Questions about "locked" gate near private land

[Richie]

Last Friday I went out to explore some new area, to me at least, to hunt. I knew ahead of time there was a lot of private land owned by ranchers in the area so I did the research as far as private land boundaries and access roads that would not cross them and get me as close as I could to where i wanted to go. My end result was only a 1/2 mile wide strip of forest land in between two pieces of private land with a access road going right through it. I thought perfect.

 

When i got out there there was a fence line connecting the two pieces of private land the 1/2 mile distance and a gate where the road was. It had a lock on it. dang. Got out and took a closer look. The actual pad lock appeared to be locked but wasn't actually latched.

 

So my questions...is it possible landowners would do this to deter majority of people knowing without access there they have it locked down?and if authorities where contacted they would just say its not locked go look for yourself? or is there something I'm missing where they could lock it? Anyone have experience with something like this? or am i just over thinking?

 

 

[bonecollector777]

You're positive the 1/2 mile piece is forest land? If so as long as it's not a forest service gate they can't keep you out. Sounds like its just a way to keep people out that don't check the lock.

[MuggyMan]

Found the same thing with a gate that had a lock on it but not locked, and I knew it was a section of public land bordering private ranches. We went in and camped there. The locals stopped by on the first day we were there and said "Hi" but that was it. I thought the same thing: the lock was just an attempt to fool those who don't look closer.

[azbow]

You might want to latch the lock closed before you enter and have someone come along and lock you in.....

[oz31p]

Was it posted "private property no hunting"?

[Edge]

Happens everywhere, no hunting, trespassing signs too.

[deercrazy]

That's my take on it. Local ranchers are putting up gates to deter people and sort of "take over" the land.

[ThomC]

It is called "dummy locked", LOL

[Richie]

I checked 5 different resourced maps and every private land app I have and they all matched. No signage whatsoever....Also The private property line border just south of the gate should of been within 100 yards. I walked that direction to see if it was staked/marked off like the maps show and it was. Sounds to me like this isn't the first time someone has seen this which is what I wanted to know. I will say they probably do this because it works. The road up to the gate definitely had signs of being traveled on fairly often but beyond the gate looks like it may of been years...that will change next week. Thanks everyone for the responses. Game on.

[trphyhntr]

when i come across a locked gate, i sing " this land is your land, this land is my land, from california to the new york island."

[wildwoody]

Don't fence me in..

[Richie]

Found this in the regs.....

 

J. The Commission may grant permission to lock or oblit- erate a gate or close a road or trail that provides legally available access to state lands for licensed hunters and fishermen if access to such lands is provided by a reason- able alternate route. Under R12-4-610, the Director may grant a permit to a state land lessee to temporarily lock a gate or close an existing road that provides access to state lands if the taking of wildlife will cause unreasonable inter- ference during a critical livestock or commercial operation. This permit shall not exceed 30 days. Applications for permits for more than 30 days shall be submitted to the Commission for approval. If a permit is issued to tempo- rarily close a road or gate, a copy of the permit shall be posted at the point of the closure during the period of the closure.

 

Just curious if anyone has seen these permits posted out the field before?

[JLW]

Never seen a permit just locked gates which enrages me! Then I move on.

Wonder why people have grinders and dremals. Ever see the gate that has like 10 locks on different links.

 

James

[TonyC]

I've had the samething happen nearby. A "resident" warned me that I wasnt able to pass but there was no signage stating I couldn't enter; however, it did prohibit the use of a vehicle. So.. I travelled by "chevro-legs"

[DesertBull]

This is what is known as "The Master key" -