Hunting Club Procedure Manual

The Highland Acres Hunting Club has been operating for 40+ years.  There are very few changes that have been introduced in the last few years, but as a refresher for older members and to answer the questions of the newer members I will try to cover all the bases in this manual.  Please read this completely and file it for future reference.

BLIND RESERVATIONS
We take blind assignments starting at 06:00 pm and not a minute before by our watches.  Blinds are not available more than one (1) day in a row unless no one else wants that specific blind.  If the desired blind is still available after we have taken a few calls it may be reserved for a second day.

If you want to hunt by yourself we can usually accommodate this, but we do not guarantee it.  If you want to have someone hunt with you, we can usually arrange this.  Try to call before 06:30pm, but NEVER after 08:00 pm.  If there is a change in plans, or you occasionally forget to call before 08:00 pm you may call after 04:00 am.

When you call in, advise us of the following:
            1)  1st, 2nd, and 3rd blind choices
            2)  If you are bringing a family member, guest, or dog

Please be brief as others are also trying to call at the same time.  If you want to chat about how the hunting season has been, etc., call before 06:00 pm.  However, please remember, you may not make a blind reservation before 06:00 pm. 

I will not choose a blind for you so please do not ask.  The way our blinds are setup it is hard to pick the “best” blind, as we do not have any “bad” blinds.  Sometimes one blind can be better according to the wind, but I have seen the wind come from all four directions in one day.

GATES
The first person in opens the gate and fastens the gate open.  Do NOT re-snap the lock.  The last person out closes the gate, scrambles the lock and relocks it.  If you think you are the last person out, but are not sure, go ahead and lock the gate.  If someone is still in, they can let themselves out.

GUESTS
Upon entering the campground and before going to the hunting area, you must fill out an envelope and deposit the guest fee.  Guests are not daily hunters, so the member is responsible for the guest fee.  The outside of the envelope must have the member’s name, guest name, and guest phone number.

All guests must be approved by the manager, and generally can only go twice a season.  We normally do not allow ex-members as guests.

A person is considered a guest if they are any one other than a spouse and / or children twenty one (21) and under and living at home.  Observers, photographers, others relatives, etc. are guests even though they say they will not shoot or hunt.

PARKING

Blinds 1, 2, 3 and 4 on the east side: 
       Park at the large cottonwood tree at the south end of the east shore. 
       Drive to your blind and unload vehicles.  Do not put out decoys until your
       vehicle is parked.

Blind 7 and floater:
       Park in the parking area.  Unload and park your vehicle before putting
       out your decoys.

Blinds 8, 9, and 10:
       May proceed up the dam, through the cattle guard and turn around. 
       Do not block the dam by parking in the middle of the road.  Park closely,
       side by side and do not block other vehicles or take up more space than
       is necessary.

STARTING TIME
Hunters must be in blinds with all decoys out and ready to hunt by starting time.  This will always be one half (1/2) hour before sunrise when the duck season is on.  When we are frozen in, the ducks are gone, and we are just hunting goose the starting time may get later.  Hunters will be advised of any change in starting time when calling in.

LEAVING FOR THE DAY
Even if you have your limit please wait until things quiet down before leaving.  When ready to leave, all decoys and equipment must be arranged for quick loading before going to get your vehicle.  Vehicles are only allowed five (5) minutes for loading at the blind when leaving.  After loading, try to get to the main road as soon as possible so as to not disturb other hunters.

HUNTING

Goose: Only six dozen commercial decoys may be used at a blind position
       at one time.  Hunters may use as many car tire decoys as they wish
       to carry out, but the decoys must be off the ice or moved back from
       the water daily.

Ten (10) Foot Rule:  We have a ten (10) foot rule on geese.  Hunters must
       have one (1) goose within ten (10) feet of your decoy trying to land
       before taking your first shot.  If you have a single goose standing in
       your decoys and other geese are working the lake, please wait as
       long as possible or until there is a shot on the lake before taking your
       shot so we may get as many geese in as possible.  We are a decoy
       club and our pride is to land the geese if possible.

       Once any goose has been shot at on the lake, hunters may shoot at
       any distance until the area is cleared.  As a club we do not take sides
       on the option of shooting a goose on the water, ice, or flushing it
       before shooting.  This option is up to the hunters’ discretion.

Duck:  We do not have any distance rules on ducks, but we do ask hunters
       to be reasonable so as to not scare all the ducks away before they
       get in range.

DRESSING GEESE
We will have two (2) dressing stations and will teach you how to dress geese in wax.  Please contribute to the cost of wax, propane, and other expenses.  As members know, this club operates on a close budget.

HELP
Need help?  Dissatisfied?  Have questions, etc.?  Trina and Charlie can help with any problem except getting you, the member, here.  We have several hunters who will take others with them as well as help with dog training, calling, setting up decoys, etc. 

Just let us know what your problem is and we can help.  We especially like to help beginning hunters, young people, and guests.  So just ask and remember: The only stupid question is the question never asked.