Need some advice (dealing with repeat trespasser)

[baldguy637]

Last year, an older gentleman moved into a house bordering one of the propertys I hunt. I met the guy not long after he moved in, introduced myself and explained that I hunted on his neighbors property. All seemed well, and I went on my way. The problem is that twice last year he came through the woods walking his dog right by my stand. The first time I was pleasant, just asked that he would stay out of the woods on my side while deer season was in. The second time, I wasn't as nice and went as far as to ask the landowner to speak with him. The landowner said he would, but wouldn't press charges for him just walking his dog.I didn't see anymore of him until today. I just got to my stand and heard a dog barking in the distance. About 5 minutes later, here they come. The dog sees me, and starts barking up a storm, I look to the east and sure enough here he comes. Smoking a cigarette, no hunter orange, green jacket. He's about 100 yards away and just whistles for his dog, waves and heads deeper into the woods away from his house towards my front stand that my daughter is in! She texts me and says they walked within 70 yards of her and kept going.Needless to say, I'm fuming. Is there anything I can do? The guy is nice as can be, and his dog wouldn't hurt a fly but enough is enough....

 

[baldguy637]

Sorry about the wall of text, for some reason my stupid phone wont let me space the paragraphs...

 

[Expat]

If the landowner won't do anything, there is nothing you can do IMO.
I would tell the landowner again.

 

[NyleRN]

You're pretty much pickled. It's not your property and if you can't get the landowner to say anything to him then it sounds like it's time to hunt different property

 

[dusty88]

Are you paying to hunt? If so, I'd say the landowner is not keeping his end of the deal by allowing someone else to effectively share your lease. If he's letting you use the land for goodwill, maybe you can talk to the guy again. You might politely tell him how much time and effort you invest to get a quiet hunt (most likely your daughter would be an even more sympathetic figure). He is also putting himself at risk by being in a wooded area during deer hunting.

If he takes his dog on someone else's land, it is my understanding the landowner can shoot the dog with no recourse. Perhaps someone here can clarify or correct me on that. I wouldn't do that normally, of course. But it's enlightening sometimes for careless animal owners to find out the responsibility entirely rests on them when their animal wanders on to another property.

 

[baldguy637]

I would tell the landowner again.

I may, but he is 86 and his health is failing. I don't know if I want him stressing over it.

sounds like it's time to hunt different property

I know, but this has been our "honey hole" for a few years now. Very aggravating.....

Are you paying to hunt?

No, it's a family friend. Just the occasional pie, summer sausage, morells and snow removal.

 

[Expat]

I may, but he is 86 and his health is failing. I don't know if I want him stressing over it.

Does he have a son that you might be able to bring it up to... I guess you have to be careful as you don't want to get on the bad side and they just revoke your privileges to avoid the hassle.

 

[baldguy637]

Does he have a son that you might be able to bring it up to... I guess you have to be careful as you don't want to get on the bad side and they just revoke your privileges to avoid the hassle.

Never been married, no children. He has two sisters, but they're just after his money and land. They've tried to get him commited to a nursing home three times in the past 5 years but he's a tough old bird. Once he's no longer able to care for himself, they get control over his assets.

 

[Gluemanz28]

If your hunt is ruined anyway then just crack off a couple shots into the ground in a different direction. Then get down and act all freaked out and ask if he is all right. Tell him you thought his dog was a deer and next time you might be a better shot.

 

[SEIndSAM]

My vote is for a horses head in the guys bed......... (purple implied)

 

[trophy hunter]

go tell the guy your going to start coyote trapping, and he needs to keep off the place or him or his little dog might get in a trap.

 

[baldguy637]

go tell the guy your going to start coyote trapping, and he needs to keep off the place or him or his little dog might get in a trap.

There's an idea! I like that, he already knows we coyote hunt the same property. Thanks

 

[chipbennett]

Why not just go with the obvious, safety angle? He's putting himself and his dog at risk by walking through an active hunt area during deer season.

 

[baldguy637]

Tried that last year, even gave him a hunter orange ball cap I had in my backpack as he said he didn't own anything in hunter orange. His neighbor to the south and I are good friends, he's told him as well with no results.

 

[dusty88]

Coyote trap for the win.

 

[target64]

According to DNR regs---

Harassment of Hunters, TrappersIt is illegal to intentionally interfere with the legal taking of a game animal by another person on public land, or on private land without permission of the landowner.

You might want to mention this to him the next time he comes around.

 

[dusty88]

According to DNR regs---

Harassment of Hunters, TrappersIt is illegal to intentionally interfere with the legal taking of a game animal by another person on public land, or on private land without permission of the landowner.

You might want to mention this to him the next time he comes around.

OH! Another win! Reputation points!

 

[baldguy637]

Thanks for the ideas guys!

 

[Hookeye]

Does he walk over other properties as well?
If so he might just push stuff to you.

IMHO your landowner doesn't need to be bothered with this crap at his age.

If the idiot neighbor has to pop Fido from a #2 maybe he'll get the message. If not..............220.

 

[Tandem160]

Be thankful for a place to hunt where you don't make the mortage, taxes and insurance on. My friends and they truly are sometimes may...well forget that ownership is expensive and has its privellages. If the property owner doesn't want to confront the guy then so be it. Enjoy the opportunity that he is providing for what it is... A rare gift. A gift that someday you may longer have.