken a deer in 3 years and I always take half to a food shelf program on a local Indian reservation.

I haven't ever thought of that, Johnny. Might be something to consider for next year's hunting season.


As a hunter, I hate it when people do that. It's become really bad back in my sister's area of Michigan. Too bad law enforcement can't catch all those idiots and hit them with poaching violations. In most states, that could include vehicle confiscation.

I put "No Trespassing", "Private Property", and "No hunting" signs out....the hunters just take them down, like that will make it okay for them to trespass and hunt. I have found deer stands on my land and have destroyed them or confiscated and sold them. I have called the police...they basically told me that there really wasn't anything they can do. I am friends with the game warden, and he has policed my place some this year, but he is so busy that he has not been able to do it enough to catch someone. My dog has been shot during deer season. I can't ride my trails in my "hundred-acre woods" at all during hunting season for fear of being shot. It has just gotten ridiculous.

I put "No Trespassing", "Private Property", and "No hunting" signs out....the hunters just take them down, like that will make it okay for them to trespass and hunt. I have found deer stands on my land and have destroyed them or confiscated and sold them. I have called the police...they basically told me that there really wasn't anything they can do. I am friends with the game warden, and he has policed my place some this year, but he is so busy that he has not been able to do it enough to catch someone. My dog has been shot during deer season. I can't ride my trails in my "hundred-acre woods" at all during hunting season for fear of being shot. It has just gotten ridiculous.


That really sucks :(

I put "No Trespassing", "Private Property", and "No hunting" signs out....the hunters just take them down, like that will make it okay for them to trespass and hunt.

Here in Montana we have a color code for marking fence posts or tree lines etc...

If the fence posts/trees are marked with RED then it means NO HUNTING. (I think its red. I'm not a hunter.. I fly fish) Normally marked with spay paint. Is there anything like that in your state?

I put "No Trespassing", "Private Property", and "No hunting" signs out....the hunters just take them down, like that will make it okay for them to trespass and hunt. I have found deer stands on my land and have destroyed them or confiscated and sold them. I have called the police...they basically told me that there really wasn't anything they can do.

I find it hard to believe the police think they can't do anything about it down there they sure do up here. Gojohnnygo suggestion is a good idea several of the property owners out here do that for hunters, fisherman, even MTB's they help to police the property and keep it clean for trespassing privileges. Now go to your city or county council and raise a stink on the police doing their job!

Msvick another suggestion is you remove the reason the hunters are there, the deer. There are effective and humane ways to chase the deer from your property. It'll take some looking into and probably some money. then the hunters wil have no reason to even be there.

Is your property fenced in with barb wire? If it it isn't you may want ot consider having it done. If it is then you can electrify the fence. Make sure you lock any and all gates. I know hunters can easily climb and jump over gates and fences but the harder you make it for them the better for you.

Do you have a 4 wheel drive vehicle? If you do then during the hunting season take a drive out onto your property roll down the windows and turn the radio on full blast to scare the deer and let the hunters hear you out there. Have a sign made and put it on the side of your 4x4 that says I own this land get the hell off. If you see them tell then to get the hell off of your property. Are you able to keep track of when they are there. Do you hear them or maybe even see them? If you do then go right out to them and tell them to leave.

If you have a video camera you may want to take it with you & have it set to record for proof.

Good luck.

All good ideas....I am writing all these suggestions down! Thanks!

:)

MsVicki

I have hunted my share of deer, but not on private property with out permision. I was almost ran over by a deer on my way to work last week also! In Tennessee you have to post your property, a. to people will know who to contact about hunting, b. if it's posted the land owner doesn't even have to go to court and file charges against the trespassers, c. the hunter has to cary WRITTEN permission from the land owner or it is an offence if any law enforcement officer stops them, not just conservation officers!

These trespasses are unlawfull and should be punished!



§ 61.022. Taking Wildlife Resources Without Consent of Landowner Prohibited



(a) No person may hunt or catch by any means or method or possess a wildlife resource at any time and at any place covered by this chapter unless the owner of the land or water, or the owner's agent, consents.



(b) Except as provided by Subsection (c), a person who violates Subsection (a) the first time commits an offense that is a Class A Parks and Wildlife Code misdemeanor and is punishable in addition by the revocation or suspension under Section 12.5015 of hunting and fishing licenses and permits.



(c) A person who violates Subsection (a) the first time by killing a desert bighorn sheep, pronghorn antelope, mule deer, or white-tailed deer commits an offense that is a Parks and Wildlife Code state jail felony and is punishable in addition by the revocation or suspension under Section 12.5015 of hunting and fishing licenses and permits.



(d) A second violation of Subsection (a) shall be classified as one category higher than the first violation or a Parks and Wildlife Code felony, whichever is lesser, and is punishable in addition by the revocation or suspension under Section 12.5015 of hunting and fishing licenses and permits.



(e) A third or subsequent violation of Subsection (a) shall be classified as a Parks and Wildlife Code felony and is punishable in addition by the revocation or suspension under Section 12.5015 of hunting and fishing licenses and permits.


This is the law in Texas, but I'm not sure how it's enforced. Good luck. :)

Once I went backpacking in the Daniel Boone National Forest in East Texas. Someone warned me before going that I should be careful from tresspassing on private property, because in Texas, the owner can shoot you on sight. If this is true, the trespassers must have some cajones to do so.

Msvick another suggestion is you remove the reason the hunters are there, the deer. There are effective and humane ways to chase the deer from your property. It'll take some looking into and probably some money. then the hunters wil have no reason to even be there.

Is your property fenced in with barb wire? If it it isn't you may want ot consider having it done. If it is then you can electrify the fence. Make sure you lock any and all gates. I know hunters can easily climb and jump over gates and fences but the harder you make it for them the better for you.

Do you have a 4 wheel drive vehicle? If you do then during the hunting season take a drive out onto your property roll down the windows and turn the radio on full blast to scare the deer and let the hunters hear you out there. Have a sign made and put it on the side of your 4x4 that says I own this land get the hell off. If you see them tell then to get the hell off of your property. Are you able to keep track of when they are there. Do you hear them or maybe even see them? If you do then go right out to them and tell them to leave.

If you have a video camera you may want to take it with you & have it set to record for proof.

Good luck.

I'd be pretty careful about doing things. The reason I said things got bad in my sister's area(they own a farm), is that when landowners tried to tell the people to leave, their lives were threatened. Deer are very adaptive. It would be hard to keep them out. Fences for deer are 10 feet high. Maybe she could find a way to get a permanent dye on her No Trespassing signs. Find a way to shield it from rain, so when they take the sign down it stains their hands for a long time. Maybe a dark purple.

I'd be pretty careful about doing things. The reason I said things got bad in my sister's area(they own a farm), is that when landowners tried to tell the people to leave, their lives were threatened. Deer are very adaptive. It would be hard to keep them out. Fences for deer are 10 feet high. Maybe she could find a way to get a permanent dye on her No Trespassing signs. Find a way to shield it from rain, so when they take the sign down it stains their hands for a long time. Maybe a dark purple.

Yes she should be careful wen confronting trespassers. Notice I did not, nor did anyone else suggest that she arms hersefl with a weapon. That will only lead to more trouble then anyone involved wants to handle. But she still has a right to protect her property.

I'll give you an example on what happened to my wife and I shortly afte we bought our house. We live in the city. Behind our house in the back is a ravine along the south and east sides of my property. The city calls it an alley way even though you can not drive back there. Its full of trees basically a very small forest area. It is considered a city easment. I share the property line with 2 neighbors. When we first bought our house we found out that kids liked to go through this area as a short cut home. When I found out and caught them doing it one day I said no more. You can use the sidewalk and go around. Being smart aleck kids they argued with me about it and said they'd tell their parents. They did and when their parents came to confront me on it I told them they have no right trespassing on my property. The main reason being if they got hurt I could be held responsible for it. Of course the parents argued with me about it and it was not resolved at that point, the kids continued to trespass.

So I decided I'd put a stop to it. One day I was in the back yard with my dog they started coming through so I sent the dog after them. Now my dog would not bite anyone, she's a Samoyed, one of the gentelest breeds on earth and she has never been trained to attack anyone. In fact she wanted to play with them, but they did not know that. Their parents came and confronted me again. I told them I would not allow it and I will do what I have to to stop it. They said they'd call the police I said be my guest here use my phone. They decided not to get the police in volved, I think they realized their kids were in the wrong and so were they for allowing that kind of behavior. Needless to say they have not trespassed through my ravine since.

Bottom line unless a person the postman, utility person, a kid selling something, (girl scouts, boy scouts, etc.) or I invite you I don't like anyone on my property.

....so I sent the dog after them....

Man, are you lucky they didn't call the cops! Around here, that's considered attempted assault.

You folk are crazy.

I'd be pretty careful about doing things. The reason I said things got bad in my sister's area(they own a farm), is that when landowners tried to tell the people to leave, their lives were threatened. Deer are very adaptive. It would be hard to keep them out. Fences for deer are 10 feet high.
What you say is true!!! That is why I told MsVicky it would be better for her to let a respected local group of hunters lease her land. Believe me they know how to deal with the poachers.In a peaceful manner but also in an intimidating way.

Man, are you lucky they didn't call the cops! Around here, that's considered attempted assault.

Actually I know that, but I don't think Iowa has a law on attempted assault. And I never would have done it my dog was a guard dog, such as a german shepard or a doberman. And remember they wanted to call the police I offered to let them use my phone, this was at my house.

Ms. Vicki
Around here the sheriff is too busy to catch poachers so I call the game warden. These guys have fun with fake deer and hiding in hat bales to catch poachers at night with lights. i.e. they will goto exremes to help you. The lease idea is also a good one.

Good luck
Joe

Thanks again for all the suggestions. I have already contacted my game warden friend again to see if he can help me with this so I will not be banned off my own property!

This is the kind of hunter I like!

As a Outdoorsman, Hunting, Fishing, MTB, Hiking, and just enjoying not being on a ship (when I'm not that is). People who trespass just tick my off to no end.

As an ethical hunter I do everything in my power to ensure that we can hunt or fish where it is legal. The poachers are breaking the law and need to face the music.

The true outdoors man will be glad to help you police your area, and if you can come to an ageement with them, you might even gat some game meat out of it( if you want it). I usually offer that as thank you to the private property owners who allow me to use their propery, espescially when the deer, or ather animals are also being a problem, IE eating from your garden or the varmints are attacking your pets.