When I look at that Facebook site about the Lockout and view the photos and captions, oh my oh my...many, if not most, if not ALL of those are so obviously staged it isn't even funny. It's sad. The crooked, underhanded tactics some will go to so they get their way is just pathetic.
I am very glad to say though, that the vast majority of landowners I speak to (including out west) STILL are super nice. They aren't all full of complaints about hunters or land access or the burden of posting signs or any of that. They are very thankful that I ask permission (and stick around for a little BS'ing) and are even more thankful when I stop back to thank them. They often invite me in (a total stranger). They often fill my coffee mug. The often show me around. I am reminded often that most landowners, farmers, and ranchers are like most hunters and most people in general...they have common sense and are smart enough to see through all of the bullshit. They are courteous to others when others are courteous to them. While I hear others say they offer to do chores or whatnot, I can't say I've ever done that. I don't pay money or provide lavish gifts either but it makes me feel better to drop off a bottle of booze or bag of fresh, clean, de-boned, vacuum sealed fish (not 6 months old and frozen in a bag of ice) or something like that if at all possible.
That said, the "all land is posted" rule will more than likely pass next time around because the biggest assholes in this fight have the clout and we (the general public) somehow voted them in.
I'm going to spend a lot less time fighting the inevitable against people who don't care about anyone but themselves and a lot more time building relationships that will matter down the road. I don't have enough time left on this earth to waste it fighting a losing battle. However, I have more than enough time to do what I can to show my kids the proper way to respect landowners, gain access, and open doors. The ability to actually communicate appropriately in person seems to be a lost art with social media and the media in general these days. Hell, I see people all day who can't have a dinner conversation if it isn't over text messaging or blogging, much less being able to politely ask to tread lightly on someone else's property.