How is it that folks just walk onto your land?

[Jukelemon]

I have always been amazed at the audacity of individuals who will justify in their minds that if you have over X amount of acres, well then that is too much for one person and that all should be able to hunt on the land. In other words, entitlement. Our family has a 700 acre farm. We have been lucky in the sense that each year of hunting has NOT brought us face to face with a group of hunters that claim to have hunting rights. That changed this year. Without getting into too much topology, there are two access roads after you get on the farm. Each takes you to the opposite side of the land. So, it is very possible to hunt on one side and NEVER see/know of a hunter on the other side. The farm has only been hunted by, at most, 5 people per year. 3 of which are family members. Two of which always go with family members. This year we decide to go over to the other side to see what's to see and we run into two kids (18 maybe) in a four wheel drive "scouting to put up tree stands". They were, to say the least, stoned. Eyes barely open like Cheech and Chong. Stated that they had permission by the land owner. Hmmm. That is funny. Did not recall a call from them. Here is the thing. Their entitlement allowed them to remain completely calm and further their perspective that they actually did have a justification to be on that land. I mean hell, it is big enough Right? They had that written across their face.

I bring it up for two reasons. 1) the very simple fact of how folks think that if there is no guard, there is no law i.e. loot principle. 2) Safety. Most folks do not shoot 30-30's anymore or slug shotguns (no that is not bad or anything to the like. Just my observation when I go to the meat locker). These high powered rounds travel to say the least. And I cannot help to think that a person who would unethically enter another person's property would more than likely take a shot on a 400 yd deer regardless of surrounding concerns. Not to say that there are not hunters who can and do kill at that range safely. But Most cannot and do not due to either improper training or equipment.

Just an example but that behavior/thought pattern just seems linked to all sorts of issues and mishaps. But more so, it is linked to the tainting of your once or twice of year trip to the deer camp for some, finally, relaxation and comfort in knowing your are away from all of the idiots you come across on a daily basis. Not this year.

Be tough on trespassers. Stand up for the fact that land IS an extension of your private dwelling (like your house) and the intrusion on it is NO different than walking into your house. Both present a danger and reflection of disregard.

"May you be in heaven for a half an hour before the devil knows your dead"

[ksp965]

<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by Jukelemon</i>
<br />They were, to say the least, stoned. Eyes barely open like Cheech and Chong.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"></font id="quote">
Assuming you are correct, then a little trespassing charge is no big thing compared to a drug charge. So why would they not risk it. After all, its easier to get forgivenness than it is permission, (so thinketh they, I think).
Also the government does not respect your land as an extension of your house, (ask any criminal lawyer), that disrespect may rub off. Finally, law enforcement generally disregards complaints of trespassing or put you off on someone else, making you jump through many hoops to get some justice. Before it gets better, it will take some general raising of h___ to get "their" attention.[:(!]

[MrBowhunter]

I always found it best to fire some warning shots over their heads to get their attention. I follow this rule:

Shoot first, shoot last, shoot some more and when everyones dead try to ask a question.

[DeerFearMe]

Its all do to the lack of Respect for landowners an there land, I geuss people dont care who they make mad by tresspassing, they dont put RESPECT PRIVATE LANDS/ ASK LAND OWNER FIRST on your liscense just to take up space as a sportsman/hunter you should respect all aspects of the outdoors an other people as well. Just my opinion.

[kyscout]

DeerFearMe you hit the nail right on the head with what you said. Respect is the key,but so many people now adays don't care. The sad thing is that some farmers that used to allow people to hunt on there land won't any more for what a tresspasser has done to them.

[quackrstackr]

Go through it every year on our deer lease. With the layout of our land they are extremely hard to catch, even if you see them from a ways off they get the heck out before you can get to them. I actually think the land is hunted more by trespassers than by us. Since all of our group live at least an hour away, it's impossible to police and the locals have gotten away with it for so long, it's no big deal to them. I had my first stolen deer stand happen this year, and they tore three feeders up.. grrr.

Extremely frustrating to say the least. I have no doubt it will result in some kind of physical violence one of these days. Back about 4 years ago we had a guy come up with his girlfriend on his 4 wheeler in the middle of camp that was as big a smartass as you've ever seen. He proceeded to tell us that he lived around there and he'd hunt it whenever he liked, however he liked (was geared with a bolt action rifle during ML season). The only thing that changed his tune was a visitor of one of my sompanions that lived in the area and had quite the rough reputation when he was a little younger. He proceeded to introduce himself to the trespasser (you could see an immediate change of attitude and facial expression) that he knew exactly who he was, who his family was.... and exactly where he lived, that he may stop and pay him a little visit if he ever saw his face down there again. To this day I haven't seen the guy back, not to say he's not one of the ones that continue to run all over us at will though.

I just get sick of paying that much $ when the locals harvest their deer off us year round and open turkey season 2 weeks before the state allows.

Straight powder.......