Can you do us a solid and SHARE with your friends that also support Public Lands?? We do get on the phone with the game warden. And anybody that can help share information about how to avoid these kinds of situations in the future please do!
@@Steve5586owens Its a grazing permit that is leased for the ranchers to run cattle on public land. They just use that as a way to bully public hunters off the land so they can claim that they own the land for private land hunts.
I really doubt this will ever end this will keep happening every year you are not the first this will happen to or the last. I have had it happen I just say call the sheriff or game warden I'll keep hunting.
State land in NM isn't "public land". NMG&F pays the State Land office for rights to hunt certain state land. Access to the rest is controlled by the lessee if unitized or thru the state permit system.
@@Steve5586owens Steve that is the point of the state land programs to collect lease money for the state. BLM also has grazing leases etc. Different states have different rules on how that State land can be used and some do have options to restrict access to only the Lessee. Even though Federal there are BLM lands that cannot be accessed by the general public though few and far between.
Wow - I follow you as well 'Third Coast Craftsman'; glad you too enjoy the hunting content as I presume you must hunt. This episode was simply hard to fathom. Floyd Lee must be JC reincarnated
I give it to yall cause I would have went off on him. I'd tell him he better get out my face unless he's going to do something. Ranchers like that are playing with fire doing stuff like that. They'd be messing with the wrong one if I encountered that.
I've run into similar situations while backpacking/camping on leased BLM land here in New Mexico. The rancher in my situation was trying to claim grazing rights basically meant he controlled access to that property. A quick call to the BLM emergency line and a BLM law enforcement Ranger arrived and basically threatened the rancher with permanent revocation of all his leases on federal land. If you really push it the state land commission will jump all over this guy because what he's doing is a violation of his lease terms. BTW: a satellite phone with the local game warden, USFS Ranger and BLM Ranger contact numbers is a awesome thing to have so this can be worked out without having to drive to town. The sat phones will also log GPS coords so there's no disputing your location.
What numbers should one saved for situations such as this? I have ran into this a few times as well and tired to show them my map only to have a rifle pulled. Thanks
@@dogbite1429 I have had them try and do this crap and tell them I am calling the game warden because most states have laws against harassing hunters in legal hunting activity!
Total Hog Wash!!!!!!! They have no right to kick you off!!! We had one (rancher) doing this garbage in our unit and locking gates to prevent hunter access. The game warden went through cutting his locks with bolt cutters!! Thanks for respectfully standing your ground!
Several things to note: A unit wide private land elk tag is good on any private property of a land owner who is issued unit wide tags. The state lists the ranches that participate in the program. New Mexico State Trust land can be leased for agricultural or industrial use, but the lease holder can’t control access for any other purpose.
They are corrupt fkers! He's lying to his clients too. But nothing happens. Screw Yellowstone. This this be its own show. The FLOYD LEE. it's starts from the top in government in NM. corrupt as Cali. This is why you had great draw odds. Happy to take your money though. Did he not notice you were filming? That doesn't usually fly with these numb nuts. You are lucky you didn't get shot at.
Dan you did an unbelievable job of keeping your cool in a messed up scenario. I don’t know NM law but it sure sounds fishy. Dude knows every rule and has been fighting poachers left and right but doesn’t know the game warden?!
In New Mexico you can lease the agricultural use of the land, but you aren’t allowed to control access to the land for other uses. New Mexico State Trust lands that are off limits to hunting are clearly designated on OnX with red slashes through the land.
First red flag was when he didn't want to look at your track they you get going, second one was when he didn't know the game Warden by name nor had their phone number. Shady AF. I'm sorry that this happened to all of you but at the same time it was a good experience for everybody there and watching. Keep up the great work man.
Well done, Dan. That dude didn't know what he was talking about....mixing messages regarding grazing leases and hunting leases with the hope and intent to confuse out of state hunters into simply leaving. It's a frustrating deal particularly when outfitters in NM are already getting such an advantage compared to the DIT crowd. You hate to see that after all the time, effort and money we too invest in these kind of hunts. Hopefully, you had the opportunity to "teach" him a little about how hunting access works in NM.
" Hopefully, you had the opportunity to "teach" him a little about how hunting access works in NM." I doubt they taught him anything. Landowners do this stuff all the time, intentionally.
@@GreatDarkKnight came here to say that. For him, it was a success. If you don’t take them in for hunter harassment (at least in the states I’ve lived in), he just knows that they left and never came back so he must’ve been right.
Hunted unit 9 next to the Floyd Lee ranch years ago. Had an aircraft flying over in the middle of the night pushing elk. NM fish and Game needs to seize all their hunting vouchers and fine them for hunter harassment. If nothing is done this will continue to happen.
@@mopardoctor9966 yes I believe you're correct it's been a while but the lobbyists for other ranches such as The UU bar and the cs cattle ranch have people inside The game and fish department getting extra permits example 1 year 50 antelope permits were given to the cs kettle ranch only five were given to public and when some of the public hunters hunted the cs cattle ranch they're only assigned to certain areas of the ranch not full access
Awesome guys. I like how this video shows a positive way to handle a stressful situation. You could have easily made things worse but you took the high road and stayed respectful and cool. Good job guys!
This definitely needs some follow through. I hope you have the contact info of the other hunting party and file charges/small claims something and recoup some or all your money for tags and trip. Definitely will be looking for a follow up.
Some how missed the last 30 seconds of the video. But confirmation of your right to hunt that very land you were on was confirmed. Excellent work following up.
The man in this video appears to be Randy Weems from USO Outfitters. According to their website he passed away in Dec. Life is short and all of this just diminishes from the overall hunting experience we share in the field. Our actions = our character which in turn results in the quality of the experiences we get to enjoy or not. The "Golden Rule" rises the experience on all sides of any fence.
It does kind of look like him. Saying it’s private and kicking all other hunter off so he can keep it all for his clients, dirty. Maybe that’s who trashed the bike, too?
As a NM resident it makes me mad as hell to see this BS continue year after year with ranch owners thinking because they lease the land from the state they think they own it. Not the case. You cannot own something you lease, such as state land. They lease it for grazing rights and are required to put up gates and fences in order to keep so called livestock in the area. This is why they put locks on the gates and call it theirs. Problem is that these leases bring in big money to the state and the state is slow to go after them for cutting off access or threatening hunters. The outfitters routinely hunt on public land (as you clearly filmed what appears to a guide and hunter) and they use the leased state land as if it’s their’s and then tell it’s their’s. Grazing rights do not equate to ownership. This Unit 9 or the “Checkerboard” Bulls... has been going on for years. I’ve hunted there twice in my lifetime, been threatened with a firearm while there and experienced vandalism to my vehicle much in the same way you two did. Again a lot of the problems stem from the big money that these hunts bring into the ranches. There are to many other units within NM that are just as good as the whole of Unit 9 to hunt in. Don’t waste your money on that area unless you continually want problems and harassment from like you documented on camera. It’s not worth it. Lastly, please don’t let this experience sour you on hunting NM. It’s a beautiful state with awesome hunting experiences to be had outside of Unit 9.
Perfectly stated . I live in Albuquerque and have hunted the same area. Floyd Lee ranch has been pulling this BS for 25+ years. USO Outfitters has been involved with these people as well. New Mexico has a hunter harassment law that will help solve the issue with this rancher.
This unit is very similar to the unit I like to hunt in New Mexico. I have spent enough time that I can get around the checkerboard bulls... I have however been threatened and once was assaulted by the land owner. I had a hunting season where I didn't draw. I went to that unit with a camera and map. I videoed the guides for that landowner driving through a public gate and shooting a bull out of the window. I turned it over to the NMDGF and from what other hunters in the area told me that landowner lost his tags for multiple years. I went back and hunted it last year. The landowner was completely different.
I grew up in NM. Unfortunately this kind of shady behavior is very common. A friend shot a bull across a canyon. By the time he got there, 3 scumbags were dressing it out. He backed out and called a warden. The dudes were gone with the elk by the time the warden arrived. Just another day in NM.
I know in CO that state land is leased and closed to public access/hunting unless specifically open. CPW actually leases state land for public hunting access.
I have had the same bullshit pulled on me. They try to confuse you by saying it’s leased. None the wiser would know that it’s only cattle grazing leased. It’s still public land and they put water tanks on public land all the time. I’m so glad to see you stand up and challeng this man. You did all us ethical public land hunters good.
Simply, they can lease state or Federal (BLM) land for grazing, not hunting. They still have to allow access to the public on these lands, OUR public lands. Glad you guys captured this. I’ve experienced (especially in northern New Mexico) where some of these ranchers are placing private property signs all over access points to public land. I respect ranchers and their way of life, so I don’t want to make a blanket statement that ALL ranchers are doing shady crap. Anyway, God bless you guys and shoot straight!
This guy is probably trying to keep everybody off the land so his buddies can be the only ones hunting it! Some people think they own the world unless someone proves them wrong! And this is the reason why hunters losing respect for lease ranchers
Thanks for bringing this to everyone’s attention. This is hunter harassment and needs to be stopped. Hopefully your efforts will help hunters who have that tag next year so that they don’t have to deal with this kind of crap.
@@drewd7824 Yes it's actually a pretty serious crime too intentionally Is harass in scare off somebody's game water hunting. The law was basically made for all these Peta people They would try to go out where known hunting land is and scare off it's scared off all the animals so people couldn't hunt the animals then that's when that law came into effect
Great content Absolutely no need for vandalism Absolutely no need for outfitters or ranches to try to get away with this on public lands Some people need to learn respect and civility Stay strong and keep doing what you do
Please keep us updated. This is very useful information. I will be headed to Colorado in September of 22 for my first elk hunt. Would like to know what I might be up against. Thank you
I'm sorry this happened to you... As a NM resident I've dealt with this as well, unfortunately its extremely common here. Hopefully you're able to get a positive resolution from this! Ill stay tuned for an update video
That guy knew good and well the hunting rights weren’t leased- I like the way you shared enough information on your map that it can be found by everyone, it’s gonna be like open season around that Ranch now 😎
According to the rules and refs it is legal for you to hunt that property but illegal for Floyd Lee to hunt it his ranch is a ranch only and state land is public land
I worked for an outfitter in Jelm, Wyoming which was actually in northern Colorado we just had a Wyoming address because the post office was the closest in Wyoming. Lol. Long story but anyway I packed out elk for the outfitter and they leased land for cattle through the BLM but since they didn’t actually own it then anyone was able to hunt all of that land. It was up by Shipman Park which is an awesome place to hunt elk in the mountains. Anyway the only thing that the ranch leased that no one else was allowed to use was where we set up our camp. Our camp was up all hunting season but we was the only one allowed in that specific location. The camp was awesome. We had 4 large wall tents along with a super big wall tent for the kitchen and where everyone ate. We used sheepherders stoves. We would actually turn the horses and mules out and just put bells around their neck and hobble their feet it was nice to hear the bells throughout the night. Those was great times that I really miss. Anyway I know for a fact that guy is lieing.
Something sounds fishy. I hope you keep us updated on what you find out. The guy claimed to be ex Leo, but doesn’t have a contact number for the local warden? Hope you got his name, number and vehicle license plate. Like you said land swaps happen all the time, which could be the case. Worth following up on.
He probably is ex LEO that has gone bad as he oozes legal double speak: Identifies that land is leased, implies that they cant enter- but does not technically say that they cant. "Not having"- wink nod, the Game Wardens number puts the burden back on the hunters. Its a common trick.
Man I literally live in the town where you guys were parked at the gas station (won’t say where it is) and know that rancher personally. That’s really a shame that you were treated that way. This is wild. I am glad I saw this video because I will likely be dealing with this in the future in the same exact area. I hope you guys come back and hunt here again. Maybe try unit 13 or 12. Super nice bulls there.
Definitely need an update to this story as far as what you found out from the game and fish. Ive heard countless stories of people having run ins with the Floyd Lee people. Not to mention the helicopters. Please provide update.
I’ve been looking forward to this video since listening to your podcast! I’m impressed with how you guys were able to keep your cool. I hope something positive comes out of all of this! Nice work!
Here in Wyoming, I know land owners can lease state land for crop and you can’t hunt it. It’s a grey area because they use the term “cultivated land”. If you know/find the land owner you’ll most likely be able to hunt it if you ask. There also land owners here that try to deny access on public roads because it goes through their ranch.
This BS happens all the time in NM. Some family leases a property for grazing and then thinks they own it. Then hates the FACT they don't get all the elk in an area and their clients have to compete. The guy saying it was posted. It probably was posted for no trespass to the private side. You guys handled your cool very well. Good job.
That's what we run across here in Montana as well, pivots on state land, cattle on state land, I'm all for ranchers, but they need to understand ethical and honest hunters are there, ultimately, for true conservation. Aaaaaaaaand, we have every right to be there.
I’ve lived and hunted in NM all my life and never have had a bad experience with a guide or an outfitter. You should buy that tag next season and go back next to the Floyd Lee and hunt and have a NMG&F CO on speed dial.
That is so messed up!! Grazing rights never means exclusive hunting rights on state land. Those meathead security guards know what they are doing.. again messed up. You did great. Keep up the good work bro.
I’m so glad you caught all that on camera. It’s a bunch of bull when we have total access to hunt State Land that is “public” land with a valid license. I just hope the state looks into this matter and corrects it!
Love your videos hope you never stop making your hunting movies I have watch archery videos for years and get the most realistic info just watched your elk movie where you packed out that elk all by your self and made me wish I would stick out my brothers nv rifle bull tag this year we chased one back 5 miles and got scared lol about packing it out by ourselves so we moved spots then didn’t see anything
Probably varies State to State and as a Rancher that has leased State lands since the State came into existence if we have a grazing lease and the Division of Wildlife hasn’t secured a hunting lease on the same lands from the State then no you can’t hunt or do anything else on it at any time.
In fact guys you are in the right "Rancher"gets unit wide tags so everything is open . I don't put in for that area there's to much stuff going on, its been happening for many years. Game and Fish knows it . Money Money Money Sad . Hope you guys connected.
In my neck of the woods onX buys GIS data from the state to use in their maps. I can 100% confirm that most rural maps are wildly inaccurate, incomplete, and most of the time several years old. The only time i've seen a state GIS map be fairly accurate is if there has been a formal survey of the property executed and the land owner had brought it in to be recorded at the court house. It may be different out west though.
Good thing you got it on camera man, unfortunate that you had this experience, I have hunted unit 9 and was successful in harvesting a nice cow elk. Good luck on your future hunts! 🤙🏽
Thats pretty frustrating and unfortunate to happen on ur hunt, to bad that not everyone can just be on the same page and not try to interfere with others, just takes a few bad apples to ruine the experience for everyone else,look forward to you next video
Honest question. I am coming from the south and traveling 20 plus hours to western hunt. How do you know what is private/ public? I know like onx iss not 100% accurate.
I heard the podcast on this and know you talked to the Warden. I just want to point out that Colorado State Trust land more often than not is leased for hunting. Public access seems to be the exception.
Not reading all the posts, but in my area onX is off by nearly 100 yards in some instances. With excellent cell/data signal, I can be on an official corner pin and onX shows the I am not even close to the corner.
Great video guys, you all handled that professionally. I heard you guys mention OnX a dozen times or so, I would not rely on OnX for 100% accuracy when being close to private land. I was walking the line on some public last year with my tracker on. When I went to look at my tracks on the way back in at night OnX showed me walking on the private land back and forth like I was weaving. I know that I did not cross the line because the private was clearly marked and had a wire fence running the whole way. I am sure it could mess up the other way to and show you are on public but you end up on the private side of the line. Just be carful out there folks good luck to everyone this season.
From my understanding, the rancher can lease grazing rights and can have an outfitter permit to Legally guide hunters for profit but they do not own the land and can not kick the hunting public off.
Great job 👏🏽 I live in NM and dealing with this is constantly happening ranchers will try anything to keep you out. It’s getting to the point here in NM that discourages you from trying to hunt or getting your kids to hunt. Biggest thing here is trying to get permission to use their road to get to the blm/state lands, they will say no because they run their own outfitters in those areas. Southwest is notorious for this. Thank you for standing up for us all! If you need more info I’m willing to help!
@@johnl.sillasen1780 unit 21 would be a great example was just there for my sons youth hunt and nothing but locked gates and signs everywhere. SW is where I live and hunt.
In Colorado, state trust land has to be leased by CPW for hunting access. So be careful when hunting Colorado that you don't mess that up. I am not familiar with the rules in New Mexico
Seems like the same area. I was on the edge of what they called checkerboard lands. From the top of one of those mesas I watched guys like these herd the elk around for a hunt using vehicles. I was hiking an elk tag. Didn’t tag that year. I don’t carry a camera that can zoom very far but with my spotting scope I could easily see what was going on. The sign on the fence said it was a game preserve if I’m not mistaken, some place east of a town or city called Gallup. This was in 2012. I’ve never gone that way again. Archery hunter only.
If you can drive to it on public access you are allowed to hunt...that being said you can not trespass to get to state land over marked private land or roads if its land locked you are out of luck.
So what did the warden say? Surprised you didn’t video that? We deal with this in Canada all the time. Lease holders of province owned land not allowing hunters on. Here though if there is livestock on the lease you can’t hunt it. Not sure how it is in US. Good luck out there.
Not here , the state of New Mexico only leases out certain sections for grazing rights, which means the state owns the property. In fact they are instructed to remove the cattle off the property before the hunting starts .
I’m from New Mexico I had the same issue in 5a this year I was on public land and the land owner next to the public land was acting really rude shooting his ar driving his four wheeler through the public land even lock us out of the main public gate had to call game and fish to come handle it I was in the right area wasn’t in private land all game and fish said was we get alot of complaint about the land owner
I'd meet the game warden in person and show him that video and file charges for hunter harassment. I hope you got the phone numbers of the other hunters that were harassed too so everybody can file charges against that guy. I'd be right back out there the next day and have the game warden on speed dial when that douchebag shows up again asking you to leave or ask the game warden to make an appearance.
That’s the shitty thing-seemed like they didn’t have cell service there. They were able to get GPS for On X, and record the encounter with their phones, but they stated near the end they wanted to drive to town for cell service to call the game warden. I look forward to the conclusion where the land owner gets put in their place.
Crazy, people do stuff like this a lot. Glad you guys did your diligence and checked and challenged it. Sad that 2 different hunts were messed up from them. Who knows how many other ones they have messed up as well.
Way to go and figure that out. Here in Oregon we have been fighting with new property owners that close county roads. It ends up being years before the public gets to use their roads again after spending years in litigation. It is again rich outfitters at the core of this "landgrab" and keeps John Q Public out of public ground.
I gained a lot of respect for you and your channel because of how you handled this crap show. I'm not sure I would have been as cordial. Unfortunately, I have had many confrontations like this over the years. I always have at least a relationship by phone with the local game warden/biologist on all of my out of state hunts before the hunt. It's a shame that we have to go through this to enjoy our rightful place on public land. OnX has been a game changer for ethical hunters. I enjoy your content and look forward to more.
NM hunter here , you are exactly in the right , they do lease the state land for grazing this does not cover hunting , hunting harassment is what it is , good job buddy.
Damn bro! I hunted the same hunt and missed my first elk because my release failed but sucks you guys had to deal with that there's alot of problems coming from that ranch mainly the helicopters but it's well known about unit 9
What up Dan! Remember when you were at shortstop and I was at 3rd and between innings during warmups we would peg that annoying umpire with errant throws to first base? Yep it’s Bill
Can you do us a solid and SHARE with your friends that also support Public Lands?? We do get on the phone with the game warden. And anybody that can help share information about how to avoid these kinds of situations in the future please do!
How can they lease state land
@@Steve5586owens Its a grazing permit that is leased for the ranchers to run cattle on public land. They just use that as a way to bully public hunters off the land so they can claim that they own the land for private land hunts.
I really doubt this will ever end this will keep happening every year you are not the first this will happen to or the last. I have had it happen I just say call the sheriff or game warden I'll keep hunting.
State land in NM isn't "public land". NMG&F pays the State Land office for rights to hunt certain state land. Access to the rest is controlled by the lessee if unitized or thru the state permit system.
@@Steve5586owens Steve that is the point of the state land programs to collect lease money for the state. BLM also has grazing leases etc. Different states have different rules on how that State land can be used and some do have options to restrict access to only the Lessee. Even though Federal there are BLM lands that cannot be accessed by the general public though few and far between.
Floyd Lee PISSED OFF the WRONG dude! 😂🤘🏼
Love how you challenged that. Polite but firm. Too many people get away will bullying people and love how you challenged it.
Wow - I follow you as well 'Third Coast Craftsman'; glad you too enjoy the hunting content as I presume you must hunt. This episode was simply hard to fathom. Floyd Lee must be JC reincarnated
I give it to yall cause I would have went off on him. I'd tell him he better get out my face unless he's going to do something. Ranchers like that are playing with fire doing stuff like that. They'd be messing with the wrong one if I encountered that.
Thank you for standing up for our rights as public land hunters. Much appreciated.
Pat is my dad
I've run into similar situations while backpacking/camping on leased BLM land here in New Mexico. The rancher in my situation was trying to claim grazing rights basically meant he controlled access to that property. A quick call to the BLM emergency line and a BLM law enforcement Ranger arrived and basically threatened the rancher with permanent revocation of all his leases on federal land. If you really push it the state land commission will jump all over this guy because what he's doing is a violation of his lease terms. BTW: a satellite phone with the local game warden, USFS Ranger and BLM Ranger contact numbers is a awesome thing to have so this can be worked out without having to drive to town. The sat phones will also log GPS coords so there's no disputing your location.
that is sad to hear.. hope there is a way to help!!
What numbers should one saved for situations such as this? I have ran into this a few times as well and tired to show them my map only to have a rifle pulled. Thanks
ranchers and family try and do this all the time. It is only leased for grazing, he is lying!!
@@dogbite1429 I have had them try and do this crap and tell them I am calling the game warden because most states have laws against harassing hunters in legal hunting activity!
@@ElkShape did you read his comment? What’s there to be sad about?
Im so glad you have a camera to catch these guys being shady.
The land owner can be fine AND lose his ability to lease state or federal lands if caught limiting legal access to public grounds. That is THE LAW.
Total Hog Wash!!!!!!! They have no right to kick you off!!! We had one (rancher) doing this garbage in our unit and locking gates to prevent hunter access. The game warden went through cutting his locks with bolt cutters!! Thanks for respectfully standing your ground!
Please tell me that you and the game warden make a trip back to the land and set them straight. It’s just the principal of it.
I fully agree with this comment. That rancher needs to be set straight.
Several things to note:
A unit wide private land elk tag is good on any private property of a land owner who is issued unit wide tags. The state lists the ranches that participate in the program.
New Mexico State Trust land can be leased for agricultural or industrial use, but the lease holder can’t control access for any other purpose.
Yes, under the open gate law private landowners can hunt on public land but they are required to open their private land to all public hunters.
I can't EVEN describe how happy I am you caught this on camera!
They are corrupt fkers! He's lying to his clients too. But nothing happens. Screw Yellowstone. This this be its own show. The FLOYD LEE. it's starts from the top in government in NM. corrupt as Cali. This is why you had great draw odds. Happy to take your money though.
Did he not notice you were filming? That doesn't usually fly with these numb nuts. You are lucky you didn't get shot at.
Patric is my dad he was mad
Dan you did an unbelievable job of keeping your cool in a messed up scenario. I don’t know NM law but it sure sounds fishy. Dude knows every rule and has been fighting poachers left and right but doesn’t know the game warden?!
In New Mexico you can lease the agricultural use of the land, but you aren’t allowed to control access to the land for other uses. New Mexico State Trust lands that are off limits to hunting are clearly designated on OnX with red slashes through the land.
First red flag was when he didn't want to look at your track they you get going, second one was when he didn't know the game Warden by name nor had their phone number. Shady AF. I'm sorry that this happened to all of you but at the same time it was a good experience for everybody there and watching. Keep up the great work man.
Handled perfectly by you guys. You weren't going to be bullied, and he knew it. He stuck to the only playbook he knew and lost. Good work. 👍
Well done, Dan. That dude didn't know what he was talking about....mixing messages regarding grazing leases and hunting leases with the hope and intent to confuse out of state hunters into simply leaving. It's a frustrating deal particularly when outfitters in NM are already getting such an advantage compared to the DIT crowd. You hate to see that after all the time, effort and money we too invest in these kind of hunts. Hopefully, you had the opportunity to "teach" him a little about how hunting access works in NM.
thanks guys 🤘
When are we gonna see the Hush and Elkshape collab?!?!?!
RELEASE THE HUSHIN CREW ON THEM!
" Hopefully, you had the opportunity to "teach" him a little about how hunting access works in NM."
I doubt they taught him anything. Landowners do this stuff all the time, intentionally.
@@GreatDarkKnight came here to say that. For him, it was a success. If you don’t take them in for hunter harassment (at least in the states I’ve lived in), he just knows that they left and never came back so he must’ve been right.
Hunted unit 9 next to the Floyd Lee ranch years ago. Had an aircraft flying over in the middle of the night pushing elk. NM fish and Game needs to seize all their hunting vouchers and fine them for hunter harassment. If nothing is done this will continue to happen.
You are correct. So does Chama Land and Cattle Co
@@gohunting13 wasn’t Chama busted once for hijacking public elk and moving them to their ranch?
@@mopardoctor9966 yes I believe you're correct it's been a while but the lobbyists for other ranches such as The UU bar and the cs cattle ranch have people inside The game and fish department getting extra permits example 1 year 50 antelope permits were given to the cs kettle ranch only five were given to public and when some of the public hunters hunted the cs cattle ranch they're only assigned to certain areas of the ranch not full access
Awesome guys. I like how this video shows a positive way to handle a stressful situation. You could have easily made things worse but you took the high road and stayed respectful and cool. Good job guys!
This definitely needs some follow through. I hope you have the contact info of the other hunting party and file charges/small claims something and recoup some or all your money for tags and trip. Definitely will be looking for a follow up.
👍 follow up with this, please do. There is so many bullies in this great nation. This guy needs a rude awakening
Some how missed the last 30 seconds of the video. But confirmation of your right to hunt that very land you were on was confirmed. Excellent work following up.
The man in this video appears to be Randy Weems from USO Outfitters. According to their website he passed away in Dec. Life is short and all of this just diminishes from the overall hunting experience we share in the field. Our actions = our character which in turn results in the quality of the experiences we get to enjoy or not. The "Golden Rule" rises the experience on all sides of any fence.
It does kind of look like him. Saying it’s private and kicking all other hunter off so he can keep it all for his clients, dirty. Maybe that’s who trashed the bike, too?
As a NM resident it makes me mad as hell to see this BS continue year after year with ranch owners thinking because they lease the land from the state they think they own it. Not the case. You cannot own something you lease, such as state land. They lease it for grazing rights and are required to put up gates and fences in order to keep so called livestock in the area. This is why they put locks on the gates and call it theirs. Problem is that these leases bring in big money to the state and the state is slow to go after them for cutting off access or threatening hunters. The outfitters routinely hunt on public land (as you clearly filmed what appears to a guide and hunter) and they use the leased state land as if it’s their’s and then tell it’s their’s. Grazing rights do not equate to ownership. This Unit 9 or the “Checkerboard” Bulls... has been going on for years. I’ve hunted there twice in my lifetime, been threatened with a firearm while there and experienced vandalism to my vehicle much in the same way you two did. Again a lot of the problems stem from the big money that these hunts bring into the ranches. There are to many other units within NM that are just as good as the whole of Unit 9 to hunt in. Don’t waste your money on that area unless you continually want problems and harassment from like you documented on camera. It’s not worth it. Lastly, please don’t let this experience sour you on hunting NM. It’s a beautiful state with awesome hunting experiences to be had outside of Unit 9.
Perfectly stated . I live in Albuquerque and have hunted the same area. Floyd Lee ranch has been pulling this BS for 25+ years. USO Outfitters has been involved with these people as well. New Mexico has a hunter harassment law that will help solve the issue with this rancher.
This unit is very similar to the unit I like to hunt in New Mexico. I have spent enough time that I can get around the checkerboard bulls... I have however been threatened and once was assaulted by the land owner. I had a hunting season where I didn't draw. I went to that unit with a camera and map. I videoed the guides for that landowner driving through a public gate and shooting a bull out of the window. I turned it over to the NMDGF and from what other hunters in the area told me that landowner lost his tags for multiple years. I went back and hunted it last year. The landowner was completely different.
I grew up in NM. Unfortunately this kind of shady behavior is very common. A friend shot a bull across a canyon. By the time he got there, 3 scumbags were dressing it out. He backed out and called a warden. The dudes were gone with the elk by the time the warden arrived. Just another day in NM.
I know in CO that state land is leased and closed to public access/hunting unless specifically open. CPW actually leases state land for public hunting access.
I have had the same bullshit pulled on me. They try to confuse you by saying it’s leased. None the wiser would know that it’s only cattle grazing leased. It’s still public land and they put water tanks on public land all the time. I’m so glad to see you stand up and challeng this man. You did all us ethical public land hunters good.
I doubt its even leased half the time. They just do what they want.
Simply, they can lease state or Federal (BLM) land for grazing, not hunting. They still have to allow access to the public on these lands, OUR public lands. Glad you guys captured this. I’ve experienced (especially in northern New Mexico) where some of these ranchers are placing private property signs all over access points to public land. I respect ranchers and their way of life, so I don’t want to make a blanket statement that ALL ranchers are doing shady crap. Anyway, God bless you guys and shoot straight!
This guy is probably trying to keep everybody off the land so his buddies can be the only ones hunting it! Some people think they own the world unless someone proves them wrong! And this is the reason why hunters losing respect for lease ranchers
These r not ranchers, wealthy out of state owners, locals partnered to outfitters acting like its private. BTW leases are up for bid
They are making money off it !!!!!
Thanks for bringing this to everyone’s attention. This is hunter harassment and needs to be stopped. Hopefully your efforts will help hunters who have that tag next year so that they don’t have to deal with this kind of crap.
Is “hunter harassment” an actual law that people can be arrested for, if they ruin your hunt by scaring off the game ?
@@drewd7824 Yes it's actually a pretty serious crime too intentionally Is harass in scare off somebody's game water hunting. The law was basically made for all these Peta people They would try to go out where known hunting land is and scare off it's scared off all the animals so people couldn't hunt the animals then that's when that law came into effect
Great content
Absolutely no need for vandalism
Absolutely no need for outfitters or ranches to try to get away with this on public lands
Some people need to learn respect and civility
Stay strong and keep doing what you do
Please keep us updated. This is very useful information. I will be headed to Colorado in September of 22 for my first elk hunt. Would like to know what I might be up against. Thank you
Where you going?
Had this happened to me a number of years ago. Ended up getting Game Wardens involved and the "land owner" was arrested. Happened near Weed, NM.
I'm sorry this happened to you... As a NM resident I've dealt with this as well, unfortunately its extremely common here. Hopefully you're able to get a positive resolution from this! Ill stay tuned for an update video
That guy knew good and well the hunting rights weren’t leased- I like the way you shared enough information on your map that it can be found by everyone, it’s gonna be like open season around that Ranch now 😎
According to the rules and refs it is legal for you to hunt that property but illegal for Floyd Lee to hunt it his ranch is a ranch only and state land is public land
Been waiting for this one. Thank you guys for showing us this. God bless.
I worked for an outfitter in Jelm, Wyoming which was actually in northern Colorado we just had a Wyoming address because the post office was the closest in Wyoming. Lol. Long story but anyway I packed out elk for the outfitter and they leased land for cattle through the BLM but since they didn’t actually own it then anyone was able to hunt all of that land. It was up by Shipman Park which is an awesome place to hunt elk in the mountains. Anyway the only thing that the ranch leased that no one else was allowed to use was where we set up our camp. Our camp was up all hunting season but we was the only one allowed in that specific location. The camp was awesome. We had 4 large wall tents along with a super big wall tent for the kitchen and where everyone ate. We used sheepherders stoves. We would actually turn the horses and mules out and just put bells around their neck and hobble their feet it was nice to hear the bells throughout the night. Those was great times that I really miss. Anyway I know for a fact that guy is lieing.
Something sounds fishy. I hope you keep us updated on what you find out. The guy claimed to be ex Leo, but doesn’t have a contact number for the local warden? Hope you got his name, number and vehicle license plate. Like you said land swaps happen all the time, which could be the case. Worth following up on.
He probably is ex LEO that has gone bad as he oozes legal double speak: Identifies that land is leased, implies that they cant enter- but does not technically say that they cant. "Not having"- wink nod, the Game Wardens number puts the burden back on the hunters. Its a common trick.
That's sounds like a load of BS to scare people off ... even sounds illegal. Please keep updated
super fishy, super BS
@@ElkShape please tell me you are pushing the issue with the game warden? These dudes will keep bullying if you do nothing
Man I literally live in the town where you guys were parked at the gas station (won’t say where it is) and know that rancher personally. That’s really a shame that you were treated that way. This is wild. I am glad I saw this video because I will likely be dealing with this in the future in the same exact area. I hope you guys come back and hunt here again. Maybe try unit 13 or 12. Super nice bulls there.
Tell the rancher and his employees they're pieces of sh*t sincerely, from every hunter and tax paying US citizen.
@Sixgun Symphony Great call Sixgun
Every hunting in here should organize and hunt that area At the same time
@@coachpunches55 Everyone organize a visit to Floyd Lee house. It’s just past the firehouse😁
Lol
Oooooooo man. I can’t wait for the next episode
Definitely need an update to this story as far as what you found out from the game and fish. Ive heard countless stories of people having run ins with the Floyd Lee people. Not to mention the helicopters. Please provide update.
In the last few seconds of the video they show the phone conversation of the warden saying they have the right to hunt there
This happens a lot in New Mexico, outfitters try to scare hunters off of public land very often.
Happens all the time in Colorado, often they will even cut trees down on access roads too
I’ve been looking forward to this video since listening to your podcast! I’m impressed with how you guys were able to keep your cool. I hope something positive comes out of all of this! Nice work!
It's sure interesting 10 mo. Still no comment about the outcome in the description. Just wants the algorithm to keep paying him?
Here in Wyoming, I know land owners can lease state land for crop and you can’t hunt it. It’s a grey area because they use the term “cultivated land”. If you know/find the land owner you’ll most likely be able to hunt it if you ask. There also land owners here that try to deny access on public roads because it goes through their ranch.
This BS happens all the time in NM. Some family leases a property for grazing and then thinks they own it. Then hates the FACT they don't get all the elk in an area and their clients have to compete.
The guy saying it was posted. It probably was posted for no trespass to the private side. You guys handled your cool very well. Good job.
Sorry to hear that, it's unfortunate
Props to you Dan! There is NO WAY I would’ve been that polite! Show me the freaking video chief
That's what we run across here in Montana as well, pivots on state land, cattle on state land, I'm all for ranchers, but they need to understand ethical and honest hunters are there, ultimately, for true conservation. Aaaaaaaaand, we have every right to be there.
I'm so glad that I watched this video it's a learning curve for me. I have never hunted in the West and it's always good to learn and prepare.
I have heard of leasing and having a camp on public land but other people can still hunt it! What is this YELLOWSTONE? 🤣
Be careful or Rip will take you to the train station !!
Great job holding it together with that confrontation, I'm sure this happens more than people like to admit.
thanks G
I’ve lived and hunted in NM all my life and never have had a bad experience with a guide or an outfitter. You should buy that tag next season and go back next to the Floyd Lee and hunt and have a NMG&F CO on speed dial.
Wow. Crazy stuff!
Head up never let ‘em get you down……. No quarter given!
That is so messed up!! Grazing rights never means exclusive hunting rights on state land. Those meathead security guards know what they are doing.. again messed up. You did great. Keep up the good work bro.
I’m so glad you caught all that on camera. It’s a bunch of bull when we have total access to hunt State Land that is “public” land with a valid license. I just hope the state looks into this matter and corrects it!
nice work boys!!!!!! get em!
I think we should organize a Floyd lee week and all hunt the entire surrounding area for the season
Love your videos hope you never stop making your hunting movies I have watch archery videos for years and get the most realistic info just watched your elk movie where you packed out that elk all by your self and made me wish I would stick out my brothers nv rifle bull tag this year we chased one back 5 miles and got scared lol about packing it out by ourselves so we moved spots then didn’t see anything
Probably varies State to State and as a Rancher that has leased State lands since the State came into existence if we have a grazing lease and the Division of Wildlife hasn’t secured a hunting lease on the same lands from the State then no you can’t hunt or do anything else on it at any time.
Welcome to Mexico
In fact guys you are in the right "Rancher"gets unit wide tags so everything is open . I don't put in for that area there's to much stuff going on, its been happening for many years. Game and Fish knows it . Money Money Money Sad . Hope you guys connected.
Did you guys ever go back haha
The States need to really hammer these guys who pull this stuff with public land hunters.
In my neck of the woods onX buys GIS data from the state to use in their maps. I can 100% confirm that most rural maps are wildly inaccurate, incomplete, and most of the time several years old. The only time i've seen a state GIS map be fairly accurate is if there has been a formal survey of the property executed and the land owner had brought it in to be recorded at the court house. It may be different out west though.
These people are slime. Keep up the good work creating awareness of their blatant profit off a shared resource.
you're a bad ass dan, please never change!!!
Good thing you got it on camera man, unfortunate that you had this experience, I have hunted unit 9 and was successful in harvesting a nice cow elk. Good luck on your future hunts! 🤙🏽
Thats pretty frustrating and unfortunate to happen on ur hunt, to bad that not everyone can just be on the same page and not try to interfere with others, just takes a few bad apples to ruine the experience for everyone else,look forward to you next video
I've been waiting for this one since you talked about it on your podcast. I look forward to watching it.
Ooooh Snap, Cant wait for the Follow up on this one.
Those mountains are easily 1.5 to 2 miles away 😂 That’s about the size of my town between you guys and the mountains. Easily 2 miles.
Fantastic episode! Can’t wait to see the next one! Thanks for all you do!
Not sure about NM but in CO, many State Trust properties are leased including hunting rights.
Honest question. I am coming from the south and traveling 20 plus hours to western hunt. How do you know what is private/ public? I know like onx iss not 100% accurate.
I'd love to hear how that turned out Dan. You did handle that pretty well👍
Should watch the whole video.
@@J.Patriot I thought I did. Sorry about that. It may have cut out on my end before then. Love the content.
I heard the podcast on this and know you talked to the Warden. I just want to point out that Colorado State Trust land more often than not is leased for hunting. Public access seems to be the exception.
New subscriber here, mainly because of your courage in dealing with this situation. Looking forward to more content.
Not reading all the posts, but in my area onX is off by nearly 100 yards in some instances. With excellent cell/data signal, I can be on an official corner pin and onX shows the I am not even close to the corner.
Great video guys, you all handled that professionally. I heard you guys mention OnX a dozen times or so, I would not rely on OnX for 100% accuracy when being close to private land. I was walking the line on some public last year with my tracker on. When I went to look at my tracks on the way back in at night OnX showed me walking on the private land back and forth like I was weaving. I know that I did not cross the line because the private was clearly marked and had a wire fence running the whole way. I am sure it could mess up the other way to and show you are on public but you end up on the private side of the line. Just be carful out there folks good luck to everyone this season.
Good points, but I’ve learned at least here in MT fences are no more accurate boundaries than map data.
From my understanding, the rancher can lease grazing rights and can have an outfitter permit to Legally guide hunters for profit but they do not own the land and can not kick the hunting public off.
Are you going to do a follow up video? Would be educational to see them react when ya inform them theyre wrong....
Great job 👏🏽 I live in NM and dealing with this is constantly happening ranchers will try anything to keep you out. It’s getting to the point here in NM that discourages you from trying to hunt or getting your kids to hunt. Biggest thing here is trying to get permission to use their road to get to the blm/state lands, they will say no because they run their own outfitters in those areas. Southwest is notorious for this. Thank you for standing up for us all! If you need more info I’m willing to help!
I never ran into any such thing in sw NM, and never heard of it.
@@johnl.sillasen1780 unit 21 would be a great example was just there for my sons youth hunt and nothing but locked gates and signs everywhere. SW is where I live and hunt.
Ida had a hard time not knocking that dude in his man pleaser. Gotta love the public land hustle.
word!
I don’t know if I’m the weird one, but to me it seems off that “security” is just strolling around in camo pants.
Good observation! Might have been an outfitter?
I know in my state On X has property lines and ownership all screwed up
In Colorado, state trust land has to be leased by CPW for hunting access. So be careful when hunting Colorado that you don't mess that up. I am not familiar with the rules in New Mexico
Seems like the same area. I was on the edge of what they called checkerboard lands. From the top of one of those mesas I watched guys like these herd the elk around for a hunt using vehicles. I was hiking an elk tag. Didn’t tag that year. I don’t carry a camera that can zoom very far but with my spotting scope I could easily see what was going on. The sign on the fence said it was a game preserve if I’m not mistaken, some place east of a town or city called Gallup. This was in 2012. I’ve never gone that way again. Archery hunter only.
So what was the follow up ?
If you can drive to it on public access you are allowed to hunt...that being said you can not trespass to get to state land over marked private
land or roads if its land locked you are out of luck.
So what did the warden say? Surprised you didn’t video that?
We deal with this in Canada all the time. Lease holders of province owned land not allowing hunters on. Here though if there is livestock on the lease you can’t hunt it. Not sure how it is in US.
Good luck out there.
Not here , the state of New Mexico only leases out certain sections for grazing rights, which means the state owns the property. In fact they are instructed to remove the cattle off the property before the hunting starts .
I’m from New Mexico I had the same issue in 5a this year I was on public land and the land owner next to the public land was acting really rude shooting his ar driving his four wheeler through the public land even lock us out of the main public gate had to call game and fish to come handle it I was in the right area wasn’t in private land all game and fish said was we get alot of complaint about the land owner
sorry to hear that!
I'd meet the game warden in person and show him that video and file charges for hunter harassment. I hope you got the phone numbers of the other hunters that were harassed too so everybody can file charges against that guy. I'd be right back out there the next day and have the game warden on speed dial when that douchebag shows up again asking you to leave or ask the game warden to make an appearance.
That’s the shitty thing-seemed like they didn’t have cell service there. They were able to get GPS for On X, and record the encounter with their phones, but they stated near the end they wanted to drive to town for cell service to call the game warden.
I look forward to the conclusion where the land owner gets put in their place.
I really hope they do this. If you ignore it, other hunters will have their things destroyed and be harassed as well
Patric is actually my dad
Dudes thank you for publishing this! I am a new hunter (one year) and have worried about stuff like this.
Be aware this is not a one sized fits all....each state is different.
Great video as always. thanks for sharing all of this and way to keep your cool.
Crazy, people do stuff like this a lot. Glad you guys did your diligence and checked and challenged it. Sad that 2 different hunts were messed up from them. Who knows how many other ones they have messed up as well.
Way to go and figure that out. Here in Oregon we have been fighting with new property owners that close county roads. It ends up being years before the public gets to use their roads again after spending years in litigation. It is again rich outfitters at the core of this "landgrab" and keeps John Q Public out of public ground.
Idaho seems to be landlocked. OnX seems to be some kinda scam run by govt and business.
I gained a lot of respect for you and your channel because of how you handled this crap show. I'm not sure I would have been as cordial. Unfortunately, I have had many confrontations like this over the years. I always have at least a relationship by phone with the local game warden/biologist on all of my out of state hunts before the hunt. It's a shame that we have to go through this to enjoy our rightful place on public land. OnX has been a game changer for ethical hunters. I enjoy your content and look forward to more.
I would be back there first thing following morning
NM hunter here , you are exactly in the right , they do lease the state land for grazing this does not cover hunting , hunting harassment is what it is , good job buddy.
Damn bro! I hunted the same hunt and missed my first elk because my release failed but sucks you guys had to deal with that there's alot of problems coming from that ranch mainly the helicopters but it's well known about unit 9
What up Dan! Remember when you were at shortstop and I was at 3rd and between innings during warmups we would peg that annoying umpire with errant throws to first base? Yep it’s Bill