Clarification on the wording of.....

[indygunworks]

The following from the license exemptions section.

Farmland means agricultural land that is devoted or best adaptable to the production of crops, fruits, timber or the raising of livestock, or is assessed as agricultural land for property tax purposes.



I am looking for some clarification on how this would specifically apply to my situation. I own 6 acres in Hancock County. Its currently zoned and taxed agricultural so I should be exempt even though a few people have told me the local CO wouldn't see it that way because I didn't have enough land or enough agriculture. However we are planning on building a house next year and even though I am zoned agriculture I will more than likely be taxed the residential rates. My rear 3 acres are 100 percent unmodified woods. A large amount of it is cottonwood, but there are a few walnut, oak, and sycamore trees. I also plan on about an Acre of the open pasture ground that is closer to the road to be dedicated towards a vegetable garden, as well as a small orchard and vineyard.



Under this situation would I meet the criteria to be exempt? If so what is my best option to get that in writing should I end up having any issues w/ the local CO.



What is the best way to protect myself should I find myself in the situation where I shoot a deer on my land but have to track it on a neighbors land (w/ permission of course).

[morrison]

From what you described, in addition to it being assessed as agricultural which a specific exemption by statute, your land would be best adaptable to the raising of timber. There is not a set requirement for the amount of land or for the amount of agriculture. If you want the actual officers opinion, contact our Central Dispatch and make arrangements to meet with him. Please do not bank on what others tell you the CO said if the information you receive is contradictory to what the statute states.

As long as you have permission from the landowner, you do not have anything to be concerned about. Our officers also know how to track deer. The officer will be able to determine if the deer was shot on one property or the other. Let me know if you have any additional questions.

Have a safe hunting season.