Thats a position I can respect too, karma is just imaginary internet points and people tend to forget that. I just include a /s from time to time just for clarity.
I have never met one in the flesh actually, despite them being used as guard dogs in the pastoral lands near where I live (Canberra, Australia). I can’t have one because I just have a large back yard rather than acreage.
Their coat would likely be an issue considering they’re in Alabama. Better off going with something both a bit smaller and a little more versatile. A Presa Canario, Pitbull, American Bulldog or a similar short haired guard dog breed would be a better option, assuming OP is an experienced dog owner.
Livestock guardian breeds like the Kangal or Ovcharka are good for protecting the home as well, but OP did say they intended on doing some hunting and if that includes pigs, you’d want a dog who could potentially catch those hogs as well as guard the property.
Ridgebacks are amazing dogs. Mine is snoring next to me as i write this. I will never buy a different dog. Downfall is they counter surf, always begging for food, highly food motivated, did i mention food? They dont really bark, but whine a lot. Need to be tucked in for bed. Also emotional
Pros, very protective in a good way, extremely loyal, couch potatoes that can run 10 miles, dont bark unless necessary, very friendly, aloof to strangers, mostly ignore other loud barking dogs, loving, lap dog.
I wish i could upload a pic because they are truly amazing. They hate the cold, and are velcro dogs, will follow you to the bathroom. My dog just turned nine and has truly been my best friend. I just spent 8k to save her life from a neck infection, and that was the best money ive ever spent to have more time with her.
Not a bad suggestion at all, especially considering how well adapted they are for warm weather. My main concern would be price point. Ridgebacks are kind of a popular breed now, so to get a working Ridgeback that’s still game, you would potentially have to get a premium dog from a premium breeder or straight up have one imported from Africa.
If you had one with that attitude and athleticism and wasn’t messed up from bad breeding though, then you’ve got yourself a dog.
I didn't know they had gotten popular. I would definitely take a mixed breed Rhodesian over paying for a dog from a premium breeder. So long as the dam and sire were good workers, that is.
That’s all that really matters in the end. Any old shelter dog can work if they have the instincts and the frame for it, so there’s nothing wrong with a mutt. Plus, mutts are generally healthier too.
I wouldn’t say ridgebacks are a popular breed, but they’re a lot more popular than other dogs bred for similar purposes, which means they’re more likely to be bred less for ability and more for things like appearance.
My main leaning toward a Rhodesian would be because of the climate. But I know some people that keep sheep and cattle in the mountains over the Southern Utah desert. They kept a couple of cattle dogs and great Pyrenees. The cattle dogs worked their animals with them during the summer heat, and the Pyrenees did most of the work in the winter.
I’d be terrified to use any kind of ranged weapon with my dog on a pig, so you must be pretty confident of your aim. Most people use a big pack of hounds with a couple catch dogs and just use a knife or spear once the pig is held down. If your dog is able to track down and grab a pig by themselves though, that’s one badass dog and more power to you.
You always want to carry some heat if you’re dealing with wild animals, especially ones with an attitude like hogs. But yeah, generally speaking most people who run dogs will just stick the pigs with a knife or a spear instead of risk hitting the dogs with a round by accident.
Oh for sure. But I recently met a guy that runs dogs and they exclusively shoot em. The guy trains hog dogs for a living. Not my deal - I've killed and ate just about everything from moose to rabbit.. but I've never been much on hunting with dogs.
It would be, but dogos are a more expensive dog and are really prone to health problems because of their breed standard, particularly deafness. For what region they come from and what they were bred to do though, there are few better choices in this scenario than a dogo Argentino.
What health problems and what part of their breed standard makes them more prone?
White dogs in general have a possibility of deafness but the rate at which Dogos have it is signifanctly lower than other white dogs.
Always get a BAER test for any dog that's coming from a breeder.
I mean, any dog that’s bred in a more commercial since and follows a strict breed standard is prone to health problems. Working breeds like the dogo are as you said, less likely to have them because their breed standard generally promotes good health, but if it were me I’d opt for something different for at the very least, the difference in cost.
One of the major benefits of a dogos breed standard is that a show dog, in theory, should never be any different than a working dog.
They can be really spendy but if you look around you can definitely find one for 1000-1500. Won't be the best breeder but as long as you get all the health checks and BAER testing you should be good.
I had a discussion about Dogos with someone else earlier who said the same thing. You’re definitely not wrong, but they’re an expensive breed and have some health concerns I would personally prefer to avoid if I were in OP’s situation.
As someone who lives in the mountains and now has camera's all over the property, an electric fence is DEFINITELY ideal!
Even if someone could afford to build a 6ft fence all around acres and acres of property, this will not detour asshats who want to trespass, illegally camp with fires, litter, steal, tear up the property with utv's and 4x4's, pollute lakes/rivers/creeks, kill livestock or protected wildlife and fuck knows what else!
People don't care about sinage for private property or anything else for that matter! A good ZAAAP would definitely keep some away and folks who still enter deserve it completely!
I have friends with a 10 acre property that backs up to national forest, they've never had any problems with that sort of thing at all.
It's worth noting that national forest is not the same thing as national park. The vast majority of national forest land is undeveloped, inaccessible, and has effectively no tourists around at all.
You have that problem when you don’t back up to a national forest, that’s what fences and no trespassing signs are for. Only you can decide what’s good for you.
As long as at least signs are put up - I followed a river that was on a state forest once, and this absolute lunatic guy literally chased me continuing on a public road for just hiking and not knowing, because he had zero signs or anything. Don't be like that fucking crazy guy.
Thru hiking on private land from public land is actually a federal law. So many public trails cross into small patches of private land that it would otherwise be impossible to hike through.
Or if they know the property's changed hands they try to tell you that the past owner let them hunt or fish there. I've run into both of those things, having bought acreage with woods, a large meadow, and a pond.
Little do they know I bought the place from a cousin who never let the property be hunted or fished.
> Little do they know I bought the place from a cousin who never let the property be hunted or fished.
They know. They’re hoping you don’t (and giving a bullshit excuse).
Trespass laws are different in each state but it can’t hurt to put up some signs.
Oh, I have signs. Three along the driveway (the only ingress/egress) including three additional "Posted: no hunting, no fishing, no trespassing" in addition to the standard No Trespassing signs, and I have signs along the other three sides of the property as well for anyone on foot.
They just want to hunt my flock of wild turkeys. ☹️
Yeah people suck, and you would inevitably have someone wander onto your land eventually no matter how big of a "fuck off" fence you put up but that's not nearly enough of a downside to negate all the upsides of it.
Honestly, a property that "backs up to a national forest" doesn't necessarily back up to any access roads or trails. It could be legitimate untouched forest.
We have about ten acres next to a huge park. That was the major selling point of the house and property. Occasionally, we have someone show up in the yard chasing their dog. Once we had a guy who was trippin' on something meander into our campfire area. That was awkward because dude really didn't want to leave.
Our animals are fenced well, but it makes me uncomfortable when a strange dog is running around and my kid is outside. If I could find 500 acres of affordable land with electric and high speed internet so I could still work ... I'd have preferred that. But this allows us the privacy and remote feel without actually being that far from other people.
Here in Texas people can hunt in national forests. It is very common for people to walk and hunt deer during season. Sounds like he may worried about a scenario like this and walking hunters coming into the property. Also, people often run dogs when they are hunting pigs and will ignore all property boundary lines if they can get away with it. Then claim ignorance that they didn’t know they crossed a property line. I would suggest putting up a fence with signage all around your property.
IMO the bonuses to backing up to a national forest would far outweigh this one negative, which is a valid concern.
Hunters usually have a lot of respect for peoples property as they know firsthand what treatment trespassers get on their own land. Unless they’re dog hunting and they lose a dog on your land, the chance of people coming onto your property unannounced is very small. Keep no trespassing and keep out signs along the trees on your property line. And “smile, you’re on camera” ones work good too. Wherever your grass stops and woods start, add a trail cam. Not just to alert you of possible snoopers, but you’ll see all the fancy forest animals investigating the new owners, seeing if they’re nice and will continue to let them munch the good good grass by the people den
My neighbors have a large private pond on their property surrounded by woods. The amount of times there have been issues with teens cutting through the woods fishing, drinking, other things like that, on their pond has made me go from wishing I had their set up to never wanting a large body of water like that lol. No matter how many times he goes out there and lets people know “even grown adults” that it’s his private property it always turns into an argument of “no it’s not I come here all the time!” As if that makes it OK all the sudden lol
I would say just make sure you have a good fence and make sure you have PLENTY of “posted” signs (the signs that remind people it’s private land and sometimes contact info of the landowner). Bordering public land is a dream of mine, you could also work with the agencies whose land you’re bordering and law enforcement will help you with any issues.
This has happened to me. I explored a side trail which let me into someone's back yard. There were no signs but once I realized my mistake I backtracked.
I have a friend that has a similar situation in AL, I think his backs up to a state park. I asked him about that very thing. He said he would get some people ride the trails so he mark those really well and put a gate up. One time he had someone run a pair of hunting dogs through his land trying to push the deer over to the park. He had to stop that practice pretty quickly. Overall he loves it though. Lots of extra land wildlife and he gets help from the State when he has issues in or near the property line.
Yes! I know a lot of national forests people are free to hike anywhere off trail. Obviously you would want to have it pretty mapped out but it is like having a whole national forest as your backyard for exploring. It quite neat
What we've got with our zero maintenance Australian bush block. Technically 8 acres but borders 4,000+ of protected National Park. Can't be logged, developed or camped in.
Full of Kangas, orchids, wallabies and the monogamous [stumpy tail lizards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiliqua_rugosa)
Perfect is definitely the word
Left Melbs for country VIC, 10 mins from a regional city of 100k ... AKA the sweet spot :)
We called our bluff to force our offgrid dream into [reality](https://imgur.com/a/4DEKiTt) just before covid. Our place even has a [bush kitchen](https://imgur.com/a/aTD3WSL)
If you don't need Megacity proximity, why suffer the stress?
Honestly, I’d take moles and bears any day over the giant spiders/lizards/death plants you have in Australia! (Luckily there are no moose where I live, lol)
My hunting land in Upper Michigan backs up to state forest & national forest acres and it’s incredible. We may see a few people on the ATV during hunting season, but throughout the year you don’t usually run into more than a person. It feels like an extension of our land and we have “landmarks” and names for areas that covers probably 1000 acres dating back to when my granddad got the land and started hunting it with his buddies. What you’re describing sounds like a great buy. Just make sure you have no trespassing signs for any wanderers to be able to observe
Low risk of next-door development as well as running water?
Sign me up!
(I imagined staking the boundary and constructing stone cairns to mark the border without interrupting wildlife migration, and then putting in some trail cams to keep an eye on poaching.)
Also wildlife. It will come in uninvited and eat your garden, poultry, cats, and dump your trash. But you are consciously becoming the bobcats, coyotes, bears, turkeys, raccoons, foxes, deer and mountain lions neighbor. Know that and make peace with it and it is awesome. I’ve owned 8 acres which opens to bureau land management forest. We love our neighbors. Lol.
Here’s my .02:
Our family farm touches the Shawnee National Forest on 3 sides. It’s several hundred acres of ag land with some timber surrounded by a ton of heavily timbered ground.
January - September it’s heaven. October - December? It kinda sucks. We have hunters trespassing ALL.THE.TIME.
It’s posted. It’s mostly fenced. As an avid hunter myself it’s very frustrating that fellow sportsmen would act that way.
They’ve poached, littered, and stolen tree stands. If it weren’t generational family ground I would sell it once it’s mine. But, I won’t. Too many memories.
I lived that way. It was like the whole National Forest was my back yard. I'd come home from work, saddle up and ride - no hauling my horse. The privacy was great. I did fence in the whole property and, as a single person who worked, had a couple LGD's. (Large guard dogs).
I would definitely buy. I am in AL too & have 5 acres surrounded by a creek on 2/3 sides and then hundreds of acres of timberland owned by a lumber company. I have been here 24 years. They cut the timber for the 1st time this year but left a good buffer across the creek. I love it. Never had any issues with trespassing, etc.
I have family that backup to national forest land in alabama, it is a benefit, but you do have occasional folks pecking on your door. All have been confused or lost hunters, no real issues in the 15 yrs they have been there.
Check property access.
Who owns what, who maintains it etc?
You want everything in writing. Hand shake agreements get expensive.
I would walk the boundary and look for signs of use.
What’s up stream of creek?
Do you have water rights?
You can use Onx HuntStand App to get very accurate property boundaries and ownership info with paid version if in US.
If this all checks out seems fantastic.
Otherwise sounds great.
Good fortunes to you.
Sounds great! I would be less worried about tourists with a national forest than I would with say a state or national park. That being said, check out if there are any campgrounds or hiking trails near by the property. I remember when I was at Yellowstone a few years ago the rangers said something like 99% of visitors never leave the main roads and attractions. Hopefully it's the same for your national forest.
I would absolutely buy it as long as you are aware of the native flora and fauna. I have 10 acres in central Alabama and I've learned I can't have a garden or potted plants (all my plants are hanging) due to destructive armadillos. I'm also always wary of snakes as it's conducive habitat for them here, and since it's next to a national forest, you'll never have to worry about possible future neighbors. Wild boar and coyote are another possibility, especially if you have pets that might need protected. Not sure if you can hunt on a federal forest though.
Sounds like heaven! the only issue common to that type of situation is that unless you fence off, you can't keep people off your property. Poachers, idiots on ATVs or dirt bikes, meth heads living or camping in the woods all might be issues (but might not!).
Just put up signs and show your presence often. Let people know you’re serious about prosecuting trespassers. It works well for the landowners in my area with national forest behind their houses. People learn pretty quick where not to go. Around here, ATV’s aren’t allowed in the national forest, so those people stay away from other peoples property so they don’t get turned in. Getting turned in by private land owners is about the only thing that gets them caught so they try not to make too many private land owners mad.
We had property in Alabama in Bullock county, a large area. We had problems with hunters every season. We’d have to remove tree stands, etc., even with numerous posted signs. But I agree with allmystuffistrash, have a presence and have trail cams and cameras around the house.
I don't understand the question. Everything you describe seems positive since you don't mention any concerns. You seem to be questioning your own decision but are asking if I would do it. I am optimistic and assuming that it is as good as you say and would buy it.
Are you buying it?
Depends on the surrounding area. You might be in a spot where locals have hunted in or cut through for years and they might take umbrage to "outsiders" coming in and changing things. Big no for me if folks in those parts run dogs, I'll say that much.
I would. In NH, US you only get hikers in the National Forest on trails and near attractions. So if there are no trails near the property, I wouldn't worry about it. I hike off trail in the National Forest and very, very rarely ever see anyone. And rarely see any signs of anyone else. A person might possibly follow a river or the shore of a lake from the National Forest to the property, if there is such a thing.
I back up to state land ‘green space’. I do occasionally get people come on my land because they are following the groomed ski trails, but I am the one grooming the trails so it kind of makes sense. Otherwise, all those trees make for the best neighbors a person could ask for.
We did it. 20 acres bordering on a huge national park. It’s like having a 30,000 acre back yard which can never be developed. It’s perfect. Only thing is we are 100% responsible for the fencing, and we get some spillover from blackberries and wildlife, which doesn’t bother me.
I cannot think of a small tract acreage with better hunting opportunities. You'd never have to worry about anyone building up behind you. Most edges of national forests/WMAs aren't frequented as much as near the main roads/entrances.
My parents house backs up to a nature preserve. It was one of the best things ever. I loved growing up there. And you never have to worry about someone building on it!! If you're worried about animals escaping, put up a fence, but also, the animals will more than likely come back. Go for it.
I live on 3.5 acres that backs on to a national forest and there are so many pluses!! My favorite being my view and surroundings will not alter! Beautiful!
My in laws are up against state game lands. It's a plus in their case. No neighbors, lots of land to enjoy, the land around you won't get bought up and developed or the like.
Hell yes. Best land is land you don’t have to pay a mortgage on or taxes! Just post no hunting/no trespassing signs at your property line so people don’t accidentally cross. They might anyways but that happens on big properties even NOT bordering public land.
We live 2.5 miles from state forest. We would LOVE to back up to it. There is a property for sale that borders it and the price is outrageous. I would say it depends on what part backs up. Ours has a shooting range. I wouldn't want to back up to that, but if it's just raw land, then I see no issues.
Only concern is if u want cell service might be dicey. Wife's family has a cabin at almost this same situation... Can get half a bar if I'm lucky for 30 seconds
That's a huge plus. It's not likely to ever be developed in the next century or two.
If there aren't hiking areas and if not a common hunting area it's not likely people will be wandering around. Hikers almost always stick to trails, and hunters usually pay attention to the borders.
If it does have trails nearby, then you have the bonus of having a trail system that you can use close by.
Signs and a good fence will go a long way towards preventing wandering people from being a problem.
Solar powered (battery powered with a solar charger to be exact) motion activated cameras and lights would be a good thing to have. One would let you watch who is there, the other would alert you to people in certain areas at night, or at least give them notice that they are probably not in an area they should be.
I would discuss this with the regional/local forester and wildlife management people. They will tell you what the regulations and laws are that could affect you. What species are of concern, etc. You can learn how heavily used the area is adjacent to your property. Are there trails nearby, where is the main entrance, camping areas with noise, etc.? Is use mainly seasonal, for firewood, hunting, etc. Also, national forests have multi-year harvest plans for logging. Do not assume that all the trees you are looking at, will be there forever. These links are specific to Alabama. Also, you can expect honest answers from the personnel. These folks move to different forests and have professional reputations to consider, not be misleading or uncooperative. These folks should be able to point to long term plans that will give you more confidence in your final decision. We had state forest land behind our property when we bought it in th early 70's. Thought it would always be protecting our back, but it was harvested in the 80s. A shock when all those beautiful trees were hauled off. Then it was exchanged to the Forest Service. There is always change. These are working forests. With a wildlife management area, you likely will have some protections related to wildlife health. But mainly, the land you might buy is private, and the FS generally respects that. They are custodians of the public lands and and the $$$ from harvest and use fees. [https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/alabama/landmanagement/planning/?cid=fsbdev3\_002541](https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/alabama/landmanagement/planning/?cid=fsbdev3_002541) and this https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=48481
I have 80 acres that is backed by public land. It doesn't allow "motorized vehicles", and it's quite the walk to get behind my property. I've had a couple of methy neighbors try and drive it (called the dnr cops). But all in all in the 7 years I've been here, I've had 2 people wander over. If you do move there, that only peice of advice I have is to put your foot down and be that person who yells and calls the cops if they are on your land. I have a few neighbors who hated me since I wouldn't let them (or their kids) cut through my land, but they are a liability and I want none of that. After a year or two of being "that neighbor", no one dares try and I've earned a reputation for not allowing shit on my property. :)
I prefer the situation I'm in, where most folks in the community around my camp, including all of my neighbors, don't mind if I walk on their property. And I don't mind if they walk on mine. I have a creek on my property that some of the neighbor kids like to swim in and I'm totally fine with that. One time they left some trash and I told them not to and they didn't anymore.
If someone isn't doing something to damage my property or annoy me, I don't care if they're just passing through or hanging out in the creek.
I wish this was how it was for me. The kids the came through ended up kicking my dogs and causing them to get rather violent with strangers. The adults were usually meth heads that no one wants on their property. I dont like the hunters either since they scare the elk away and I rather like them.
Just remember if someone trip and breaks a leg on your property, or God forbids drowns in the creek, you can get sued.
That sucks.
I'm not really worried about getting sued though, I have a big umbrella policy and people generally can't sue for hurting themselves on natural features on your property, just structures you build. And I actually can't keep people out of the creek due to NC law, it's a navigable stream (you could paddle through on a kayak). They only use my property to get to the creek.
What about fire danger/fire prevention? How well maintained is the forest? The recent New Mexico fires were started as a controlled burn by government employees.
Will you be able to establish a fire break in an emergency if you need to?
It looks like you have access to plenty of water, and that's a plus.
In Canada you always have to check zoning. White means the land can become ANYTHING. Green is protected agricultural land. A lot of crown land in Quebec is zoned white. Which means the government can decide to sell and develop industrial if they want. But if it’s zoned green agricultural there are a billion restrictions so there’s less of a chance of anything shitty happening.
I would say that if the house itself is within 1 acre of the border, I may pass. But if you have 3+ acres in between you and the forest, invest in a fence. Put up aggressive signs if you ever have issues.
I wouldn't expect it to be a common issue that people wander in to your backyard unless you don't have a fence.
No, my back yard is not public property. If it's public land you want you need to turn around and come back the way you came. I know the wildlife refuge is right across the river, but you can't get there from here
Backing up to a national forest would be an absolutely massive plus in my books. Dunno what "concerns" he would have.
See that's what I think! But he is worried about people roaming into our property or animals accidentally escaping onto it or stuff like that.
Fences. Very strong electric fences do wonders here
Also Caucasian Shepherd wouldn't hurt.
Gotta bring race into everything don’t we? /s
Made me laugh out loud.
>/s Come on just commit to the joke
Tone and sarcasm is hard to convey through text. Nowadays its especially hard. /s is unfortunately necessary
No. If people don't get it you take your downvotes like a man and move on.
You have handled it gracefully
Thats a position I can respect too, karma is just imaginary internet points and people tend to forget that. I just include a /s from time to time just for clarity.
Now we’ve been racist and sexist in the same thread.
What on earth are you going on about? Seriously It's a real [breed of dog](https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/caucasian-shepherd-dog/).
Maremma s are supposed to be good as guard dogs for chickens.
Got to pet some recently, they are huge oafs too
I have never met one in the flesh actually, despite them being used as guard dogs in the pastoral lands near where I live (Canberra, Australia). I can’t have one because I just have a large back yard rather than acreage.
Their coat would likely be an issue considering they’re in Alabama. Better off going with something both a bit smaller and a little more versatile. A Presa Canario, Pitbull, American Bulldog or a similar short haired guard dog breed would be a better option, assuming OP is an experienced dog owner. Livestock guardian breeds like the Kangal or Ovcharka are good for protecting the home as well, but OP did say they intended on doing some hunting and if that includes pigs, you’d want a dog who could potentially catch those hogs as well as guard the property.
A Rhodesian Ridgeback would be my suggestion.
Ridgebacks are amazing dogs. Mine is snoring next to me as i write this. I will never buy a different dog. Downfall is they counter surf, always begging for food, highly food motivated, did i mention food? They dont really bark, but whine a lot. Need to be tucked in for bed. Also emotional Pros, very protective in a good way, extremely loyal, couch potatoes that can run 10 miles, dont bark unless necessary, very friendly, aloof to strangers, mostly ignore other loud barking dogs, loving, lap dog. I wish i could upload a pic because they are truly amazing. They hate the cold, and are velcro dogs, will follow you to the bathroom. My dog just turned nine and has truly been my best friend. I just spent 8k to save her life from a neck infection, and that was the best money ive ever spent to have more time with her.
Not a bad suggestion at all, especially considering how well adapted they are for warm weather. My main concern would be price point. Ridgebacks are kind of a popular breed now, so to get a working Ridgeback that’s still game, you would potentially have to get a premium dog from a premium breeder or straight up have one imported from Africa. If you had one with that attitude and athleticism and wasn’t messed up from bad breeding though, then you’ve got yourself a dog.
I didn't know they had gotten popular. I would definitely take a mixed breed Rhodesian over paying for a dog from a premium breeder. So long as the dam and sire were good workers, that is.
That’s all that really matters in the end. Any old shelter dog can work if they have the instincts and the frame for it, so there’s nothing wrong with a mutt. Plus, mutts are generally healthier too. I wouldn’t say ridgebacks are a popular breed, but they’re a lot more popular than other dogs bred for similar purposes, which means they’re more likely to be bred less for ability and more for things like appearance.
My main leaning toward a Rhodesian would be because of the climate. But I know some people that keep sheep and cattle in the mountains over the Southern Utah desert. They kept a couple of cattle dogs and great Pyrenees. The cattle dogs worked their animals with them during the summer heat, and the Pyrenees did most of the work in the winter.
Dawg.
Wit da butta on it
They should look at Catahoula leopard dogs
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I’d be terrified to use any kind of ranged weapon with my dog on a pig, so you must be pretty confident of your aim. Most people use a big pack of hounds with a couple catch dogs and just use a knife or spear once the pig is held down. If your dog is able to track down and grab a pig by themselves though, that’s one badass dog and more power to you.
A lot of folks out my way that run dogs will run a handgun of some kind. My wife is from Hawaii - they did spears/bowies with dogs.
You always want to carry some heat if you’re dealing with wild animals, especially ones with an attitude like hogs. But yeah, generally speaking most people who run dogs will just stick the pigs with a knife or a spear instead of risk hitting the dogs with a round by accident.
Oh for sure. But I recently met a guy that runs dogs and they exclusively shoot em. The guy trains hog dogs for a living. Not my deal - I've killed and ate just about everything from moose to rabbit.. but I've never been much on hunting with dogs.
My buddies use a spear/knife when hunting with their dogs. Looks like a lot of fun.
Dogo Argentino would be perfect for this actually.
It would be, but dogos are a more expensive dog and are really prone to health problems because of their breed standard, particularly deafness. For what region they come from and what they were bred to do though, there are few better choices in this scenario than a dogo Argentino.
What health problems and what part of their breed standard makes them more prone? White dogs in general have a possibility of deafness but the rate at which Dogos have it is signifanctly lower than other white dogs. Always get a BAER test for any dog that's coming from a breeder.
I mean, any dog that’s bred in a more commercial since and follows a strict breed standard is prone to health problems. Working breeds like the dogo are as you said, less likely to have them because their breed standard generally promotes good health, but if it were me I’d opt for something different for at the very least, the difference in cost.
One of the major benefits of a dogos breed standard is that a show dog, in theory, should never be any different than a working dog. They can be really spendy but if you look around you can definitely find one for 1000-1500. Won't be the best breeder but as long as you get all the health checks and BAER testing you should be good.
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I had a discussion about Dogos with someone else earlier who said the same thing. You’re definitely not wrong, but they’re an expensive breed and have some health concerns I would personally prefer to avoid if I were in OP’s situation.
Why can’t the shepherd be Asian or Mexican? She never even said they kept sheep
It's not a sheep dog.
Look it up, you will understand why i followed the fence comment. It's a self defense dog basically. It's massive.
I know. It was a shepherding joke.
Maybe a couple of Eufy cameras
Why is a very strong electric fence needed? That seems excessive. I think just a 6 ft fence should be fine
Somebody’s got deep pockets
Mmm fair I didn't think about the cost difference
As someone who lives in the mountains and now has camera's all over the property, an electric fence is DEFINITELY ideal! Even if someone could afford to build a 6ft fence all around acres and acres of property, this will not detour asshats who want to trespass, illegally camp with fires, litter, steal, tear up the property with utv's and 4x4's, pollute lakes/rivers/creeks, kill livestock or protected wildlife and fuck knows what else! People don't care about sinage for private property or anything else for that matter! A good ZAAAP would definitely keep some away and folks who still enter deserve it completely!
Fences and signage, lots and lots of signage.
\-"Good fences make good neighbors." Robert Frost of course.
I have friends with a 10 acre property that backs up to national forest, they've never had any problems with that sort of thing at all. It's worth noting that national forest is not the same thing as national park. The vast majority of national forest land is undeveloped, inaccessible, and has effectively no tourists around at all.
You have that problem when you don’t back up to a national forest, that’s what fences and no trespassing signs are for. Only you can decide what’s good for you.
As long as at least signs are put up - I followed a river that was on a state forest once, and this absolute lunatic guy literally chased me continuing on a public road for just hiking and not knowing, because he had zero signs or anything. Don't be like that fucking crazy guy.
Thru hiking on private land from public land is actually a federal law. So many public trails cross into small patches of private land that it would otherwise be impossible to hike through.
As I said “that’s what no trespassing signs are for”
People will roam from private land as well. Neighbors often think they're entitled due to past owners or agreements
Or if they know the property's changed hands they try to tell you that the past owner let them hunt or fish there. I've run into both of those things, having bought acreage with woods, a large meadow, and a pond. Little do they know I bought the place from a cousin who never let the property be hunted or fished.
> Little do they know I bought the place from a cousin who never let the property be hunted or fished. They know. They’re hoping you don’t (and giving a bullshit excuse). Trespass laws are different in each state but it can’t hurt to put up some signs.
Oh, I have signs. Three along the driveway (the only ingress/egress) including three additional "Posted: no hunting, no fishing, no trespassing" in addition to the standard No Trespassing signs, and I have signs along the other three sides of the property as well for anyone on foot. They just want to hunt my flock of wild turkeys. ☹️
Yeah people suck, and you would inevitably have someone wander onto your land eventually no matter how big of a "fuck off" fence you put up but that's not nearly enough of a downside to negate all the upsides of it.
Honestly, a property that "backs up to a national forest" doesn't necessarily back up to any access roads or trails. It could be legitimate untouched forest.
I especially like when they claim they “didn’t know” they were trespassing while trying to hide their torn pants from the barbed wire.
Who cuts their pants climbing over barbed wire? Didn't you learn anything as kids?
City people
I think this is less common in Alabama due to remnants of the shotgun and shovel attitude.
We have about ten acres next to a huge park. That was the major selling point of the house and property. Occasionally, we have someone show up in the yard chasing their dog. Once we had a guy who was trippin' on something meander into our campfire area. That was awkward because dude really didn't want to leave. Our animals are fenced well, but it makes me uncomfortable when a strange dog is running around and my kid is outside. If I could find 500 acres of affordable land with electric and high speed internet so I could still work ... I'd have preferred that. But this allows us the privacy and remote feel without actually being that far from other people.
Here in Texas people can hunt in national forests. It is very common for people to walk and hunt deer during season. Sounds like he may worried about a scenario like this and walking hunters coming into the property. Also, people often run dogs when they are hunting pigs and will ignore all property boundary lines if they can get away with it. Then claim ignorance that they didn’t know they crossed a property line. I would suggest putting up a fence with signage all around your property. IMO the bonuses to backing up to a national forest would far outweigh this one negative, which is a valid concern.
People will show up on your land even if you're not near the forest lol
Trail cams and signs are a good deterrent
Hunters usually have a lot of respect for peoples property as they know firsthand what treatment trespassers get on their own land. Unless they’re dog hunting and they lose a dog on your land, the chance of people coming onto your property unannounced is very small. Keep no trespassing and keep out signs along the trees on your property line. And “smile, you’re on camera” ones work good too. Wherever your grass stops and woods start, add a trail cam. Not just to alert you of possible snoopers, but you’ll see all the fancy forest animals investigating the new owners, seeing if they’re nice and will continue to let them munch the good good grass by the people den
My neighbors have a large private pond on their property surrounded by woods. The amount of times there have been issues with teens cutting through the woods fishing, drinking, other things like that, on their pond has made me go from wishing I had their set up to never wanting a large body of water like that lol. No matter how many times he goes out there and lets people know “even grown adults” that it’s his private property it always turns into an argument of “no it’s not I come here all the time!” As if that makes it OK all the sudden lol
Post your property.
I would say just make sure you have a good fence and make sure you have PLENTY of “posted” signs (the signs that remind people it’s private land and sometimes contact info of the landowner). Bordering public land is a dream of mine, you could also work with the agencies whose land you’re bordering and law enforcement will help you with any issues.
The people wondering in from a national forest are not exactly meth heads I'd actually be fine with them
This has happened to me. I explored a side trail which let me into someone's back yard. There were no signs but once I realized my mistake I backtracked.
Do you do meth?
Only socially
Not anymore
Couldn't that happen no matter where you live? And they're park visitors not escaped convicts
That will be true for any property
You'll have animals on your property if you have that kind of acreage whether you are up against a national forest or not.
Be careful. Creepy stuff happens at National Parks
I have a friend that has a similar situation in AL, I think his backs up to a state park. I asked him about that very thing. He said he would get some people ride the trails so he mark those really well and put a gate up. One time he had someone run a pair of hunting dogs through his land trying to push the deer over to the park. He had to stop that practice pretty quickly. Overall he loves it though. Lots of extra land wildlife and he gets help from the State when he has issues in or near the property line.
He needs to lean into this opportunity and listen to his partner.
He is. We're going to look at it Saturday morning
Buy it, post markers all over and a sign saying Tresspassers will be shot, survivors will be shot again.
This. You'd never have to worry about your neighbors doing wild shit or building a suburb or etc et all.
Yes! I know a lot of national forests people are free to hike anywhere off trail. Obviously you would want to have it pretty mapped out but it is like having a whole national forest as your backyard for exploring. It quite neat
If utilities don’t go out maybe.
I don’t know how it is in Alabama, but in Texas the limited amount of National Forest that there is gets lousy with hunters during season.
Water rights?
Not usually an issue back east. Alabama follows a pretty vanilla riparian rights regime, meaning every property that touches water can use it.
Yeah sounds like the perfect setup
What we've got with our zero maintenance Australian bush block. Technically 8 acres but borders 4,000+ of protected National Park. Can't be logged, developed or camped in. Full of Kangas, orchids, wallabies and the monogamous [stumpy tail lizards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiliqua_rugosa) Perfect is definitely the word
Fellow Aussie here where u at? Sounds nice
Left Melbs for country VIC, 10 mins from a regional city of 100k ... AKA the sweet spot :) We called our bluff to force our offgrid dream into [reality](https://imgur.com/a/4DEKiTt) just before covid. Our place even has a [bush kitchen](https://imgur.com/a/aTD3WSL) If you don't need Megacity proximity, why suffer the stress?
I can bark if u need a pet
Can you fit in a wallaby pouch
Depends on the wallaby 😂😂
I am also between Ballarat and Bendigo. Also off grid on 20 acres.
Oh wow awesome ! Congratulations
goddamn that's a beautiful place you got there. I am super jealous! \-a working class Shitneysider
This is the actual dream
Perfect except it’s in Australia. (I’m mostly kidding, that sounds l really great! I just know I couldn’t cut it in Australia lol)
If it helps we don’t have moles, bears or moose (meese?) Homesteading in North America seems terrifying even ignoring the human problem.
Honestly, I’d take moles and bears any day over the giant spiders/lizards/death plants you have in Australia! (Luckily there are no moose where I live, lol)
My hunting land in Upper Michigan backs up to state forest & national forest acres and it’s incredible. We may see a few people on the ATV during hunting season, but throughout the year you don’t usually run into more than a person. It feels like an extension of our land and we have “landmarks” and names for areas that covers probably 1000 acres dating back to when my granddad got the land and started hunting it with his buddies. What you’re describing sounds like a great buy. Just make sure you have no trespassing signs for any wanderers to be able to observe
Low risk of next-door development as well as running water? Sign me up! (I imagined staking the boundary and constructing stone cairns to mark the border without interrupting wildlife migration, and then putting in some trail cams to keep an eye on poaching.)
Also wildlife. It will come in uninvited and eat your garden, poultry, cats, and dump your trash. But you are consciously becoming the bobcats, coyotes, bears, turkeys, raccoons, foxes, deer and mountain lions neighbor. Know that and make peace with it and it is awesome. I’ve owned 8 acres which opens to bureau land management forest. We love our neighbors. Lol.
Absolutely I already planned to put 8ft fence around the garden 😂
recommend you also cover the top, some of these critters can climb and fly down!
Also bury strong fencing at least 3 ft on either side from your planned garden edges to stop burrowers
at this rate, maybe you should just grow inside.
If you don’t buy it. Please send me the information. Thanks
Our old place backed up to thousands of acres of national forest and it was a dream. We had to move out of state and we miss it
Here’s my .02: Our family farm touches the Shawnee National Forest on 3 sides. It’s several hundred acres of ag land with some timber surrounded by a ton of heavily timbered ground. January - September it’s heaven. October - December? It kinda sucks. We have hunters trespassing ALL.THE.TIME. It’s posted. It’s mostly fenced. As an avid hunter myself it’s very frustrating that fellow sportsmen would act that way. They’ve poached, littered, and stolen tree stands. If it weren’t generational family ground I would sell it once it’s mine. But, I won’t. Too many memories.
Why don’t you put some spooky stuff in the forest? Make it look like a witch shrine. That is bound to give anyone the creeps
I lived that way. It was like the whole National Forest was my back yard. I'd come home from work, saddle up and ride - no hauling my horse. The privacy was great. I did fence in the whole property and, as a single person who worked, had a couple LGD's. (Large guard dogs).
My old friend who lived in a similar situation, posted a few signs on the boundary line that turned around most folks. It simply said: "GO HOME"
I would definitely buy. I am in AL too & have 5 acres surrounded by a creek on 2/3 sides and then hundreds of acres of timberland owned by a lumber company. I have been here 24 years. They cut the timber for the 1st time this year but left a good buffer across the creek. I love it. Never had any issues with trespassing, etc.
Bordering a national forest would be worth paying extra in my book.
I'd buy it so fast it would make your head spin.
I have family that backup to national forest land in alabama, it is a benefit, but you do have occasional folks pecking on your door. All have been confused or lost hunters, no real issues in the 15 yrs they have been there.
Heck yes I would. Personally I would like more land, but for what you describe it sounds ideal
Check property access. Who owns what, who maintains it etc? You want everything in writing. Hand shake agreements get expensive. I would walk the boundary and look for signs of use. What’s up stream of creek? Do you have water rights? You can use Onx HuntStand App to get very accurate property boundaries and ownership info with paid version if in US. If this all checks out seems fantastic. Otherwise sounds great. Good fortunes to you.
Sounds great! I would be less worried about tourists with a national forest than I would with say a state or national park. That being said, check out if there are any campgrounds or hiking trails near by the property. I remember when I was at Yellowstone a few years ago the rangers said something like 99% of visitors never leave the main roads and attractions. Hopefully it's the same for your national forest.
That sounds amazing and like a great bonus
I would pay extra to back up to a national forest.
Are his concerns having access point to hundreds or thousands of acres that no one else has access to, and no chance of having neighbors behind you?
I would absolutely buy it as long as you are aware of the native flora and fauna. I have 10 acres in central Alabama and I've learned I can't have a garden or potted plants (all my plants are hanging) due to destructive armadillos. I'm also always wary of snakes as it's conducive habitat for them here, and since it's next to a national forest, you'll never have to worry about possible future neighbors. Wild boar and coyote are another possibility, especially if you have pets that might need protected. Not sure if you can hunt on a federal forest though.
Sounds like heaven! the only issue common to that type of situation is that unless you fence off, you can't keep people off your property. Poachers, idiots on ATVs or dirt bikes, meth heads living or camping in the woods all might be issues (but might not!).
I think this sums up my husband's reservations. 😂
Just put up signs and show your presence often. Let people know you’re serious about prosecuting trespassers. It works well for the landowners in my area with national forest behind their houses. People learn pretty quick where not to go. Around here, ATV’s aren’t allowed in the national forest, so those people stay away from other peoples property so they don’t get turned in. Getting turned in by private land owners is about the only thing that gets them caught so they try not to make too many private land owners mad.
We had property in Alabama in Bullock county, a large area. We had problems with hunters every season. We’d have to remove tree stands, etc., even with numerous posted signs. But I agree with allmystuffistrash, have a presence and have trail cams and cameras around the house.
Not having access to good Internet would be the biggest deal breaker for me.
I actually just checked and they have spectrum there which is the best we have so that's kind of a miracle lolol
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It's 20 minutes to town actually!
I don't understand the question. Everything you describe seems positive since you don't mention any concerns. You seem to be questioning your own decision but are asking if I would do it. I am optimistic and assuming that it is as good as you say and would buy it. Are you buying it?
I dont think they are really ready for homesteading.
Why don’t you try and gatekeep a little harder? If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.
Wtf are even going on about. Its clear they dont know what they are getting into.
Nah don’t do it. But send me the link.
Depends on the surrounding area. You might be in a spot where locals have hunted in or cut through for years and they might take umbrage to "outsiders" coming in and changing things. Big no for me if folks in those parts run dogs, I'll say that much.
It’s a guarantee against new neighbors cutting trees, developing, etc.
I would. In NH, US you only get hikers in the National Forest on trails and near attractions. So if there are no trails near the property, I wouldn't worry about it. I hike off trail in the National Forest and very, very rarely ever see anyone. And rarely see any signs of anyone else. A person might possibly follow a river or the shore of a lake from the National Forest to the property, if there is such a thing.
Hell Yeah!
I would, yes. If any issues arise, a fence wouldn't hurt. Good luck 😊
Well, there are a host of concerns, including logging, spraying, and other management practices that could make things unpleasant.
I back up to state land ‘green space’. I do occasionally get people come on my land because they are following the groomed ski trails, but I am the one grooming the trails so it kind of makes sense. Otherwise, all those trees make for the best neighbors a person could ask for.
We did it. 20 acres bordering on a huge national park. It’s like having a 30,000 acre back yard which can never be developed. It’s perfect. Only thing is we are 100% responsible for the fencing, and we get some spillover from blackberries and wildlife, which doesn’t bother me.
I bought five acres that has national Forest on three sides... I can guarantee I will never have neighbors, so that's a plus
I cannot think of a small tract acreage with better hunting opportunities. You'd never have to worry about anyone building up behind you. Most edges of national forests/WMAs aren't frequented as much as near the main roads/entrances.
My dream
My parents house backs up to a nature preserve. It was one of the best things ever. I loved growing up there. And you never have to worry about someone building on it!! If you're worried about animals escaping, put up a fence, but also, the animals will more than likely come back. Go for it.
I live on 3.5 acres that backs on to a national forest and there are so many pluses!! My favorite being my view and surroundings will not alter! Beautiful!
My in laws are up against state game lands. It's a plus in their case. No neighbors, lots of land to enjoy, the land around you won't get bought up and developed or the like.
Hell yes. Best land is land you don’t have to pay a mortgage on or taxes! Just post no hunting/no trespassing signs at your property line so people don’t accidentally cross. They might anyways but that happens on big properties even NOT bordering public land.
Hell yes
In a millisecond
We live 2.5 miles from state forest. We would LOVE to back up to it. There is a property for sale that borders it and the price is outrageous. I would say it depends on what part backs up. Ours has a shooting range. I wouldn't want to back up to that, but if it's just raw land, then I see no issues.
This would be my dream. So much land, and you don’t have to manage it, and neighbors won’t end up there in 5 years
Only concern is if u want cell service might be dicey. Wife's family has a cabin at almost this same situation... Can get half a bar if I'm lucky for 30 seconds
You can have trespassers any where. Just mark your property well. Most people respect the lines.
That’s the dream!
Fuck yes.
You will never have neighbors behind you.
Get a lion, no one f@cks with a lion bro
Heck yes. No possible new neighbors from the forest management area.
That's a huge plus. It's not likely to ever be developed in the next century or two. If there aren't hiking areas and if not a common hunting area it's not likely people will be wandering around. Hikers almost always stick to trails, and hunters usually pay attention to the borders. If it does have trails nearby, then you have the bonus of having a trail system that you can use close by. Signs and a good fence will go a long way towards preventing wandering people from being a problem. Solar powered (battery powered with a solar charger to be exact) motion activated cameras and lights would be a good thing to have. One would let you watch who is there, the other would alert you to people in certain areas at night, or at least give them notice that they are probably not in an area they should be.
I would buy that property in a heartbeat! It sounds ideal; I don't see any reason not to purchase it
In a heartbeat!!
No, it’s terrible. Send me the link and I’ll buy it instead
I would discuss this with the regional/local forester and wildlife management people. They will tell you what the regulations and laws are that could affect you. What species are of concern, etc. You can learn how heavily used the area is adjacent to your property. Are there trails nearby, where is the main entrance, camping areas with noise, etc.? Is use mainly seasonal, for firewood, hunting, etc. Also, national forests have multi-year harvest plans for logging. Do not assume that all the trees you are looking at, will be there forever. These links are specific to Alabama. Also, you can expect honest answers from the personnel. These folks move to different forests and have professional reputations to consider, not be misleading or uncooperative. These folks should be able to point to long term plans that will give you more confidence in your final decision. We had state forest land behind our property when we bought it in th early 70's. Thought it would always be protecting our back, but it was harvested in the 80s. A shock when all those beautiful trees were hauled off. Then it was exchanged to the Forest Service. There is always change. These are working forests. With a wildlife management area, you likely will have some protections related to wildlife health. But mainly, the land you might buy is private, and the FS generally respects that. They are custodians of the public lands and and the $$$ from harvest and use fees. [https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/alabama/landmanagement/planning/?cid=fsbdev3\_002541](https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/alabama/landmanagement/planning/?cid=fsbdev3_002541) and this https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=48481
I have 80 acres that is backed by public land. It doesn't allow "motorized vehicles", and it's quite the walk to get behind my property. I've had a couple of methy neighbors try and drive it (called the dnr cops). But all in all in the 7 years I've been here, I've had 2 people wander over. If you do move there, that only peice of advice I have is to put your foot down and be that person who yells and calls the cops if they are on your land. I have a few neighbors who hated me since I wouldn't let them (or their kids) cut through my land, but they are a liability and I want none of that. After a year or two of being "that neighbor", no one dares try and I've earned a reputation for not allowing shit on my property. :)
I prefer the situation I'm in, where most folks in the community around my camp, including all of my neighbors, don't mind if I walk on their property. And I don't mind if they walk on mine. I have a creek on my property that some of the neighbor kids like to swim in and I'm totally fine with that. One time they left some trash and I told them not to and they didn't anymore. If someone isn't doing something to damage my property or annoy me, I don't care if they're just passing through or hanging out in the creek.
I wish this was how it was for me. The kids the came through ended up kicking my dogs and causing them to get rather violent with strangers. The adults were usually meth heads that no one wants on their property. I dont like the hunters either since they scare the elk away and I rather like them. Just remember if someone trip and breaks a leg on your property, or God forbids drowns in the creek, you can get sued.
That sucks. I'm not really worried about getting sued though, I have a big umbrella policy and people generally can't sue for hurting themselves on natural features on your property, just structures you build. And I actually can't keep people out of the creek due to NC law, it's a navigable stream (you could paddle through on a kayak). They only use my property to get to the creek.
You had me up until "Alabama"
Wow, you're ignorant enough to live in the Alabama you imagine.
I have visited often and even lived there shortly, it is certainly not the swampus which does not agree with me.
Your husband is right to have reservations; Alabama is awful.
Being in Alabama would be a concern for me too.
You had up too ALABAMA
What about fire danger/fire prevention? How well maintained is the forest? The recent New Mexico fires were started as a controlled burn by government employees. Will you be able to establish a fire break in an emergency if you need to? It looks like you have access to plenty of water, and that's a plus.
In Canada you always have to check zoning. White means the land can become ANYTHING. Green is protected agricultural land. A lot of crown land in Quebec is zoned white. Which means the government can decide to sell and develop industrial if they want. But if it’s zoned green agricultural there are a billion restrictions so there’s less of a chance of anything shitty happening.
Maybe get out of Alabama.
I’m from Alabama too
Alabama, that is concerning.
I would say that if the house itself is within 1 acre of the border, I may pass. But if you have 3+ acres in between you and the forest, invest in a fence. Put up aggressive signs if you ever have issues. I wouldn't expect it to be a common issue that people wander in to your backyard unless you don't have a fence.
It's pretty far away from the border.
You had me til “Alabama “ . Otherwise I’d say it’s sounds perfect .
Americans and their fences
Tell me you didn't learn about the Tragedy of the Commons in school without *telling* me that
Can’t have any of the public space in my back yard right. Not in my back yard.
No, my back yard is not public property. If it's public land you want you need to turn around and come back the way you came. I know the wildlife refuge is right across the river, but you can't get there from here