Voluntary Public Access Usage?

[8mm Enthusiast]

I just turned on the Voluntary Public Access map layer on my OnXHunt app and the amount of VPA land is very surprising. These are private lands that the landowner has opened up to the public for hunting use. I have never stepped on private land ever during a hunting trip and am taken back by the idea of so much of this private land being open to hunters.

Many of these properties include homes while others are vacant and owned by business entities.

My question to the hunters out there who have used VPA land to hunt, what is the code of conduct? Have you ever ran into issues while hunting on VPA land? Is OnXHunt reliable and trustworthy enough to step onto someone's private land while using it? The DNR website places importance on not contacting VPA landowners asking for permission which is another surprising thing for me. I would assume it is so that landowners aren't bombarded with requests for permission and since their lands are enrolled in the program, they expect public hunters to be using them already.

Some of the areas that I frequently hunt have VPA land adjacent to them. Would it be a good idea if I explore the perimeters of these lands? Please let me know your thoughts.

 

[Slimfinn]

Not sure what it is like in your state, here in Montana we call it Block Management, and there are 2 types, one you just sign in and the other you need to get permission. Each property has it's specific rules like where to park, walk in only, access points, no shooting zone, etc. All of this info including map is published by our FWP and can change from year to year so make sure you have the most current information. OnX is not always right, best to double check with the agency who controls the area. I had a atv ride with some spring bear hunting all planned out on some forest service roads and trails that OnX said were open, I got there and the gate was closed, didn't open for another month and over 2 months on another stretch.
As for code of conduct, remember you're their guest and they have opened their property to you, respect it, follow the rules, pick up after yourself and leave it like you found it or even better. Too often the rules dont get followed, garbage left behind, or property gets damaged and the land owner can decide its not worth the headache and choose not to enroll in the program the following year.

 

[salmonchaser]

We have some in Oregon as well. Often time the land is owned by private timber companies and is walk in only. Really disturbs me when I find tracks of or see ATVs up in there. Well marked on OnX and the places I’ve hunted or worked my dogs there have been welcome to hunt signs posted at or near property corners.
I recently have found sign in stations at a couple of places, these have been cattle ranches. The sign in cards are produced by the state, seem to be for data collection.
I’ve yet to find anything as good as the block management program in Montana, but it sure is nice to get access to some good ground.

 

[8mm Enthusiast]

I think I will venture on to some of these lands after making sure the map is up-to-date. I'll likely stick to the edges, avoiding residential areas, and concealed behind tree lines to avoid scaring any residents.

 

[Firebird24]

Check with your state game dept to clarify.