Post by: RifleRidge on November 17, 2012, 10:06:26 PM
Post by: mdbuck5x5 on November 17, 2012, 10:30:15 PM
Post by: shoot-em-dead on November 17, 2012, 10:32:52 PM
Post by: RifleRidge on November 17, 2012, 10:33:56 PM
I am thinking about tracks that are not used by UP or AmTrack...
Railroad tracks that are pretty much not in use... in rural areas...
Post by: Angus on November 17, 2012, 10:52:31 PM
Yeah, very good point. Thank you !
I am thinking about tracks that are not used by UP or AmTrack...
Railroad tracks that are pretty much not in use... in rural areas...
Are you talking about the tracks in Yacolt? I saw a 2 point walking along those tracks Thursday, unfortunately I was in my work truck and could only watch. :bash:
Wish I could bring my gun or bow to work, would of been done a long time ago. :chuckle:
Post by: RifleRidge on November 17, 2012, 10:55:08 PM
Are you talking about the tracks in Yacolt? I saw a 2 point walking along those tracks Thursday, unfortunately I was in my work truck and could only watch. :bash:
Wish I could bring my gun or bow to work, would of been done a long time ago. :chuckle:
In town I am guessing :dunno:
Post by: Kc_Kracker on November 17, 2012, 11:23:14 PM
Post by: RifleRidge on November 17, 2012, 11:30:01 PM
Rails and recreation do not mix.
If there are rails on the railroad ties, assume that the track is in use, even if there are weeds or the track looks “rusty.”
Do not hunt, fish or bungee jump from railroad trestles. There is only enough clearance on the tracks for a train to pass. Trestles are not meant to be sidewalks or pedestrian bridges.
Trains overhang the tracks by at least three feet in both directions and loose straps hanging from rail cars may extend even further. You can be hit by a train if you are in the right-of-way next to the tracks.
Be aware trains do not follow set schedules. Any time is train time.
Post by: adamR on November 18, 2012, 11:28:59 AM
Post by: shoot-em-dead on November 18, 2012, 08:55:49 PM
Is it legal to cross the tracks, to get to state land for instance?
As far as I understand- you can only legally cross at posted crossings. But I wouldn't hesitate if i knew of some good hunting.
Post by: hornhunter1987 on November 21, 2012, 03:18:30 AM
Post by: Skyvalhunter on November 21, 2012, 05:35:09 AM
Post by: HntnFsh on November 21, 2012, 05:59:29 AM
Your trespassing on private property and will be prosecuted if caught. The railroad has special investigators who patrol this.
You are right. Especially since Homeland security came about.
Post by: coachcw on November 21, 2012, 06:13:57 AM
Post by: jackmaster on November 21, 2012, 07:00:16 AM
Post by: dscubame on November 21, 2012, 07:05:22 AM
Post by: Hunt4ever on November 21, 2012, 07:24:40 AM
Nothing wrong with tracks. Done all the time with many others, never heard of a single issue.
Been doing it for years... But the tracks i hunt are used very very little...
Post by: boneaddict on November 21, 2012, 07:30:38 AM
Is it legal to cross the tracks, to get to state land for instance?
I know several track crossings that are posted as no trespassing here in the Yakima e burg area. I know because there was a huge bull on the otherside I wanted to photograph.
Post by: BiggLuke on November 21, 2012, 08:45:18 AM
But my bet would be that if a gemey caught you with a dead dear on railroad property, he'd ticket you on the spot.
Like if you got caught with a dead dear on the highway, or a golf course.
I mean, hell. There has to be a reason why STAYING OFF railroads is a key thing they point out during Hunter Ed.
All though..... if the tracks weren't in use any more.... you could try contacting the county office and seeing who still owns them, then getting a written permission slip?
That would seem to cover all your bases. right guys?
Post by: Bullets_n_Octane on November 21, 2012, 09:02:18 AM
I wouldn't risk it. but that's my advice and :twocents:
Post by: Kowsrule30 on November 21, 2012, 10:36:16 AM
Post by: bigtex on November 21, 2012, 10:44:40 AM
Remember that is may be jus personal opinion from gamie to gamie about what to do or say in the instance of someone being on or hunting on RR property. Any railroad property that is maintained, and ALOT that isn't IS Private property, even just to cross. Railroad police (UP & BNSF) have EXTREMELY different outlooks and enforcement policies than you're everyday Gamie, and can & most likely will, cite you. Also, I'm pretty sure there isn't any 'dedicated' Amtrak property in Washington, save for maybe some sidings in Dowtown Seattle and a few in the Everett Delta Yard. Most ALL of Washington tracks are enforced and patrolled by Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad, Police Department. Likely walking on a railway with a loaded rifle would be treated the same as walking down a city street with a loaded rifle. It is still goverened federally by the NTSB, and by local/state DOT.
I wouldn't risk it. but that's my advice and :twocents:
:yeah:
The RR companies also have a contract with WDFW allowing WDFW Officers to cite for trespassing on RR property.
Post by: Hunterman on November 21, 2012, 10:58:48 AM
Hunterman(Tony)
Post by: Dmanmastertracker on November 21, 2012, 11:10:44 AM
What I know:
Abandoned tracks are treated differently -I would ask the owner about those lines, there are many abandoned tracks today that will not be restored to service in rural area's and often these lands are no longer even owned by the RR.
As far as active lines, it is very foolish to hunt those today for a number of reasons, I can't tell you how many times dad had to help clean up after accidents on the tracks involving folks who thought is was safe to walk them. The security since 9-11 on tracks has changed things as well, you are likely to get escorted off any track you are hunting today in cuffs, they would take armed trespassing very seriously. I still work land agreements with the railroad today and as far as I have ever known, there are no exceptions.
Post by: elkinrutdrivemenuts on November 21, 2012, 11:50:07 AM
Post by: dscubame on November 21, 2012, 01:41:11 PM
Post by: CedarPants on November 21, 2012, 02:29:35 PM
I've lost track of how many times I (and my property neighbors) have caught people that wandered in off the tracks because they either saw an animal, or because it was just too tempting to hop off the tracks and up the ridge to see what's on top.
Is it actually legal to hunt the tracks? I honestly don't know. What I do know from my observations is that hunting the tracks more often than not leads to trespassing on land people know dang well they shouldn't be on
Post by: mdbuck5x5 on November 21, 2012, 03:23:42 PM
I see plenty of guys walking the tracks that border my land to the east. I wish I could say they were just walking from point A to point B, but experience has told me that's not the case. 50 feet on either side of the tracks is an awfully narrow lane to drop a deer, assuming your plan is to drop it where it stands so that it doesn't wander off and die on private property that you don't have access to.
I've lost track of how many times I (and my property neighbors) have caught people that wandered in off the tracks because they either saw an animal, or because it was just too tempting to hop off the tracks and up the ridge to see what's on top.
Is it actually legal to hunt the tracks? I honestly don't know. What I do know from my observations is that hunting the tracks more often than not leads to trespassing on land people know dang well they shouldn't be on
And there in lies part of the problem. It is absolutely illegal to be on the tracks little own be hunting from them, its private poperty and people are trespassing plain and simple. How do know I this? Because I have worked for the RR (BNSF) for the past 7 years. You guys want a for sure answer, I will email one of our special agents and ask what kind of penalties you'd be looking at if you got caught!
Post by: CedarPants on November 21, 2012, 03:26:16 PM
I see plenty of guys walking the tracks that border my land to the east. I wish I could say they were just walking from point A to point B, but experience has told me that's not the case. 50 feet on either side of the tracks is an awfully narrow lane to drop a deer, assuming your plan is to drop it where it stands so that it doesn't wander off and die on private property that you don't have access to.
I've lost track of how many times I (and my property neighbors) have caught people that wandered in off the tracks because they either saw an animal, or because it was just too tempting to hop off the tracks and up the ridge to see what's on top.
Is it actually legal to hunt the tracks? I honestly don't know. What I do know from my observations is that hunting the tracks more often than not leads to trespassing on land people know dang well they shouldn't be on
And there in lies part of the problem. It is absolutely illegal to be on the tracks little own be hunting from them, its private poperty and people are trespassing plain and simple. How do know I this? Because I have worked for the RR (BNSF) for the past 7 years. You guys want a for sure answer, I will email one of our special agents and ask what kind of penalties you'd be looking at if you got caught!
:tup:
BNSF are the tracks I was referring to. You are welcome at my place anytime. I've ran into those guys several times, always great guys
Post by: mdbuck5x5 on November 21, 2012, 03:31:37 PM
I see plenty of guys walking the tracks that border my land to the east. I wish I could say they were just walking from point A to point B, but experience has told me that's not the case. 50 feet on either side of the tracks is an awfully narrow lane to drop a deer, assuming your plan is to drop it where it stands so that it doesn't wander off and die on private property that you don't have access to.
I've lost track of how many times I (and my property neighbors) have caught people that wandered in off the tracks because they either saw an animal, or because it was just too tempting to hop off the tracks and up the ridge to see what's on top.
Is it actually legal to hunt the tracks? I honestly don't know. What I do know from my observations is that hunting the tracks more often than not leads to trespassing on land people know dang well they shouldn't be on
And there in lies part of the problem. It is absolutely illegal to be on the tracks little own be hunting from them, its private poperty and people are trespassing plain and simple. How do know I this? Because I have worked for the RR (BNSF) for the past 7 years. You guys want a for sure answer, I will email one of our special agents and ask what kind of penalties you'd be looking at if you got caught!
:tup:
BNSF are the tracks I was referring to. You are welcome at my place anytime. I've ran into those guys several times, always great guys
:lol4: Alright Cedar, thanks man I appreciate that! A couple of guys I work with are actually members on here as well.
Post by: bigtex on November 21, 2012, 09:06:05 PM
I see plenty of guys walking the tracks that border my land to the east. I wish I could say they were just walking from point A to point B, but experience has told me that's not the case. 50 feet on either side of the tracks is an awfully narrow lane to drop a deer, assuming your plan is to drop it where it stands so that it doesn't wander off and die on private property that you don't have access to.
I've lost track of how many times I (and my property neighbors) have caught people that wandered in off the tracks because they either saw an animal, or because it was just too tempting to hop off the tracks and up the ridge to see what's on top.
Is it actually legal to hunt the tracks? I honestly don't know. What I do know from my observations is that hunting the tracks more often than not leads to trespassing on land people know dang well they shouldn't be on
And there in lies part of the problem. It is absolutely illegal to be on the tracks little own be hunting from them, its private poperty and people are trespassing plain and simple. How do know I this? Because I have worked for the RR (BNSF) for the past 7 years. You guys want a for sure answer, I will email one of our special agents and ask what kind of penalties you'd be looking at if you got caught!
Railroad Police (as they are known in WA, and many states) are certified WA st peace officers. RR Police Officers in WA use your local county courts (just like state agencies) and can enforce state laws. While they are not technically federal officers, they do have the authority to cross state lines. They were given expanded authority by congress in 1990 which allowed them to enforce all state and local laws on RR property, prior to this the crime had to actually impact the RR property (such as trespassing), however RR police now have the authority to enforce all laws on their property.
In addition, just like federal or limited authority agencies (such as DNR) RR Police Officers can seek expanded authority from the county sheriff to have authority off of RR property.
My point? If you are caught for trespassing on RR property it would be the same offense as if WDFW, WSP, or a County SO caught you, in fact your case would be heard in the same county court as the other agencies.
Post by: CedarPants on November 21, 2012, 09:56:24 PM
Post by: mdbuck5x5 on November 26, 2012, 06:39:57 PM
"BNSF as well as all other railroads have a zero tolerance for trespassing on the actual tracks, including the right of way. Persons on the track or right of way are trespassing and subject to a criminal trespass citation and or criminal trespass arrest. The area does not need to be posted as railroad property and is considered "improved" per RCW 9a.52.080"
Post by: Skyvalhunter on November 26, 2012, 06:41:39 PM
Post by: mdbuck5x5 on November 26, 2012, 06:46:25 PM
Same answer I was given when talking to Tracker about it. He works for the railroad also
:chuckle: We know each other!