Started On 7/11/2009

Indiana has finally begun a program called Hunters helping Farmers, although in reality, we know it`s a mutual benefit to both parties.

Hunters fill out an online application and select two counties they would like to gain access to land to hunt in, and area farmers can view the applications, and decide whether they want to interview the hunters.

I had been suggesting this very thing for some time, and heard the usual naysayers and their list of reasons something like this wouldn`t work, but lo and behold, I have my application filled out and in place. We`ll see if it works, and I hope for the average guy, who keeps losing access, or can`t get hunting access to a decent place on private ground, that it`s a huge success. Ditto for the farmers, the guys who are feeding these ever increasing herds, and would love to see many anterless deer removed from the herd.
As an added benefit, it would be great if some of the deer taken from these arrangements could be donated to Hunters Feeding the Hungry, another wonderful program.

Posted 8/22/2009
00:11

The ODNR conducted a survey to begin collecting data on this topic. Like DBG I hope this one take off in Ohio, it sure would open up some hunting areas that were either unknown or just tough to get permission to.

Posted 8/21/2009
22:52

There's talk of starting that in Ohio too. I hope it happens.

Posted 8/28/2009
22:35

Even once initiated, it may take a few years to take off, and really develope into a program of any force, but I honestly think it has merit, and will be a benefit to all parties involved. Best of all, farmers have some relief from crop damage, and we get to eat tasty, corn-fed venison.