To the editor:

As all of you who posses a hunting or trapping license have been taught, private land is NOT to be used without the owner’s permission.

People who have purchased land have the same right to use and enjoyment of their lands as an individual has to his or her vehicle, commercial or private. Land and property are purchased at a price higher than you paid for your car or truck. You have to pay New York state to register and insure your vehicle. The same is true of private land. Plus, the land owner pays school and state and county tax at a rate higher than you pay for your vehicle. Add insurance and maintenance. Can an individual use your vehicle without your permission? Even TEMPORARILY? Or take objects from it or use it for their own pleasure? Why do trespassers feel they have the right to hunt and ignore posted signs or enter without permission? The United States Census, our government, is not even granted these privileges.

This past year, an individual or a few entered my POSTED land, put up ladder stands and shot a “monster buck” on my private land. Right, Rob? Even the sheriffs are aware of this crime. Our courts’ judges do nothing to protect the landowner and taxpayer. If you feel entitled because your grandfather hunted there, get him to pay my taxes. KEEP OUT; you are a parasite. The use of your vehicle without permission would be a crime. Keep out. There is no shortage of open, available land.

Drew Van Der Volgen

Warrensburg