This goes out to all those kind people in the world who let others, whether they are friends, family, or acquaintances, use their private property. Throughout my childhood, my parents allowed almost anyone, who asked, to use it for whatever purpose. Typically hunting. But did you catch that? I said, who asked. There are so many common courtesy rules that we all seem to forget when it comes to using other people’s things.
1. Ask the owner.
You should never feel okay with using something of someone else’s unless you ask first. I don’t care if the property was or wasn’t posted. Be a good person and out of respect ask to use something that doesn’t belong to you.
2. Pick up after yourself.
Don’t leave any trash or debris around. That shows a lack of respect and care for something that doesn’t belong to you. Don’t be gross.
3. Pick up after others.
If you see anything that doesn’t belong there such as a Dunkin Donuts coffee cup lying out in the same forest you're hunting in, then do the landowner and the environment a favor and pick it up. It doesn’t matter if it belongs to you or not. This is about doing the right thing.
4. Respect the owners' set of rules.
Most owners have their own set of rules for the property you are using so be a polite human and respect whatever it is they have set out. If you don’t like the rules go find someone else who vibes better with you.
5. Remember to thank the owner.
This should just go without saying.
I was lucky enough to come across this incredible hiking spot in Willsboro, New York called Rattlesnake Mountain. Now, I don’t know who owns this beautiful piece of land but I am so incredibly thankful it has been opened up to the public. The view from the top is a stunning shot of the Willsboro Peninsula with Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains of Vermont in the background. Not only is the view breathtaking but regardless of how many people are hiking that day, the wildlife is always in abundance. On my most recent trip up, I spotted a deer my first 15 feet on the trail, then I saw a very healthy snake (super befitting because of the name of the mountain), and I was lucky enough to witness two ravens feeding their young. It was so neat because they were tucked up in a rock wall a little way off the beaten path. If I hadn’t taken that trail, I would have completely missed out on that moment.
Just remember to be thankful for the folks who let you use their land or property of any sort. They didn’t have to let you use it so treat it better than you would treat your own! Remember those five things next time you want to use something that isn’t yours. Saying thank you goes a long way.
