Hey SB

[Doc & Nash]

There has been alot of talk lately about perm. blind on public waterways and decoys being left out all year to "reserve a spot". What does the law say about the "first come, first serve" Would a owner of such blind have the right to get the law involved because they were hunting his blind.

Not to put you on the spot but what is your take on this???

[Bustin' Ducks]

Sure would suck to come back to no decoys....lol

[Red_Head]

A blind on PUBLIC WATERWAYS is a PUBLIC BLIND. That is the honest truth, no matter how you want to look at it.

If you get to your Perm. Blind on a public waterway and there is someone in it, you might want to be alittle earlier the next day. Some people might would give it to you, but if I busted my booty to get there before you I sure hate it if you are late.

[SB]

I've "loosely" followed the discussion. I can only speak about MDWFP management areas due those being the only areas I have jurisdiction, per se. I know this is a hot topic and all states handle it differently. Some areas have unwritten rules where the blind "owner/builder" has sole hunting rights on opening day. Other days it is first come first serve, unless the supposedly blind owner shows up then those occupying the structure are evicted. A rule and regulation that you will most often see the MDWFP impose on its areas is: "No boats, blinds or decoys are to be left out over night". Another rule and reg. one might see regarding deer hunting is: "No permanent stands allowed". These regulations are to prevent anyone from "claiming" their spot. This also prevents hunter confrontation if he/she shows to get in their stand/blind and somebody else is already in it. We view our WMAs as everyone having equal opportunity to hunt a location. These areas are public. We have to manage the public in order to manage the wildlife. I know of one area where a fist fight broke out over a duck hole and have seen relatives fight over a spot in a ditch to catch crayfish. Most all problems could be prevented by practicing common courtesy. I aware of TN having some problems of blinds on public water, and I'm sure other states are also. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. I fully support the MDWFP's rules and regulations preventing this on WMAs and hope it doesn't change anytime soon.

[judge jb]

good answer Scott..... everyone should take his advise to the bank.... a phone call to your local WMA about the situation will keep you clear of any problems..... it is them unwritten rules that make a mess out of everything......

judge jb

[Doc & Nash]

I hope I did not put you on the spot but it seems to me that people are claiming public land as their personal spot. Last I check we all pay taxes on the same property.

The reasoning behing my questions is due to a small argument between "friends" over hunting a specific location in the Mud Hole. The blind does have a permit on it and the "owner" got upset over someone huntig it when he was not around. Ended up in a group of friends ending a friendship over a technicality. Kinda sucks if you ask me. But I just thought I would ask.

[Dutch Dog]

The mud hole bunch seem to have their own set of rules. Seems as if you haven't been hunting the mud hole for the past 273 years, and you put a blind up it mysteriously gets burned down. There would be a lot of weightless blaze orange decoys floating around of my blind got burned down I can guarantee you that.

[Doc & Nash]

Well I will have one out there next year and I promise this, If my blind gets burned then there will not be one blind left in that God forsaken hole by the time I get through. I do not give a dang who did it.

[Jordan River]

In TN, blinds are drawn. If the blindholder isn't there by shoot time, the blind is open to first come, first serve. Sounds fair to me. This is for WMA areas. As far as strictly public places goes, I would think hunting situations are different. If I park my car on a public street, I do not expect to have anyone get in and use it. If I found a good spot to hunt in public areas, I would haul in and out everytime I went; so, if anyone else wanted to hunt there, they would have the opportunity. Building a permanent blind for private use on public waterways should not be allowed, in my opinion. Of course, I'm new to this and would go with anyone just to learn the sport; right now, I don't care if I shoot or not. I believe the public areas are for all of us. If you want a permanent blind, lease some land!

[deltadrake]

Okay doc and nash what kind of mess have you gotten into now? I know you and I have been in trouble duck hunting before....ie Tunica. When is you next trip to God's Country? Tell the kids I said hello and I will tell you wife goodbye later tonight myself.......