The North Dakota Game and Fish Department reminds hunters to park their vehicles in a place that will not block roads or approaches to farm fields.

Kevin Kading, private land section leader, said this has become an issue for landowners who are enrolled in the department’s Private Land Open To Sportsmen program, and for those who are not enrolled in PLOTS.

“This serves as a good reminder for hunters to pay attention to farm equipment, and to park their vehicles in a place that will not block a roadway, field approach or gate,” Kading said.

During hunting season, farmers and ranchers are busy with fall farm duties, including harvesting crops, moving cattle and hauling bales. “Some landowners may have land enrolled in the Working Lands PLOTS program,” Kading said. “These lands may contain crop or hay fields, or pastures with cattle. The farmer or rancher needs access to those fields or pastures, especially this time of year.”

One landowner mentioned to Kading that it was difficult for him to get his equipment past a hunter’s vehicle that was parked on the side of the road. “We are just asking hunters to make it easier for landowners by being aware of the surroundings when parking a vehicle,” he said. “You can find a place to park that won’t infringe on the landowner.”

Kading also asks hunters to practice proper etiquette, such as picking up trash and empty shells, and not to clean game in the road ditch or by PLOTS signs. “Hunters must respect the landowners and the land,” Kading added. “This is private property. Keep the land the way you would want it if it was your own.”