Caches on private property?

[Grandma & Grandpa]

Do you know about Wisconsin’s “Berry Picking” law? I did not.

According to Mike Foss’ article on page 9 of “On Wisconsin Outdoors” September-October 2011 issue, Wisconsin Statute 895.52(2)(b) states no property owner is liable for the death or injury of anybody engaged in a recreational activity on the owner’s property.

While Foss was writing about requesting hunting permission from private property owners, it would seem that this would also apply to seeking permission for the placement of caches. He also suggested that he has printed copies of the statute which he provides to landowners, and this has helped.

This tactic could help open up some new areas for caches. I will have this info available for my next one, as I already have my eye on a potential location.

cYa, Jim

[JimandLinda]

Thanks for the info and Statute number!

[goirish75]

Very interesting, I had no idea. That entire statute makes for interesting reading. You learn something new everyday. Thanks for sharing that.

[CodeJunkie]

As a private property owner, I’ve been on the receiving side of this letter before. I’ve allowed “nut pickers” on my land but not without meeting them first and have had good success. I also used to (keywords “used to”) to allow the local snowmobile club to cross my land. Needless to say the careless actions of a few ruined it for the masses.

There’s a big distinction between working with a single individual vs a larger group of unknown individuals which is something to keep in mind.

[Team Deejay]

This is all correct information. Of course, that makes it doubly important to secure permission for any hides on private property. By giving permission, the property owner effectively protects himself from lawsuits due to random injuries. Of course, this does not mean that the property owner can actively seek to harm those visiting his property (by setting traps or attacking them, for instance). It just means that if someone slips on ice, falls out of a tree, or whatever, they can’t sue the property owner.

Note that if you place a cache on someone’s property without their permission, it is very possible that YOU will be the target of a suit. There are plenty of places out there that welcome our game. No need to encourage trespassing or other illegal activity.

[Author]

Posts