Locked Blind

[Da goat]

New to duck hunting. Went out to a blind on public land and it was locked up. I know the blind was built by the person who locks it up, just didn't think you could lock people out on public land. Is this legal? Like I said new to waterfowl hunting.

[dreamunelk]

Are you sure it is public land?

[Da goat]

Positive.

[Dan-o]

If I were 100% positive that it was on public land, I would feel free to unlock it and use it.

I'd do as little damage as possible, but I wouldn't hesitate to unlock and use it.

We all own that land in common.

[Da goat]

I may do that. I know it's on public land I also understand that this person took the time to build it and doesn't want it messed up.

[dreamunelk]

If it is on public lands contact the manager for that land.  Anyone who builds a blind and locks it on public land is not someone with a full deck IMO. 
Do you know who manages the land?

[winslow]

It's no different than a shelter on public land. Like Dan-o said, we all own that land in common.

[sakoshooter]

If you're sure it's public land, I'd call WDFW Enforcement. You shouldn't have to deal with unlocking a blind every time you want to use 'public' land.

[h2ofowlr]

If they are locked on public land they have a tendency to be removed or burned down.

[270Shooter]

Bolt cutters if you want to hunt it that bad. Locking a blind on public land is dumb, just asking for people to mess with it.

[birddogdad]

Is it a portable blind that was "placed there"? did this person bring it in or is it stick built and permanent? If it is a portable blind, would you grab a boat that was anchored on public land and use it? just saying... there is a fine line between private property left unattended on public  land and public property... step with caution....

[Dan-o]

Good point.

I read the original post as the blind being "built there".   Sounds like a structure, in which case I'd feel free to leave it there and use it.

Even if it's a temporary structure, it's on public land.    I'd have no problem using it.   Maybe I'm wrong???   

[cryfowl]

If it's a permanent blind, use it.  If it's a floating, moveable blind, then I would not use it.  Be like me saying your boats moored up on public water so I should get to use it since you aren't.

[cryfowl]

Guess I should gave read all the posts.......what birddogdad said....lol

[100 grain]

  naches sportsman that's hilarious!!! My opinion on the matter is "public land"- that's our blind no matter who built it. Treat it as if you spent the time building it though. Youd be pi$$ed if someone wrecked your blind. Then again who the he\\ locks things on public land of your not a manager or wdfw! Cut that lock and leave a note!

[hdshot]

A float blind is NOT like a boat unless it has numbers and is licensed.  On public land use is because NO ONE can claim ownership with out the paper work.     

[h2ofowlr]

What was the final outcome on this?  Did you use the 12 gauge key to get it unlocked?   

[baker5150]

If I were 100% positive that it was on public land, I would feel free to unlock it and use it.

I'd do as little damage as possible, but I wouldn't hesitate to unlock and use it.

We all own that land in common.

So, if you park your car on public land and lock it, I can unlock it and use your car?   

Sorry, had to play devils advocate.

[h20hunter]

Not even remotely the same thing. A car and a public use blind are apples and oranges.

[CP]

If I were 100% positive that it was on public land, I would feel free to unlock it and use it.

I'd do as little damage as possible, but I wouldn't hesitate to unlock and use it.

We all own that land in common.

So, if you park your car on public land and lock it, I can unlock it and use your car?   

Sorry, had to play devils advocate.

If you park it by a pond and cover it with grass, then yes.

Public Conduct on WDFW Lands –
…

Unattended blinds are available to the public on a “first-come-first-serve” basis. These rules were designed to provide an equal opportunity for all users.

[Badhabit]

I would agree with being able to use a blind left on public property. Nothing in the regs says the blind can be vandalized  by someone wanting to hunt in it by tearing off the lock. I'm curious whether or not the public can use a boat blind that is anchored up and displaying current registration. There's a few boat blinds in the Potholes, I think they are all towed out and moved around to different locations. One guy has a houseboat blind that he can sleep and cook in. Pretty cool setup. I know I'd be upset if it was mine and I show up one morning and someone is camping in my houseboat.

[full choke]

I would agree with being able to use a blind left on public property. Nothing in the regs says the blind can be vandalized  by someone wanting to hunt in it by tearing off the lock. I'm curious whether or not the public can use a boat blind that is anchored up and displaying current registration. There's a few boat blinds in the Potholes, I think they are all towed out and moved around to different locations. One guy has a houseboat blind that he can sleep and cook in. Pretty cool setup. I know I'd be upset if it was mine and I show up one morning and someone is camping in my houseboat.

I agree to an extent, but what gives a guy the right to tow it out there and just leave it? What if you wanted to hunt that particular location and there was a big house boat sitting there? That to me is the bigger issue. By leaving it there and assuming someone won't use it, they are essentially locking up public land. I call BS on that tactic. Same as that thread earlier about parking their trucks and blocking the boat ramps- guys know exactly what they are doing. They are trying to keep you from hunting "their" spot. I have lost patience with it on public land. Happens waaay to much these days. And too many people just say oh well, I will hunt somewhere else. That only strengthens their claim.

[baker5150]

Not even remotely the same thing. A car and a public use blind are apples and oranges.

I got the impression it was a private blind on public land 

 

[h20hunter]

Nope.....

Somebody assumed they could lock up a blind on public land and make it their own.

[MADMAX]

cut the lock

problem over

[Badhabit]

I have no issues with someone showing up and making a blind next to the houseboat or even roping off to it but don't break into it. Who knows what could happen if the owner caught someone in his house boat. As for trying to reserve or hoard a spot on public land back in the dunes you can only imagine what kind of craziness goes on. I've found lanterns, empty set up tents, bags of decoys, left out decoys, strobe lights, empty boat. the bag of tricks used to keep someone off the "X" is impressive. The guides on the PH's know that their floating blinds are first come first serve. Sure they may grumble if they show up with a boat full of clients and have to move to blind b, c or d but they know the rules. Locking a permanent blind on public land is an invitation for trouble IMO. I'm sure some creative types could play some practical jokes on the builder and make him wish he hadn't locked it.

[h2ofowlr]

Super glue in the lock can also make a statement for the guy that locks it on public land.
A few years back I had groomed some willows pretty good over the years to make a very nice natural looking blind.  Someone came in and ruined it by adding 4x4's plywood, old military netting, etc because they didn't like getting wet.  You could finish the birds at 15 yards without flaring them.  The beast they built flared the hell out of the birds.  We ripped it all out.

If you head out to a good area and try to take it over by building a blind and then locking it, the lock will be removed one way or the other.  If it becomes a pissing match over others shooting it, next visit the stihl comes out and blind will be removed.  Pretty easy to deal with nobs!

[BiggLuke]

It's unlawful to build any kind of permanent structure on public land.

RCW... which I can locate if you wish.... State's that the construction of blinds must be temporary and destroyed or removed by the end of the day.
If you make one out of natural stuff, like branches and grass, same rule applies. Although, nobody get's butt hurt about leaving a few sticks next to a pond... that's full of sticks.

But yeah dude... I'd call WDFW and tell 'em about the blind. who knows... maybe it is some university bird watching site maintained by the state....?

[TheHunt]

The whole guides on the Pot Holes is awesome.  You have the WDFW and sheriff on your phone get on the best spot get in the blind or setup next to them before they get there.  Take video of the empty blind to use when the LEO's are called.  Rip their decoys out of the water because they cannot be left over night.  You get the picture...