Public Protocol

[docwaters]

I am hunting public land at Fort Knox tomorrow. The process entails checking into areas, etc. I noticed there were seven slots left when I made my reservation. Most areas had more slots available, which leads me to believe other hunters will be in the area.

What is considered good or bad form when encountering others on public land? This area has a river to the north a 100-400 yard wide bottom and hillside to the south. We will have a southerly wind and my entrance will be from the East. I am assuming there will be hunters that I will pass making my way back to the West end of the area.

Is it bad form to pass in front of these folks, how should I proceed?

[Ridgestalker10pt]

The main thing I do as a hunter is pattern other hunters. All I have is stateland and it's in the adirondacks. Once you find where they like to go in and hunt use them to bump deer to you. Might take a couple try but eventually you'll figure out where they go in at.

[Abishai]

At Fort Riley I always had back-up spots picked out in case the place I was going someone beat me to. There were stands everywhere, but I only encountered people in the woods a few times while hunting there. Not sure how it works at Knox. Is it possible to see if anyone else is signed-in to hunt the area before you get there? I'd say a couple hundred yards away is probably ideal for walking by other hunters. I generally don't want them to know that I'm around so I slink by them. It might not be possible to slip by out of sight though, so just do the best you can.

[docwaters]

At Fort Riley I always had back-up spots picked out in case the place I was going someone beat me to. There were stands everywhere, but I only encountered people in the woods a few times while hunting there. Not sure how it works at Knox. Is it possible to see if anyone else is signed-in to hunt the area before you get there? I'd say a couple hundred yards away is probably ideal for walking by other hunters. I generally don't want them to know that I'm around so I slink by them. It might not be possible to slip by out of sight though, so just do the best you can.

It is an online system at Knox now, but there are definitely others signed up for tomorrow. Just not sure how many. Good advice on the 100 yard rule. I know I will have to pass some to get back away from most of them. I'm thinking of hugging the river side on my way in, not only to avoid hunters but I'll be downwind from any deer too.

[UofLbowhunter]

I am hunting public land at Fort Knox tomorrow. The process entails checking into areas, etc. I noticed there were seven slots left when I made my reservation. Most areas had more slots available, which leads me to believe other hunters will be in the area.

What is considered good or bad form when encountering others on public land? This area has a river to the north a 100-400 yard wide bottom and hillside to the south. We will have a southerly wind and my entrance will be from the East. I am assuming there will be hunters that I will pass making my way back to the West end of the area.

Is it bad form to pass in front of these folks, how should I proceed?

Is fort knox bonus ? I have never looked at hunting there?

[docwaters]

Yes, it's a bonus buck.