Buying Land Adjacent to Wildlife Management Area

May 19, 2023, 12:54 PM

AUTiger89

We have found a piece of property, 24 acres, that we're interested in, but one border is adjacent to a Wildlife Management Area.

We might build a small cabin there for getaways or rental, but not to be our permanent home (at this point). We would probably build a range or two there, as there are ample places to do so. In addition, there are (supposedly) multiple springs on the property (I have found 1 so far), but I don't know if that's year round. It's my understanding that there are no covenants or restrictions on the property.

I have reached out the SC Department of Natural Resources, but haven't received an answer yet.

The WMA is 166 acres and can be used for hunting deer, hogs, waterfowl, etc., and fishing (There's a lake on it). The border of the property we're considering that is adjacent to the WMA is along a hill ridgeline, but there are trails that come up near the ridgeline on the WMA side of the property line.

My biggest concern: Will we have bullets or arrows coming over the hill at us?

What says the forum?

May 19, 2023, 01:09 PM

95flhr

We live on 31 acres in Virginia with our property being next to land owned by a timber company. That land has a lease to a hunt club and is pretty heavily hunted throughout the year. We’ve been here 8 years now without any issues with hunters shooting towards the house or property.

I would say go for it.

May 19, 2023, 01:20 PM

lyman

look into hunting restrictions for the WMA,

here in VA, I am one lot away from the border of Pocahontas State Park,
there are several sections that you can hunt, however the areas near homes and the more used sections of the park are restricted or no hunting allowed at all, and we are in a shotgun only county,

the area near me is off limits,

May 19, 2023, 01:23 PM

ElToro

Any concerns with hunters coming onto your land on accident ? Or Hunter standing on state land and shoots a deer on your land not knowing it’s your land ? Is this problematic for you ? Why is seller selling. Are the land boundaries clearly marked ? Is a there a survey done ? Perc test ? For the water if any and will you need a well ? Any creeks or lakes or ponds that are inside this parcel or abut the parcel ?

May 19, 2023, 01:24 PM

AUTiger89

I actually did look into the hunting restrictions for the WMA through the SC DNR, and there are only limits as to the types of animals available to hunt and the time of year. Firearms or bows can be used.

May 19, 2023, 01:25 PM

AUTiger89

quote:
Originally posted by ElToro:
Any concerns with hunters coming onto your land on accident ? Or Hunter standing on state land and shoots a deer on your land not knowing it’s your land ? Is this problematic for you ? Why is seller selling. Are the land boundaries clearly marked ? Is a there a survey done ? Perc test ? For the water if any and will you need a well ? Any creeks or lakes or ponds that are inside this parcel or abut the parcel ?

No, I actually wouldn't mind someone chasing an animal onto our land. It's the stray bullets or arrows that would bother me.

We'll have the PERC test and survey done before we close, and we would put up trespassing/hunting signs around the property after we close. Multiple springs (I'm told), but I don't know if they're year round or have dry seasons, no lakes or ponds.

May 19, 2023, 02:38 PM

MikeinNC

I would paint every tree on that boundary purple so there was no mistake about it belonging to someone else other than the SC DNR..

A good hunter would not take a shot in the direction of someone else land…but you get what you get in state hunting property.

For what it’s worth, I lived adjacent to Nantahala National Forest as a teen. only saw a few hunters park next to the entrance at the bottom of our property, and never had rounds fired towards us. Most hunters didn’t know of the small entrance that wasn’t advertised on any maps…

They owned the top three pieces of land and sold it who subsequently broke it into 3 pieces.

May 19, 2023, 02:44 PM

jhe888

quote:
Originally posted by AUTiger89:
We have found a piece of property, 24 acres, that we're interested in, but one border is adjacent to a Wildlife Management Area.

We might build a small cabin there for getaways or rental, but not to be our permanent home (at this point). We would probably build a range or two there, as there are ample places to do so. In addition, there are (supposedly) multiple springs on the property (I have found 1 so far), but I don't know if that's year round. It's my understanding that there are no covenants or restrictions on the property.

I have reached out the SC Department of Natural Resources, but haven't received an answer yet.

The WMA is 166 acres and can be used for hunting deer, hogs, waterfowl, etc., and fishing (There's a lake on it). The border of the property we're considering that is adjacent to the WMA is along a hill ridgeline, but there are trails that come up near the ridgeline on the WMA side of the property line.

My biggest concern: Will we have bullets or arrows coming over the hill at us?

What says the forum?

How could we know? What is the topography? How much use does the WMA get? But it would probably be like any land with hunting, be it private or public without considering the particular factors specific to that WMA.

May 19, 2023, 02:48 PM

AUTiger89

quote:
Originally posted by jhe888:
quote:
Originally posted by AUTiger89:
We have found a piece of property, 24 acres, that we're interested in, but one border is adjacent to a Wildlife Management Area.

We might build a small cabin there for getaways or rental, but not to be our permanent home (at this point). We would probably build a range or two there, as there are ample places to do so. In addition, there are (supposedly) multiple springs on the property (I have found 1 so far), but I don't know if that's year round. It's my understanding that there are no covenants or restrictions on the property.

I have reached out the SC Department of Natural Resources, but haven't received an answer yet.

The WMA is 166 acres and can be used for hunting deer, hogs, waterfowl, etc., and fishing (There's a lake on it). The border of the property we're considering that is adjacent to the WMA is along a hill ridgeline, but there are trails that come up near the ridgeline on the WMA side of the property line.

My biggest concern: Will we have bullets or arrows coming over the hill at us?

What says the forum?

How could we know? What is the topography? How much use does the WMA get? But it would probably be like any land with hunting, be it private or public without considering the particular factors specific to that WMA.

In addition to that, it's hilly, and fairly steep. Contour map shows around 150 feet from the bottom of the property we're looking at up to the ridgeline on that side of the property. There's somewhat of a valley between two ridgelines on two sides of the property. It's triangular, and the third (long) side is largely flat.

May 19, 2023, 02:55 PM

sleepla8er

.

Because you mentioned springs, are there any water and/or mineral rights not included in the sale to you?

.

May 19, 2023, 02:59 PM

AUTiger89

quote:
Originally posted by sleepla8er:
.

Because you mentioned springs, are there any water and/or mineral rights not included in the sale to you?

.

We aren't that far along, but I will insist on everything free of any encumbrances. It's way out in the boonies, so I suspect that won't be a problem. Thanks for the reminder, though.

May 19, 2023, 03:15 PM

sig226fan

I did basically the same thing. Bought 160 acres back in OK. Year round creek/river and lots of wildlife. WMA on one side and timber leased hunting on one side. Basically my little slice of heaven. Post your boundaries and most everyone will respect the line. Some that are used to that area may not know it has been sold and may still think it is Ok to hunt it, etc. But, post it and they will figure it out quickly.

I would suggest talking to the local wildlife officers and see if they have time so you can pick their brain for a minute. Maybe buy them lunch. They know the area better than most. They can give you the lay of the land and answer any questions you have about the hunting and WMA areas.

Have fun and enjoy the countryside. Best thing I ever did.

May 19, 2023, 03:16 PM

drill sgt

How close to the property line is hunting allowed??? Buffer zone.... Remember that the animals being hunted cannot read any boundry line signs... Any type of physical fencing to keep animals in and people out??? And some hunters have no problems going into unauthorized areas and when confronted / caught will claim no knowledge of being in a unauthorized area and possibly hunting when hunting season closed.. And usualy during hunting season most people that would be found would/will be armed.... Buyer beware!!! .............. drill sgt.

May 19, 2023, 06:24 PM

snwghst

Is the WMA age restricted?

I live directly across from a Federal WMA that’s age restricted for hunting 16 and younger with parent. Never had any issues. But it’s only used during migratory bird seasons. All the hogs are shot from USCG/ flat black helos while training SPECOPS snipers. SBT-22 is based at Stennis

May 19, 2023, 09:10 PM

Bassamatic

I wouldn't worry about stray arrows or bullets but hunters crossing into your land would be my concern. Would the topography allow some kind of barbed wire fence?

May 19, 2023, 10:22 PM

old rugged cross

quote:
Originally posted by AUTiger89:

we would put up trespassing/hunting signs around the property after we close. .

Don't be that guy

May 19, 2023, 10:35 PM

ridewv

I don't understand what "don't be that guy" refers to but yes if you get it I would certainly post the property with say yellow signs and spray yellow paint on some of the trees in-between the signs.
I don't think I'd worry too much about hunters because it's a WMA, if the acreage belonged to a few families that hunted along with all their invited friends it'd be no different.

May 19, 2023, 10:40 PM

MikeinNC

quote:
Originally posted by old rugged cross:
quote:
Originally posted by AUTiger89:

we would put up trespassing/hunting signs around the property after we close. .

Don't be that guy

When we inherited 40 acres of pines that has been in my family for over 150 years, we posted it. Once, my brother Chuck found a woman on horseback in the middle of the property , he confronted her and was given the run around, he actually called the sheriff and the woman stood by her story, saying she had permission to be there. When Chuck asked the deputy to call the number on the trespassing signs, his cell rang.

Chuck insisted she be arrested and he attended each and every court case even though he lived in Tampa and this was near Ft. White…130 miles..one way.

This person had been abusing our property for years. My mother went to school with her and would have granted access had the woman only asked.

ABSOLUTELY post your property. You don’t want people wandering across and possibly injuring themselves and suing you.

May 19, 2023, 11:09 PM

tatortodd

quote:
Originally posted by ridewv:
... I would certainly post the property with say yellow signs and spray yellow paint on some of the trees in-between the signs.

I looked it up and NC requirements are signs 120 sq in (e.g. 12" x 10") and painting on trees must be purple. More details from NC regs below:

quote:
§ 14-159.7. Regulations as to posting of property.

For purposes of posting property under G.S. 14-159.7, the owner or lessee of the property may use either of the following methods:

(1). The owner or lessee of the property may place notices, signs, or posters on the property. The notices, signs or posters shall measure not less than 120 square inches and shall be conspicuously posted on private lands not more than 200 yards apart close to and along the boundaries. At least one such notice, sign, or poster shall be posted on each side of such land, and one at each corner thereof, provided that said corner can be reasonably ascertained. For the purpose of prohibiting fishing, or the taking of fish by any means, in any stream, lake, or pond, it shall only be necessary that the signs, notices, or posters be posted along the stream or shoreline of a pond or lake at intervals of not more than 200 yards apart.

(2). The owner or lessee of the property may place identifying purple paint marks on trees or posts around the area to be posted. Each paint mark shall be a vertical line of at least eight inches in length, and the bottom of the mark shall be no less than three feet nor more than five feet from the base of the tree or post. The paint marks shall be placed no more than 100 yards apart and shall be readily visible to any person approaching the property. For the purpose of prohibiting fishing, or the taking of fish by any means, in any stream, lake, or pond, it shall only be necessary that the paint marks be placed along the stream or shoreline of a pond or lake at intervals of not more than 100 yards apart. (1949, c. 887, s. 2; 1953, c. 1226; 1965, c. 923; 1975, c. 280, ss. 2, 3; 1979, c. 830, s. 11; 2011-231, s. 2.)

May 20, 2023, 06:14 AM

Bassamatic

Yeah, I don't understand the "don't be that guy" comment either.

The wife and I have 72 acres here for the farm. This is a very rural area (not a lot of people). The property directly on the backside of ours is a large-500 acre- non working cattle farm that is owned by absentee owners. Seems like a few families in the area contacted them and worked out a lease agreement for hunting and recreational use.

I am also a hunter and have numerous tree stands on my property. Well, these folks that leased the land were constantly working there way onto my property, some of them actually making it all the way to our house. Good grief, I talked to a few of them and asked about the no trespassing signs I had posted and they of course say they didn't see them. There are several old logging roads through out the area that gives them a way to ride their ATV's as well. I have also had these guys on their atv's come out right at our house asking for directions.

I ended up fencing a part of the west line that has pretty much cut out their trespassing. That was a lot of work and a pain in the butt to have to do.