DUMMERSTON — The Dummerston Conservation Commission would like Windham County woodland owners, who currently post their land with “No Hunting” signs which make it a violation to hunt, to consider an alternative.
Since 2013, landowners can post signs allowing “Hunting by Permission Only,” which is legally enforceable by the game warden serving Windham County, Kelly Price, whose home number is 802-251-2171.
The reason for this law is to allow more lands to be hunted, which helps to improve our forests' health and, in addition, our own health. Deer browsing has profound implications for Windham County's forested ecosystems.
Overabundant deer (as is the case in Windham County) threatens the growth of new trees and endangered plant species, reduces cover and feed for other wildlife, and destroys habitat for nesting songbirds. The deer damage crops, gardens, and flowers and bushes around people's homes.
And, according to Jeff Ward of the Agricultural Extension Department of the University of Connecticut, they lead to an increase in invasive plants. More invasive shrubby plants lead to more ticks (12 times more) that flourish in the moist climate the invasives create, which leads to more Lyme Disease.
Regulated hunting is a wildlife management tool that effectively controls deer densities. “Hunting by Permission” will give the landowners in Windham County the flexibility they need to allow access to most Vermont hunters, while maintaining control over their lands.
Landowners should know that they are not liable for personal injury, nor property damage claims, by members of the public who access their land or water free of charge for recreational purposes. In fact, many woodland owners find it helps them have more eyes on their property, with hunters they trust.
Requirements for landowners posting “Hunting by Permission Only” signs are the same as the requirements for posted signs.
Landowners will still be required to register their land annually with the town clerk and pay a $5 fee, and they will still be required to sign and date all signs annually. The sign size, lettering, and 400 foot spacing requirements will follow current posting regulations.
Landowners must include contact information on these signs. These landowners will also be ineligible for a landowner antlerless deer permit.
These signs are available in Brattleboro at Brown and Roberts Hardware on Main Street and Fireside True Value on Putney Road.