How do gates work on state lands?

[aman]

I scouted some DNR property and will be going east over the weekend and hopefully fill a turkey tag. I was curious how do gates on the state lands work? Can i open them and drive in? Can I park in front of the gate and walk in? Can I park and climb over?

Never been out there so would love to get your advice.

[bobcat]

Usually if they're closed, they're locked. If no lock then I suppose you could open it and drive in. If you don't, someone else probably will. Parking at the gate and walking in is usually what you will be doing. Just be sure to have your Discover pass if parked on DNR land. If you're on the county right of way you don't need it.

[Bullkllr]

Keep in mind that blocking any gate with a vehicle, whether on public or someone else's property, is normally a very bad idea.

[chester]

Usually if they're closed, they're locked. If no lock then I suppose you could open it and drive in.

Remember before doing this they can close and lock it at any time.

[bonecollector12]

I work for the DNR. If it’s closed/locked it’s shut down to motorized vehicles, don’t block it, you will get towed. And depending on the area it could see a lot of state traffic during the week so always take that into consideration

[bobcat]

Usually if they're closed, they're locked. If no lock then I suppose you could open it and drive in.

Remember before doing this they can close and lock it at any time.

Right. And I normally wouldn't do that unless it's a gate I'm familiar with that's supposed to be open. That's the problem with a closed, unlocked gate. You don't know who closed it.

[KFhunter]

Usually if they're closed, they're locked. If no lock then I suppose you could open it and drive in. If you don't, someone else probably will. Parking at the gate and walking in is usually what you will be doing. Just be sure to have your Discover pass if parked on DNR land. If you're on the county right of way you don't need it.

 

Just don't block the ATV access trail around the gate when it is locked 

[jmscon]

Not to thread jack but...

I came across some DNR land that had a very well maintained barbed wire fence with cattle on it. Does DNR have grazing leases and can a ordinary citizen go on that property while the lease is active?

[KFhunter]

Not to thread jack but...

I came across some DNR land that had a very well maintained barbed wire fence with cattle on it. Does DNR have grazing leases and can a ordinary citizen go on that property while the lease is active?

Yup have at it, if it's allowable without cattle its the same with cattle, cattle make no difference.

[jmscon]

Not to thread jack but...

I came across some DNR land that had a very well maintained barbed wire fence with cattle on it. Does DNR have grazing leases and can a ordinary citizen go on that property while the lease is active?

Yup have at it, if it's allowable without cattle its the same with cattle, cattle make no difference.

Thanks,
Carry on

[aman]

Thanks guys! Heading out solo tomorrow.

[kevinlisa06]

Thanks guys! Heading out solo tomorrow.

Best way to hunt is solo in my opinion! Good luck!


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[aman]

I checked out 4 different properties and no luck so far 

I spent the entire day yesterday at one of the properties west of Spokane and I did not see a single flock. Once I got back to my car at night I heard them gobbling. I also heard them gobbling in the morning but I could not find them at all. They are not very talkative. I did see a few on private while driving around Medical Lake.

Any advice on what to do when they are quiet?

[slavenoid]

I checked out 4 different properties and no luck so far 

I spent the entire day yesterday at one of the properties west of Spokane and I did not see a single flock. Once I got back to my car at night I heard them gobbling. I also heard them gobbling in the morning but I could not find them at all. They are not very talkative. I did see a few on private while driving around Medical Lake.

Any advice on what to do when they are quiet?

Yeah pick out a nice tree to rest your back on and take a nap.

[netcoyote]

I do volunteer trail work for DNR and have keys to some of the gates for trail access.  Please don't park in front of the gate at any time, day, night, weekday, weekend as we sometimes have trail crews coming and going at any time, not to mention the DNR work crews. You can't tell by the looks of the road either, just because they look overgrown doesn't mean they aren't being used.  And WHATEVER you do, please don't think it's ok to set up targets and shoot down the road. Can't tell you how many times I've driven around a corner up to a gate and find myself staring down a gun.
All the gates that are closed in my area are locked but other DNR managers may have different policies. As someone mentioned, unless it is marked otherwise, a closed gate could be locked at anytime before you get back.

[KFhunter]

Just don't block the ATV access trail around the gate when it is locked 

Surprised no one said anything about this, I don't think I've seen a DNR gate what wasn't being driven around illegally by ATV's, just keep them open or prevent illegal access.  It's so rampant that it might as well be de facto legal, keeps people who try to follow the laws locked out while most others just ignore the gate.  Some even set up camp at the gate then drive around the gate hunting with ATV's.


can't beat them join them?

[hunter399]

Just don't block the ATV access trail around the gate when it is locked 

Surprised no one said anything about this, I don't think I've seen a DNR gate what wasn't being driven around illegally by ATV's, just keep them open or prevent illegal access.  It's so rampant that it might as well be de facto legal, keeps people who try to follow the laws locked out while most others just ignore the gate.  Some even set up camp at the gate then drive around the gate hunting with ATV's.


can't beat them join them?

I'm about ready to join them.Last year hunting some state land ,gated,walked in ,here comes four wheeler where about 100 yards from each other ,he turns around and leaves before I could ask WTF.
Just sick of it.
Rant over.

[KFhunter]

At least he left, I've had em ride right on by.   


Getting to where I don't even walk roads behind locked gates anymore unless it's midweek with less chances of seeing an atv.    Last year I got peeved a locked gate I wanted to walk behind had a bunch of campers set up right at the gate blocking the whole area, then they had all their ATV's on the wrong side of the gate.  They basically took ownership of a huge swath of public land by doing that, I hate walking through people's camp, good thing I didn't have a tree stand setup back there.