I recently moved to Wisconsin from the U.P. I learned to hunt ducks in the U.P. of Michigan. I still go up for the opening weekend and a few other times each year. I try to stay well versed on the regs for both states.
I agree with CLUTCHfan in that it is always a good idea to stay on a neighbors good side. Legally though you have the right to hunt off the shore of private property. You can not hunt within 400' (or is it 450') of a dwelling, (even if it is just a camp used for two weeks a year). Nor are you allowed to enter the property to retreive game you shot over the water. I don't know if your dog can though...probably not.
If I were you I would talk to the property owner to give him the heads up. You might get lucky and he'll let you step on shore to get birds or take a leak. Having hunted in Michigan for many years though, I know there a lot of those out of town hunters who don't like anyone shooting guns around there property anytime before deer season. So be prepared to have the guy get upset. You just never know with some people. I'd talk to him anyway but be prepared for any reaction he may have and take the high road. If he does get upset just tell him 'Thanks anyway, I just thought I'd ask. I'll be sure to stay off your land.' and leave.
Then go anchor in the weeds off shore and slay them ducks if you don't care what he thinks...like I said you are within your legal rights to hunt there if you stay in the water and off his land. If you do care what the guy thinks then either don't hunt there or do it when you know he isn't around. One thing you don't want to do is get in to a cofrontation with him if anyone has a gun. Esspecially if you are alone. It's always a good idea to have a witness on your side. I'd even bring a hunting buddy along when you go to talk to the guy in the first place. Most people are ok, but one nut can ruin your day, week, or life.
There have been several instances in the U.P. over the past several years, where a confrontation in the woods or field lead to someone lossing their hunting privledges for life. In some of those cases it was the land owner confronting multiple, reckless trespassers, who lost. It doesn't matter who is right or wrong when its two or three people's word against one. In the absence of other evidence the LAW will go with the group.
A safe bet would be to call your local warden to clarify the law too. That way you can find out how the local ticket giver interpets the law. Plus, if things go sour with the land owner, and you hunt the area anyway, the warden knows you checked into it and he will be less likely to come out and bother you when the land owner calls in to report you.
I hope this helps.
I agree with CLUTCHfan in that it is always a good idea to stay on a neighbors good side. Legally though you have the right to hunt off the shore of private property. You can not hunt within 400' (or is it 450') of a dwelling, (even if it is just a camp used for two weeks a year). Nor are you allowed to enter the property to retreive game you shot over the water. I don't know if your dog can though...probably not.
If I were you I would talk to the property owner to give him the heads up. You might get lucky and he'll let you step on shore to get birds or take a leak. Having hunted in Michigan for many years though, I know there a lot of those out of town hunters who don't like anyone shooting guns around there property anytime before deer season. So be prepared to have the guy get upset. You just never know with some people. I'd talk to him anyway but be prepared for any reaction he may have and take the high road. If he does get upset just tell him 'Thanks anyway, I just thought I'd ask. I'll be sure to stay off your land.' and leave.
Then go anchor in the weeds off shore and slay them ducks if you don't care what he thinks...like I said you are within your legal rights to hunt there if you stay in the water and off his land. If you do care what the guy thinks then either don't hunt there or do it when you know he isn't around. One thing you don't want to do is get in to a cofrontation with him if anyone has a gun. Esspecially if you are alone. It's always a good idea to have a witness on your side. I'd even bring a hunting buddy along when you go to talk to the guy in the first place. Most people are ok, but one nut can ruin your day, week, or life.
There have been several instances in the U.P. over the past several years, where a confrontation in the woods or field lead to someone lossing their hunting privledges for life. In some of those cases it was the land owner confronting multiple, reckless trespassers, who lost. It doesn't matter who is right or wrong when its two or three people's word against one. In the absence of other evidence the LAW will go with the group.
A safe bet would be to call your local warden to clarify the law too. That way you can find out how the local ticket giver interpets the law. Plus, if things go sour with the land owner, and you hunt the area anyway, the warden knows you checked into it and he will be less likely to come out and bother you when the land owner calls in to report you.
I hope this helps.
