LIMESTONE CREEK HUNT

AM I LIABLE IF SOMEONE GETS HURT ON MY PROPERTY?

           

In New York, a statutory law (General Obligation Law 9-103) protects landowners from liability for injuries to recreational users of their property. This law specifically lists both hunting and horseback riding as recreational activities.  Assuming no fee is charged, the statute states that the landowner owes no duty to keep the premises safe for entry or use by recreationists pursuing the listed activities, or to give warning of any hazardous condition, use of property, structure, or activity on the property to persons entering for recreation. In addition, all members of the hunt sign a waiver, doubly protecting the landowner and the hunt from liability. 

 

WILL THIS AFFECT MY RIGHT TO HUNT GAME ON MY PROPERTY, OR ALLOW OTHERS TO DO SO?

 

No. We are a big fan of our landowners who are hunters themselves, because we know that you care about your property and steward it to create better habitat for deer, turkey, and other game which will in turn create better habitat for our game. Our hunting of your property does not have a negative effect on deer or turkey. Our hounds are trained only to hunt fox and coyote. We will work around our landowners’ hunting schedules during bow and black powder season and usually do not hunt at all during rifle season for safety reasons.

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WILL THIS UPSET MY LIVESTOCK AND/OR HURT MY CROPS?

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 No. Our hounds do not chase livestock of any kind. The riders close gates, skirt herds, and keep to the edges of hay and crop fields because they are directed to do so by the masters of the hunt. Many hunt members own acreage themselves and would want someone to do the same for their property. If you see any behavior by a hound or rider that goes against this, please inform the masters so they can be duly chastised and the situation corrected.

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WILL LIMESTONE CREEK HUNT SHOW UP WHENEVER THEY WANT OR DO I HAVE A SAY IN WHEN PEOPLE RIDE ON MY PROPERTY?

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We ride on your property only with your permission. Unless you grant members specific permission, we only ride on your land when we are hunting. As a landowner you will receive a copy of our Fixture that states where we will be starting each hunt.  You will know the vicinity in which we’ll be and if it will potentially involve your property.  If you would prefer us to be or not be there at a specific time we will certainly honor that request.  In addition, because you have allowed us the generous use of your trails, we will do our part to help maintain them throughout the year for your benefit and for ours, again with your permission.

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HOW MUCH LAND DO YOU NEED?

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To properly hunt, we need 500-800 acres of continuous territory. Large properties are ideal, but not always the reality, which means that we usually cross over multiple landowners during the course of a hunt. However, even a small property in the right place can be critical, or simply granting us permission to collect our hounds from your land is huge to our club. We encourage you always to reach out to our masters should you have questions or concerns.

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WHY SHOULD I OPEN MY PROPERTY TO LIMESTONE CREEK HUNT?

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The presence of Limestone Creek Hunt is a long-standing tradition in Cazenovia. It is a sport that has survived centuries, despite increased pressure from urban development because the people who hold a deep, abiding love for hunting with hounds have worked very hard to keep it alive to the present day.  LCH is a great proponent of open-space, land preservation and maintaining the rural character of our area and works closely with Cazenovia Preservation Foundation to that end. 

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We hope that everyone who opens their gates to us will feel free to take part in our sport. Some landowners have become so involved with us that they have chosen to become Social members.  This is of course encouraged!  Regardless, all landowners of currently hunted territory are invited to an annual Landowners Party as our guests. Additionally  landowners receive our Hunting Fixture which lists where we will be hunting during the season, and we welcome you to our tailgates and other social events. Even if you only give us permission to pick up wayward hounds from your property, we are in your debt and will be glad to offer you our hospitality.

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