Litchville, ND. The board of directors of the Landowners Association of North Dakota (LAND) has voted to require hunters to sign a petition in favor of farmer friendly issues before hunting access will be granted, according to Don Berge, LAND president.

Berge stated, "farmer/hunter relations have been strained over the years due to unfriendly state and federal programs that cut into farmer profitability. Many farmers deny hunting access because of these programs. LAND wants to take the lead in getting these issues resolved, so farmers can have good relations with hunters and in turn allow hunters to enjoy successful outings".

The petition asks hunters to support: the permission requirement for access to all private property, the immediate repeal of Swampbuster, rural economic development and make a $10 donation to the Land Legacy Foundation for property rights education. Refusal to comply with the petition will be hunting access denied.

For more information, contact LAND, PO Box 38, Bismarck, ND 58502, phone: 701-667-4185, email: landowner@starband.net or access the website: www.ndland.org.