Seven Ways to Be a Good Land User
Landowners who permit you to use their land for outdoor recreational activities are not only doing you a favor, they are placing their trust in you. Here are seven ways you can prove their trust is not misplaced.
Always Ask for Permission
Always ask permission, whether or not there are signs on the property requesting that you do so, and regardless of who owns it (a private individual or a business). If you don’t know who the landowner is, use your resources, and you will be surprised at how easy it is to find out.
- Contact the town office to determine the name of the landowner(s).
- Look up the person's or business's contact information online, and give them a call.
When mapping out where you'd like to go, keep in mind that railroad and utility corridors are not public rights of way and still require landowner permission. Also, don't be afraid to reach out to landowners who have posted their land. You may be pleasantly surprised at how many of them will allow access to someone who has the courtesy to ask first. Once a landowner has granted you permission, be sure to check in with them every year before the start of the season. Don't assume permission is indefinite.
Learn What Matters Most to the Landowner
Learn what matters most to the landowner, and abide by all special requests they make, including where you can or cannot drive or park a vehicle, and which specific activities are allowed. Some landowners may require permits for certain activities. If so, respect that request. Look at any such requests from the landowner's point of view, and act with their best interests in mind whenever you use the land. Some landowners dread various seasons of the year, believing the associated activities limit their use of their own property. It's your job to make sure whoever owns the land you're using never feels that way. If we as a recreational community can't respect landowners' wishes, we can only expect more private land to be closed to public use.
Provide Detailed Information
If requested, give the landowner your name, address, phone number, and vehicle description, and consider using pre-printed Landowner/Land User Courtesy Cards (PDF). Good, thorough communication is a great way to build mutual respect.
Know Your Boundaries
Learn the geographic property boundaries of the land you have permission to use, and stay within them. There is no excuse for trespassing—it's a crime enforceable by all state, county, and municipal law enforcement officers, and if convicted, you may lose any license issued by the MDIFW.
Keep It Clean
Remember that you are a guest. Always leave the land as you found it, if not better. If you see trash that someone else left, pick it up.
Keep It Legal
Always obey the law, be safe and ethical, and report any land abuse that you witness. Land abuse is a very serious problem in Maine, and each year, access to private property is lost because of it. Put yourself in the landowner's shoes and help ensure that violators are prosecuted. If you see a violation occurring, contact Operation Game Thief at 1-800-ALERT-US [1-800-253-7887].
Say Thank You
Thank the landowner for the opportunity to use their property for recreation. They'll love hearing that you enjoyed it, and that you recognize and appreciate their generosity.