Finally get to deer hunt... busted trespasser

[Montanawidower]

You guys who hunt coveted private ground all know this routine.   It seems every year I spend at least one hunt "educating" someone about trespassing.  

I am lucky enough to be one of three people to hunt a great river bottom spot not far from my house and basically in town.    Its 320 acres of river bottom funnels and great bedding cover.

For years the landowner didn't allow anyone to hunt, but he was sick of the trespassers.  He lets us hunt if we "patrol" to the place.    It doesn't matter how many signs you post, people still sneak in.  

Yesterday the guys were brazen enough to argue with me, and say "nobody hunts down here"  who gave YOU permission.   I promptly called the authorities.    The worst part was it still bothers me and ruins the feel of the hunt.   I saw 7 bucks after the confrontation and it hardly got me going.   I was still shaken/p##sed by the ordeal.  

Thanks for listening to the vent.

[magnus]

That's always a bummer!  I like how they always want to know  " who gave you permission" so they can go ask. My guess is they 'll be back.

[Alexander Traditional]

I can't get over when someone is breaking the law how they can have the audacity to ask what you're doing there. Some people just don't have any morals. I'm lucky that i've never run into one of these situations on my leases.

[Bud B.]

A proper response, "I have written permission to be here and will show it to the Warden when he gets here, since I called him about 15 minutes ago." That should get their attention.

Sounds like you handled it well anyway.

[centaur]

Let's hope that Game and Fish gives the guy a nice autographed citation and a heavy fine. Some people's kids! Sheesh!

[Jerry Jeffer]

At least you are making it known that trespassers will not be tolerated there. Once word gets out that the authorities got involved, less people will try to get in.
   

[shankspony]

Its a worldwide problem. I have a 2400 acre farm in New Zealand and I am fairly generous with whom I allow to come hunt on it. Despite that every year there are individuals who think they can disregard the rules and just enter and kill stuff. Good on you for confronting them. It is never pleasant and you can never be sure what their reaction will be. It certainly ruins your day.

[ChrisM]

Just more symptons of our " intitelment" culture that is developing.

[ti-guy]

:rolleyes:    

[AWPForester]

I worked for a company that owned lots of land.  The company allowed some of the employees to lease it to hunt on.  We had a terrible problem with littering at the gate and treepassing.  Had people come in and steal things.  You know, the typical thngs you get when you don't allow people to abuse your things.

Anyways, one of our members was out camping with his family a couple years ago and here comes a whole possey of 4 wheelers.  They had ignored the signs, the locked gate and all.  When confronted they knew they had Brian out numbered and acted appropiately for the trash they were.  Asking him who had given him permission and what right he had to tell them to leave.  Real winners.

I hope you have no further problems but after being involved with large landowners firsthand, it is a on going battle.  God Bless

[Randy Morin]

That sucks Jeff.  I bet they were packin guns too.  Not good for the blood pressure or fun factor. Let me know if you need more patrollers mid-week...I'd love a doe hunt'n spot.

[Sam McMichael]

I hope those guys lose their hunting privilege. I would sure let the authorities know how belligerent they were to you. That may convince them to request the court take more than just the minimal action against these clowns.

[huntnmuleys]

Sure hope they got a ticket at least. I think so many do it because they get away with it.

[Mike Gerardi]

Seems to be alot of these kinds of people walking around these days. This is the second issue I have heard about in Montana this year. Criminal prosecution is the only means to deal with these types. Sometimes more than twice.

[The Whittler]

Repeat after me, you can't fix stupid. People do what they do because there is no respect for others, or what you have.

[Jim Wright]

I'm just shy of 67 and can assure you that trespassers, poachers and other slobs have been around for a long time. I might add that today's slobs like those before them come from a portion of the population that hardly consider themselves part of any "entitlement culture".

[Walt Francis]

Jeff,
Sorry to hear you are having to deal with trespassers too, we have been dealing with them on three of my four whitetail spots.  The spotlighting poachers on one property have been even worse.  Make sure the land owner is willing to prosecute then get the game wardens involved.

Don't let them get you down.

[The Hawk]

Sorry to hear about that, I have had people try and throw me off my own property. I'm a little quicker to call the authorities.

[D. Key]

I feel your pain sir!  Just be thankful you're not in East Texas.  I'm a transplant here and some of these "Good O'le Boys" think any land is ok to hunt.  Over the years I have purchased almost 100 acres just to hunt on adjacent to my home and I've got one neighbor that totally disregards the law.  This guy has five ongoing  violations on the Nat'l Forest and the Feds are now investigating him.  I sure  hope they fine him big time.

Sorry.  Didn't mean to rant.  I just sympathize wtih your dilemma.  Best of luck to ya.

[ddauler]

It happens all the time here in Ga.