what about the idiots on atvs

[jimmoore]

We don't have snowmobiles here in Arkansas, but all terrain vehicles are just as bad. I have low spot of land that water stands on in the winter. Atvs come and use to go "muddin". They rut the ground all up and I have to mow over the ruts in the summer months. jim

 

[ERNIEB]

What your question and the snowmobile question have in common is trespassing. I find it interesting that the attitudes toward this vary so much around the USA.
In Texas a warning is required. it can be by signage or certain markings, or it can be verbal. Once warned a person can be arrested.
At least in South Texas property is almost sacred. I was raised not to go on anothers land, signs or not, without first gaining permission. You didn't cut across someones property, even if it meant walking five miles around it.
Probably, everone has seen the old western movie, where the cowboys ride up to a ranch house, and advise the novice not to step down until invited to do so. I often have people drive up to my house and remain in their vehicle untill I go out and ask them to step out. It's common practice in rural South Texas.
Geting back to your question. I would check the laws of Arkansas and follow through. Even if it meant filing charges. They are not just trespassing, they are damaging your land.
ErnieB

 

[Anonymous Poster]

I know of a similar situation, but this guy out of frustration dug the "low spot" out a bit. I drove by and his "trap" worked, there was a Bronco nose down steep with the water over the hood. Just big enough so it would nose in, not drown anyone. I wonder if the Bronco's been back after they finally towed it out?

 

[LazyK]

Man or vehicle traps are truly tempting ways to make a point re:tresspassing, envasion of privacy,
disregard for posted property or any violation of common rules of sense or respect. BUT...(long speech of the lawyerly variety ...) Boring!

When I lived in Alaska, a most satisfying and effective solution to interlopers on posted property was to open fire into the ground with a few semi-auto handguns with a good yell that next time someone might get hit cuz we might not be so drunk and peaceful-like.

These days I live in Washington State, try to preserve 50 or so acres of groomed horse facilities, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes from 3 level II Schutzhund trained Rotts working with my wife and me. So far, no problems...yeah, right!?

Lazy K - Chip

 

[Thomas]

jim,
I guess you could almost compare atv's when it comes to mud like young bear at bee hives,for there a chance of damage. /w3tcompact/icons/frown.gif

When atv's first came out in these parts it got out of hand, /w3tcompact/icons/crazy.gifso bad that the City of Lebanon banned all atv's on public land. /w3tcompact/icons/shocked.gif
Just some bad apples showed no common sence and respect!!
Now only atv's can only ride on state trails after they play a yearly fee,or they own land and with permission from land owners.

Most snowmobiler clubs have also banned atv's on there trails from May until the first good snow fall do to trail damage.

I know what you mean about mowing after a atv has been done playing,for some like to go thru a hay field just before its cut,and once the hay pack down.../w3tcompact/icons/mad.gif

Oh by the way on the farm we use Polairs Sportsman 500 atv,and its comes in darn handy. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Thomas..NH /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

 

[TexasJeff]

I was susprised about the problems of people trespassing on someone else's land. Born in GA raised there till 10. When my father and I went hunting or fishing someone else's land was sacred. Then moved to Texas for the next 33 years. With Texas being mostly privately owned(94% roughly), private property means (PRIVATE PROPERTY)do not enter trespass ect. But I am a firm believer in fences not only for my horses, but to let someone else know the boundaries of MY LAND Yes I am possessive. But to Me with my Southern raising, going on any one else's property without permission was just not done!!!

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Know what you mean about the peace of mind. We have German Shepherd Dogs, and actively train Schutzhund (Tri-County Schutzhund Verein of Western New York). We have a SchH 3 dog that has also done some suit, hidden sleeve and muzzle work, a SchH 2 Kkl 2 dog that should get his 3 in the spring, and a young dog who got his 'B' in the fall and should get his 1 sometime next year.

Now, I ain't prejudiced, but them Rottweilers all look alike to me . I have decoyed for Rotts, but have never handled one for more than a few minutes. I think I would prefer to try a Malinois, but that is just personal preference for speed over raw power.

We tolerate the snow mobiles and ATV's as long as they do no damage. After all, we do ask some of the local farmers to let us train our dogs to track in their hay fields. New York State law provides for a release of liability for land owners who allow ATVs, snow mobiles, hunters, dog training, etc. activities on their property as long as no fee is charged.

 

[M. Sullivan]

Problem here is hunters. I personally always ask, even though law says if it's not posted one can consider it open--have never been told no (and often get tips on best spots/times). Found it very effective to take the cam-corder with me when confronting someone. Sheriff says he'd be more than happy to write a trespass with a video--otherwise he gives a warning the first time. That alone has solved the more troublesome repeat offenders. If someone doesn't have enough common sense to ask for permission I don't want them around. Would seriously consider taping especially if they'e destroying property.

Would not recommend traps or warning shots, as said leagal beagles can make hay with it. Only time I employ the latter is when someone is in the woodlot plinking like an idiot. A couple rounds over the tress settles them right down!

 

[ERNIEB]

I have to agree with M. Sullivan. The use of traps, shooting, or Shutzhund opens you up to the chance of a lawsuit. As I said earlier, I would use the law.
ErnieB

 

[Anonymous Poster]

I certainly agree that any use of traps or directed force would be a serious liability issue.

Perhaps you got the impression I let my dogs run free to harrass trespassers. Nothing could be further from the truth. I have never sent a dog to bite an unprotected human. If I saw you while I was running one of my dogs the dog would be laying down before we reached each other. If you got belligerent, though, the dog would not wait for a command before he got up and investigated you. He still wouldn't touch you without a command or an overt attack by you. I consider having dogs that know how to protect very similar to owning a firearm; a good thing to have, fun to train with, and hope to God you never have to use it in real life.