We have been blessed to work with generous property owners in Orange County to further the mission of our group. Our goal is to use outdoors activities (hunting, fishing, hiking, etc.) to bring community members together and to help serve others.
Every relationship I form with a property owner is different and usually depends upon their interests and characteristics specific to their property. Here are a few examples of our most successful landowner relationships:
- Crop Protection: We work with farmers to reduce crop damage created by deer and other wildlife. Through deer hunting, we have been able reduce crop damage and also donate venison to hungry families through our Venison Donation Program.
- Livestock Protection: We work with livestock owners to reduce the negative impact of predators, especially problems associated with coyotes or feral hogs.
- Weekend Events: We have worked with property owners for one-time events such as a Saturday fishing derby, where we can provide activities and learning experiences for children.
- Special Hunting Weekends: Some of the most rewarding events come from property owners that allow us to use their property for just one weekend in order to bring people together for fellowship.
- What are your needs? You may have challenges or goals that we can help you reach. We are open to any and all opportunities that help us to form relationships that strengthen our community.
In addition, many landowners have had problems with trespassing, and ask me to mark their property per NC Wildlife standards with purple paint along the public roadways to indicate that the property is private and that no unauthorized entry or hunting is allowed. Purple paint became a legal alternate to “private property” signs under House Bill 762 July 2011, the Land Owner Protection Act, and requires written permission by a landowner to hunt a private parcel. This marking, per the Landowner Protection Act, will give Wildlife Officers the ability to directly address and cite anyone on the property without written permission to access or hunt the property.
Furthermore, most owners of large tracts have undoubtedly had to deal with trash and litter from illegal dumping. During scouting or hunting trips, I will be happy to gather any unwanted litter off of the property and report any unauthorized activity on the property. The goal would be to leave the property cleaner than it was found and help prevent any future costly cleanup.
Lastly, I am a licensed hunter with hunter safety certification issued by the NC Wildlife Association and hold personal values on treating wildlife and their habitats with respect. I live in Efland, NC with my wife and two young sons.
I would be happy to provide personal references if you are interested in working with me and my organization.
Rob Gray
919-257-2015