Are all the honest hunters gone? [Solution!!?]

[Len]

See post #16 for the idea...

Just got back from the farm.

All posted, no hunting, no trespassing.

Over 600 yards of fence down...I assume to allow the deer and elk to move more freely through the meadow...my meadow.

Had to chainsaw two plywood blinds into pieces and drag them to the burn pile. Removed three rusting LP tanks and a rusty propane heater from behind the blinds. [Made me wonder how they expect deer not to hear the burner? I guess just because you're trespassing and poaching doesn't mean you have to be uncomfortable, too.]

30 or so seven year old Christmas trees cut down for shooting lanes. They were going to be harvested this year.

Disgusted and on the way home, stop into the local gas station/store, and listen to the two yahoos trying to impress the girl behind the counter with stories of shooting a couple of deer that afternoon. Out of season.

They told her they left them, because it was too "dangerous" to cart them around since they didn't want to use their tags, in case they got a shot at "something better" later on into the season. Not to mention that they shouldn't have been shooting anything right now.

Can it really be true that the honest hunters are now the minority?

My neighbor tells me all the same stories...and though he's armed most of the time, he still "gets the creeps" when he has to escort armed people from his posted property.

Friends of his, further north, say that they leave their cabins unlocked...since they're going to break in anyway, why replace the doors every year?

I'm just tired and disgusted...I'll get over it...

But...you can't believe how beautiful the woods in Northern Michigan are right now...there's some peace in that!

Len

 

[LVSteve]

I take the it the state fish and game folk are either not bothered (private property) or overwhelmed.

 

[grnhs]

If they left their blinds and heating equipment it seems fairly easy for the local law to catch them and give an invitation to speak with a Judge about restitution.
I know in My state they would be stopped at some point.
They give all hunters, of which I'm one, a bad name we don't need in this political climate.
Just my 2cents
Sorry for the rant and for your loss.
Dave

 

[Len]

Pretty much hit the nail on the head...it's epidemic...and I'm not there but once a month.

There's really nothing you can do. DNR and sheriff have been out for reports...and that's about all they can do. They are good about stepping up the drive-bys, but they've got their hands full, too.

Len

 

[ladder13]

Tresspassing and poaching is not hunting, pretty simple.

 

[PDL]

I hate thieves of any kind.

One of those infared motion sensing game cams for the next time you find something setup. And you know if they've been there once they'll be back.
Leave the setup with the camera hidden. You might give the sheriff something to go on.

 

[Kstoneking]

Those yahoos who trespassed and damaged your property aren't hunters, they're criminals, plain and simple. If there is any justice in this world they'll receive a good dose of karma. I'm sorry for what they did to your property sir.

Kenny

 

[Bullseye Smith]

In this hick state if the land don't belong to the family you have to carry written permission with you when you hunt on the land. I have drove up to the owener home and ask, most they will do is to tell you "NO". Put you know 8out of 10 time befor you get in the truck they will come out and tell you it is OK since I took the time to ask . Plus in this state one stran of barbwire is the same as NO Tresspassing sign's. I guess we are still hicks since they will shoot at you if you do tresspass . Sounds like a good time to go hunting. When I lived in Ohio I didn't hunt, because there were more nuts around than what the trees had on them. If it moves or not they will shoot at it, I away called them K-Mart hunters with thier new out fits on.

 

[Belfastman]

I work in gun shop and have seen some of people you are talking about.For the most part hunters are on the up and up.Have to agree with Kstoneking.These guys are criminals.I have some of my best hunting memories are seeing sun come up over frosty fields,never got the bird or deer but what a hunt.Was in awe of God's handy work,but a lot of hunters only hunt for trophy's. They miss out on the best part of hunt being there.I blame a lot of hunting shows which tell those new to sport that they need scent hiding everything.I hunted for deer wearing Carhartt,s and killed several deer.Old man I hunted with used to smoke cigarettes and shot deer with pre- model 70 open sights 30-06. I saw him kill deer on fast throt with that rifle. Remember him saying son you don't to have a lot guns,you just know how to shoot the ones you have.As for his ideas on scent problem don't let them wind you.Like everything else in our soceity they want the biggest best two days ago.Sorry about your land but people today for most part do not care what they destroy,hurt or screw over as long as they get what they want its all about them.For most part people have no ethics, manners or conscience,mainly because your parents instilled them in you.Their's probably helped them destroy your land,I feel some times that are soceity is like Titanic I am standing on deck and all the life boats are gone.Good luck I hope you catch them and stick them where they belong in jail.Bullseye smith I agree with you about Ohio for most part but know some very good and ethical hunters but have ran in to some lunatics. I have run into some I would hunt in next county next to them.Had incident some years ago where fellow killed hunter taking sound shot in brush before sunup?Glad I hunted for the most part in my home state of Kentucky where I grew up.Really miss my bluegrass state but have met some fine knowledgable people here

 

[Herknav]

No, they aren't. I won't be able to go this year, but I know two teenage girls who are going on their first hunts this year. We may be on the wane, but we're not dead. There is hope.

 

[imjin138]

I know a guy who patrols his property with a paratrooper carbine because of trespassers and poachers. I do know a few men and women who take their hunting seriously and respect the rights of others.

 

[rburg]

There are some tricks to getting permission to hunt on others properties. The most important is to ask. No, not on opening day of hunting season. You go a few months early. I know its a terrible burden, but it almost always works. My dad liked to hunt about a hundred miles north of where we lived. So in early September, we'd pile in the old chevy and head up north. And every year the farmers would tell us the same thing "y'all don't have to ask, your always welcome". But the asking kept the welcome mat out.

And we never shot up any signs, fence posts, nor did we shoot at things we wouldn't want shot on our own farm.

And we had another little habit. We'd always drop off a rabbit or two on the way out. Yes, we cleaned them. Hey, it grew up on their property and ate their forage. They always appreciated it, too (or at least they said they did), and that we were the only hunters to do it.

Another thing is how you look and conduct yourself when you go to ask permission. Dress like you have just a bit of sense. They don't expect (or probably trust) someone in a suit and tie. But they don't trust or want to see someone in gangbanger attire. And be polite. I know that might be difficult for some, but it tells the landowner you have a clue about the way you should act.

And don't drive a vehicle that is too flashy, expensive or about to break down!

When you're asking someones permission to use their land, they size you up very quickly. All they know about you is what they can see and hear. Many are inclined to say no just because they've experienced bad outsiders in the past. Its a selling job you need to do to gain permission. If you sound like a good person, look like you might be honest, and come to them, hat in hand, you can often get what you seek.

My own fathers methodology was to come back a second or third year. Often a little persistence paid off. Its been my experience that country folk will be nice to you if they don't see a reason not to be.

The real problem is most city folk don't see themselves the same way as others. Some have no clue how landowners have struggled, nor what it takes to clean up a mess.

 

[Smith357]

Disgusted and on the way home, stop into the local gas station/store, and listen to the two yahoos trying to impress the girl behind the counter with stories of shooting a couple of deer that afternoon. Out of season.

I would have stopped them there and told them right in front of the girl they were trying to impress, "If I ever catch you poaching on my land I'll shoot first and ask questions later."

I have stopped quite a few unethical hunters in mid story and told them quite bluntly that it is idiots like them that make us all look bad.

 

[MSgt G]

People like you've discribed are NOT "hunters." They give real hunters a bad name. Please don't place me in the same category with these dirtbags.

I am truly sorry for what they're doing to you and your property.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

Minefield.

 

[Len]

Thanks to all for reminding me that these people are not "hunters," and for all the supporting comments. The few gentleman [and ladies] that have been permitted there in the past have been stellar individuals.

Had a thought this morning as I drank my coffee. There is a Michigan State Police post not too far away. Since the house stands empty, is in great shape, on beautiful land, here's what I'm thinking...

Why not post a note to the MSP post that I have a house available. I'd be willing to let a trooper live there rent-free, he/she pays utilities, with a no less than six month notice if the deal must end!

These guys move around quite a bit, so many are hesitant to buy a house.

I'm thinking it's the perfect solution. They occupy the place, my visits would never cramp their style, there'd be a dark blue MSP vehicle in the driveway on a daily basis, in return, they have a great house to live in for free.

What do you all think?

Len

 

[Hunt200]

Len, that sounds like a great idea!! Or if that don't work out with the Police, maybe you can find some other person who needs a home and would patrol the property for you.

 

[venomballistics]

its a start ... it would seem your plagued by amateurs.
poaching in hard times is an age old means of keeping food on the table.
most practitioners Ive seen in the past that fell on hard times were mostly discrete in their actions and did no damage.
in your case ... something must be done, you have some real pieces of work on your hands.

 

[USAF385]

I know a guy who patrols his property with a paratrooper carbine because of trespassers and poachers. I do know a few men and women who take their hunting seriously and respect the rights of others.

This past year my brother and I expanded our acreage from 101 to 164 acres. We don't hunt on it anymore, but aren't opposed to others hunting on it.. if we know them and they ask.

We patrol our land during hunting season. I haven't encountered anyone but my brother has. They claimed the didn't see the no hunt / trespassing signs... Trust me, we hung them ourselves... you cannot miss them. We have a nice cabin in the woods that I'm sure some low life would think looked mighty comfy... We keep door locked and the windows shuttered and locked when not in use.

Having the additional 63 acres this year, we will definitely be out watching for trespassers. Luckily, he will be done with his 4 years in the Air Force and will be home to assist.

 

[G.T. Smith]

That gives me an Idea

See post #16 for the idea...

Disgusted and on the way home, stop into the local gas station/store, and listen to the two yahoos trying to impress the girl behind the counter with stories of shooting a couple of deer that afternoon. Out of season.
Reading that paragraph gave me a wonderful Idea,

BOOBYtraps.

Peace,
gordon