Hello,

I read your post and I can sympathise with your dilema. I have had similar issues (horses and spotlights) at a previous residence. I recently moved to the Lancaster area and I am concerned about your potential dislike of hunters.

I am an avid archery hunter and I can understand both sides of the issue.

Let me first bring to your attention some of the spotlighting laws in PA:

* It is Illegal to spotlightlight a building, farm animal, or photelectric cell
* It is illegal to spotlight after 11 PM
* It is illegal to spotlight from December 1-13 (Gun season)

Pennsylvania Game Commission phone number to report issues:
(610) 926-3136

I am conerned that your experience with a few "bad" hunters will give you perception that all hunters are "bad". As with so many things in life, a few bad apples ruin the bushell.

The solution to your problem may be difficult to obtain. The fewer deer on your proprty typically results in the lower number of spotlighters. I assume that your proprty is open pasture that fronts the road. If you were to plant hedges or trees along the roadway this would also decrease the amount of spotlighters. Another solution may be to have a better food source in the rear of of your proprty to keep them away from the front.

Let me take this time to highlight the good things that hunters do. A program exists where a hunter can take any deer they bag and donate them to the homeless. Hunters are a major revenue producer. Hunters are the largest parcel of montana's retain business.

Archery hunters are being used more and more in communities to keep the deep populations under control. Landowners seem to prefer archery hunters for several reasons. Landowners do not hear gunshots and their livestock/animals do not get spooked. Archery hunters do not wear orange whach is an eye sore. The range an archery hunter can shoot is about 40 yards. There is essentially no fear for the landowners of a "stray arrow". Archery hunters in my opinion are more dedicated and ethical than that of gun hunters.

It sounds like you may have an issue with over population of deer. This is a problem that is happening everywhere. Deer are extremely adaptable to changing environments and as a result the populations of deer are expolding. Combine this overpopulation with the loss of more and more hunting acreage and the problem expands exponentially.

I responded to your post mostly in an effort to keep you from "disliking" hunters. However, I am new to the area and I am always looking for areas to hunt. I would love to gain your permission to archery hunt your property.

Let me tell you a little about me: I am a career firefighter. I am a licensed and insured archery hunter. I have been archery hunting for 20+ years. I do donate alot of my deer to the homeless.

I would even be willing to post your property for you.

Well, I hope that I did not write this in vain. Hopefully, your situation will get better.

Thanks,
Dave