We use the kids to help with mgt bucks, and if they shoot a trophy then that is your trophy, we don't have guests other than direct family and we don't have a stack of dumb arse rules like most leases it is supposed to be enjoyable. Put a good group together and don't worry about BS, if BS comes up eliminate the problem.

If you're trying to implement even a rudimentary management plan then you should consult a biologist. Based off of his recommendations there should be an overall harvest quota. Divide the quota evenly among the paid hunters and then the paid hunters can choose who shoots what from his allotted quota.

In other words, if each hunter is allowed a trophy and cull/management buck and 2 does, then the hunter can decide if he wants to share his quota among friends/family. Just as long as his quota is not exceeded.

We use the kids to help with mgt bucks, and if they shoot a trophy then that is your trophy, we don't have guests other than direct family and we don't have a stack of dumb arse rules like most leases it is supposed to be enjoyable. Put a good group together and don't worry about BS, if BS comes up eliminate the problem.

I feel the exact opposite. Having clear rules/guidelines is what makes the lease enjoyable.

Then you are hunting with the wrong people.

I wish I could get my own property and have my close friends/family on it where everyone is on the same page.

Unfortunately, that is not the case for now.

Then you are hunting with the wrong people.

I own my own place now. I have rules. Since I am the owner they don't have to be written but they are rules nonetheless. My place is relatively small (365 acres).

I want only mature bucks taken. My guys know what that is for my place.
No kids until after December 1st. (This rule came about one year when I looked up one weekend and there were 4 wild banshees running around-and none of them were mine. Honestly, I am pretty serious about my hunting and simply like peace and quiet.)
Kids can only take does/hogs/varmints. (I hate this one the worst but on a small place like mine it is either that or no kids at all. I don't charge the 2-3 guys that hunt my place so if they want their kids to get a big buck they can get their own lease.)
No night hunting.
No target shooting during the season.
No ATVs/UTVs/jeeps off the roads unless we are getting a deer.
No one hunts my "good" stand whether I am there or not. (That one is just the way it is because I own the joint.) Other than that we can hunt each other's stands in their absence.
Use good optics and don't shoot button bucks.
Take down/remove all stands and feeders that are not in use/going to be in use soon.

The rules are subject to amendment/addition at any time.

Most of them were just understood before we even started. The kids/roads deals have really been the only ones I have had to deal with directly.

The thing I have struggled with most is when I want to "relax" a rule-say by letting a kid shoot a trophy deer because there have not been many killed that year. But I have found that to be virtually impossible because it is very hard to go back once a rule is "relaxed". Either someone wants to take advantage or others get their feelings hurt because they perceive favoritism.

You keep saying that like you and your people are "better" or "superior" from a moral perspective. But, whether you realize it or not, all you are really saying is the people you hunt with all agree what the rules are. So they are clear to you guys-even though they are not written.

Who can shoot what, what constitutes a trophy, guest rules, etc. do not carry any moral implications about who are the "wrong" people and who are not.

Savvy?

I don't need someone to tell me what to shoot, when I can shoot, or how I can shoot it, just think you hunt with small group of like minded guys that have common goals and it will take care of itself. Half the deer nazi rules I have read and seem the guy that wrote em doesn't know the first thing about trophy deer or enjoying the lease as he is too busy enforcing his rules. SMH
To each his own I guess.

Rules are rules, written, verbal, common sense, or understandings. It is best to get it in writing, then everyone has fun, and probably in a much safer environment.
Even those that claim they do not have rules, really do. Just leave a gate open, hunt in another guys blind, or don't make a payment toward your lease, and you'll discover real quick that you actually do have rules.

you are correct - you go hunt where you want to hunt and I will hunt where I want to - Nazi rules? You are the one on the wrong lease and the wrong hunters - we have a great lease, trophy deer, and great camp - but we have guidelines/rules - to each his own

I don't lease to anyone I don't know and trust. There are four rules.

1. Be safe.
2. Leave the place in better shape than you found it.
3. I make all the final decisions and have the final say when there is any conflict and/or doubt. Ask me first.
4. In case of confusion about anything related to the lease, refer to rule #3.

Easy.

Yeah I am on the wrong lease
Never had issue in ten years, taken numerous bucks from 150-176 daughter has taken trophy bucks and mgt bucks. We have shot deer from truck, others have shot deers in my stand, I have shot deer in others stands, we all help keep others feeders full if they can't make it up, we leave gates the way we found them, we all believe in trying to shooting mature animals, written rules nothing outside the lease contract that I sign.
You don't have to have a bunch of rules to have a good lease as long as you have good guys that have common sense and goals

^^^^That's all I am saying. Doesn't seem to be getting through.^^^^^

Sure, I have seen the "Nazi" rules and I don't want any part of them or the guys that promulgate them. But they can be both written and unwritten.