What would you do??

[jeffthedj]

Here is the background...Leased some new property found a bunch of stands that should not have been on there(according to the owner) He tells me to take them down..So I do and leave a note in a baggy saying that i have there stand and they have one week to claim them(they were trespassing)..The owner lives out of town so since we lease it I went to the surrounding neighbors to let them know who we were and that we were good people ect!..THIS WAS 4 MONTH AGO...the property is posted....Well today my brother noticed something on the stand we took down..IT WAS THE GUYS NAME AND PHONE NUMBER!:lol:

Turns out his backyard butts up to us so he has been trespassing for quite sometime! Now my question is would you contact him and return the stand or teach him a lesson and keep it? I took down 6 stands but only one was a metal one the rest were homemade.

[Tom (mich)]

Now my question is would you contact him and return the stand or teach him a lesson and keep it?
What lesson would you be teaching him?

Take the high road.

[Michihunter]

Just remember one thing, what goes around comes around. Steal that mans stand and expect someone to be a bit angry. Angry people sometimes lack rational behavior. Are you prepared for that?

[MI_Bowhunter]

You posted to contact you for the stands, give it back and talk to the guy about you leasing the land and that you would appreciate it if he did not hunt the land any longer but will allow tracking an animal if he would also.

[WHITE CLOUD]

Call and talk with him , return the stand and make sure your not on his property by chance..good luck @ happy hunting.

[radiohead]

I'd call him and tell him to come pick up his stands. When he shows up simply explain to him that you have exclusive rights to hunt the property and you'd appreciate it if he wouldn't trespass.
I'd keep it civil as long as there is no reason not to.

[spk131]

Call and let him know you have his stands and not to hunt the property anymore.

[Whit1]

Call him and offer to return the stand yourself. That way you can meet and speak with him personally and this offers an excellent opportunity to start a positive relationship with the local landowners.

The only lessons that you'll be teaching him if you keep the stand are all negative.

[spooledbseries]

call him and offer to return the stand so you have a chance to talk to him in person and see what he looks like. so when you tell him that you would like it if he not hunt there anymore. you know who you have told once already incase you see him again. but me personally depending on how big the land is and depending on the guy you lease the land from. offer this if he pays half of the lease you would have no problem with him hunting there if he seems like a decent guy when you take him his stand or he comes and gets it. perhaps have a new hunting buddy and a new hunting spot for half the price;). then if all fails and he does it again then keep the stand lol

[Thunderhead]

The owner lives out of town so since we lease it I went to the surrounding neighbors to let them know who we were and that we were good people ect!..THIS WAS 4 MONTH AGO...the property is posted....


Turns out his backyard butts up to us so he has been trespassing for quite sometime!


Sounds to me like you already talked to him, and he didn't bother to mention his illegal stands.............Keep it.

[bkik]

Was this guy one of the neighbors you went to talk to, or did you not realize at the time that he was a neighbor? Sounds like miscommunication to me, and frankly, if the owner of your leased property has been absentee, why not hunt it?

Seems like there's no good reason to keep the stand.

[Thunderhead]

Sounds like miscommunication to me, and frankly, if the owner of your leased property has been absentee, why not hunt it?


Well, lets see......how about because he didn't have permission and was hunting illegaly on someone elses property ?

Do you own any land ? Land that you bought and pay taxes on ?
May I hang treestands and hunt it when your "absentee " without your knowledge or permission ?

[farmlegend]

and frankly, if the owner of your leased property has been absentee, why not hunt it?

Given this is post #1 for bkik, I'm thinking maybe this is some sort of joke. If this were post #2 or more, and it were my site, I'd ban the guy right now.


If you define an absentee owner as someone who lives anywhere other than directly on that subject parcel, most of the land in southern Michigan has a so-called "absentee owner". Why not hunt all those spots too?

[britches]

You gotta meet the guy and give him his stands back. I'm sure if your stands were taken you would want them back...Tell him to not hunt the land , anything after that in regards to him coming on the land is grounds for stronger action. Talk to the guy if he has been hunting the land for so long i'm sure you can pick his brain a bit and find out the low down on the property. Better to make friends than foes more so than ever when talking about hunting land.

[marksman72]

Be the better hunter and give him a call. Tell him that you're leasing the land and the OWNER told you to take down any stands that were there. When you call, don't be angry, you'll just get an angrier response. Decide on a meeting place to give him his stands.

[kingfisher 11]

I would still bet the guy gets upset. He is losing a place he has been hunting for free for a long time probably. I would still take the high road with his stands.

[Macker13]

If the stand owner's land butt's up to the land your hunting you have to give the stand back, politely. If this guy becomes pissed off at you he can make that lease a miserable experience. Screw with your stuff, continue to hunt it when your not there, pick the days you are there to run the chainsaw etc.. Its a no win for you to get off to a bad start wiht this guy.

[michigandeerslayer]

I would talk to him, there are so many other things to worry about. If you expalin to him what your intentions are you are the better person.

Had something along these lines one, didnt know the tree i was in was the property line, i thought the field was. Talked to the owner of the other property and we now shake hands every time we see each other talk deer hunting and i always invite him for a "pop" at the camp fire

Good things can happen:)

[bkik]

Given this is post #1 for bkik, I'm thinking maybe this is some sort of joke. If this were post #2 or more, and it were my site, I'd ban the guy right now.

Well, clearly it's a tender spot for you, farmlegend. I'm glad you don't run the site, since it's just an opinion, though clearly an unpopular one, and hardly worthy of being banned.

I don't want to sidetrack the point of this thread, which is the question of keeping someone else's stand, but it seems that that question has been fairly well answered; or at least well commented on.

So here's the question that seems so offensive - is it ever ok to hunt private property that you don't own, and without permission? I say yes.

Sure, it's easy to say that just because you bought (or inherited) a piece of property, and pay taxes on it, it's the end of story. To answer your question, Thunderhead, I own my own home and parcel, and pay taxes on it, and I own 10 acres of undeveloped land, and pay taxes on it. I also visit that site often, and have a good idea of what's happening out there. Perhaps you could hunt it when I'm not using it, but you're unlikely to sneak out there for more than a week or so without me finding out about it, because I'm not "absentee."

If you are out on your land, even once a year for a few days to hunt, you're going to have a sense of who else has been trespassing/hunting/hiking/whatever out there, and can take steps to deal with it. It sounds like this guy who leased the land to JefftheDJ had no idea that the neighbor had been out there for years and years. Frankly, if you're that kind of owner, with a paper deed but no knowledge of your land, and there's a neighbor putting it to good use (and, of course, under the responsibility to leave it as good or better than he found it), I say that's a better use than your own negligence.

I'm not saying that's the story here. I'm not advocating trespass on just any private property. I AM saying that there are situations where the locals have better knowledge and more responsibility than the "owner" half way across the country or state who is just holding on to the land for timber or gas or for his grandkids or whatever. Land should be used, and used responsibly.

Clearly there's no black and white here, and someone who's made the decision to use someone else's property should be darn sure that they're not stepping on anyone's toes. Sounds like this neighbor was doing just fine UNTIL the long gone absentee owner leased it out to someone who cares about using the land.

B.eing
K.ind
I.n
K.ind

[jeffthedj]

OK! before I lose my mind reading all this!:)

This guys "backyard" is a pool area not a hunting area..He has been sneaking on to the land to hunt! the neighbors that have huntable property told me they have seen a guy hunting over there for 3 years!

I know of 3 guys that have been hunting without permission but since i have got the word out that its been leased.. 2 of them said they wouldnt be on it(talked to neighbors who know them) but this other guys still left his stand up!

I didnt steal anyone stand! and would never think of putting a stand up on property i didnt have permission to hunt...I just think this guy knows I have it but doesnt have the balls to call me and admit he has been poaching!(my # is on all my posted signs)

BECAUSE THATS WHAT HE WAS BEEN DOING!

On a side note the farmer that leases the farming rights told me about the other guys cause he had to threaten them about tearing up his crops from sneaking on with 4 wheelers...I want to contact this guy but i still think there is going to be confrontation!

I know returning it is the right thing to do but I think he gets off way to easy! Im sure this is the same guy who tore down my posted signs!

by the way thanks Thunderhead..well said!

[Michihunter]

OK! before I lose my mind reading all this!:)

This guys "backyard" is a pool area not a hunting area..He has been sneaking on to the land to hunt! the neighbors that have huntable property told me they have seen a guy hunting over there for 3 years!

I know of 3 guys that have been hunting without permission but since i have got the word out that its been leased.. 2 of them said they wouldnt be on it(talked to neighbors who know them) but this other guys still left his stand up!

I didnt steal anyone stand! and would never think of putting a stand up on property i didnt have permission to hunt...I just think this guy knows I have it but doesnt have the balls to call me and admit he has been poaching!(my # is on all my posted signs)

BECAUSE THATS WHAT HE WAS BEEN DOING!

On a side note the farmer that leases the farming rights told me about the other guys cause he had to threaten them about tearing up his crops from sneaking on with 4 wheelers...I want to contact this guy but i still think there is going to be confrontation!

I know returning it is the right thing to do but I think he gets off way to easy! Im sure this is the same guy who tore down my posted signs!

by the way thanks Thunderhead..well said!

Apparently you weren't looking for opinions but rather someone to agree with you.

[jeffthedj]

Well, clearly it's a tender spot for you, farmlegend. I'm glad you don't run the site, since it's just an opinion, though clearly an unpopular one, and hardly worthy of being banned.

I don't want to sidetrack the point of this thread, which is the question of keeping someone else's stand, but it seems that that question has been fairly well answered; or at least well commented on.

So here's the question that seems so offensive - is it ever ok to hunt private property that you don't own, and without permission? I say yes.

Sure, it's easy to say that just because you bought (or inherited) a piece of property, and pay taxes on it, it's the end of story. To answer your question, Thunderhead, I own my own home and parcel, and pay taxes on it, and I own 10 acres of undeveloped land, and pay taxes on it. I also visit that site often, and have a good idea of what's happening out there. Perhaps you could hunt it when I'm not using it, but you're unlikely to sneak out there for more than a week or so without me finding out about it, because I'm not "absentee."

If you are out on your land, even once a year for a few days to hunt, you're going to have a sense of who else has been trespassing/hunting/hiking/whatever out there, and can take steps to deal with it. It sounds like this guy who leased the land to JefftheDJ had no idea that the neighbor had been out there for years and years. Frankly, if you're that kind of owner, with a paper deed but no knowledge of your land, and there's a neighbor putting it to good use (and, of course, under the responsibility to leave it as good or better than he found it), I say that's a better use than your own negligence.

I'm not saying that's the story here. I'm not advocating trespass on just any private property. I AM saying that there are situations where the locals have better knowledge and more responsibility than the "owner" half way across the country or state who is just holding on to the land for timber or gas or for his grandkids or whatever. Land should be used, and used responsibly.

Clearly there's no black and white here, and someone who's made the decision to use someone else's property should be darn sure that they're not stepping on anyone's toes. Sounds like this neighbor was doing just fine UNTIL the long gone absentee owner leased it out to someone who cares about using the land.

B.eing
K.ind
I.n
K.ind


:dizzy::dizzy::dizzy:! I rank this up there with one of the dumbest responses ever! If he wants to hunt it then out bid me next year!

[jeffthedj]

Just remember one thing, what goes around comes around. Steal that mans stand and expect someone to be a bit angry. Angry people sometimes lack rational behavior. Are you prepared for that?


I didn't steal anything!

He was breaking the law! Its called trespassing!

[Michihunter]

I didn't steal anything!

He was breaking the law! Its called trespassing!

Call it what you'd like. But as I said, are you prepared to deal with the consequences? I gave my opinion and I think it's a rather sound one. If you disagree that's your prerogative. I just prefer to handle things a bit differently than beginning out on a property by making an enemy. And by taking that stand without going and talking to that man, you are more than likely doing just that. Good luck with your situation.;)

[jeffthedj]

Call it what you'd like. But as I said, are you prepared to deal with the consequences? I gave my opinion and I think it's a rather sound one. If you disagree that's your prerogative. I just prefer to handle things a bit differently than beginning out on a property by making an enemy. And by taking that stand without going and talking to that man, you are more than likely doing just that. Good luck with your situation.;)


thank you for your input! hope i didnt come off mad..I took the stand down weeks ago and just by chance a few days ago my brother noticed a name on it.. thats the only reason i know who it is..did a name search and found out who my guy was...its kind of like growing pot and then leaving your name on a tree next to it:lol::lol::lol:

[CHASINEYES]

I had a similar situation happen to me years ago. I knew the guy, so I pulled his steps and stand, gave the stand to his friend. I already had a confrontation with this guy once before. IMO keeping that stand is no different than stealing, if it happens again then have at it.

[jeffthedj]

I had a similar situation happen to me years ago. I knew the guy, so I pulled his steps and stand, gave the stand to his friend. I already had a confrontation with this guy once before. IMO keeping that stand is no different than stealing, if it happens again then have at it.

I agree to a point...but what if i never found out who he was??? would you have left the stand up? or take it down and leave a note(which is what i did) because if he came out to get it he would be trespassing....im going to call him tomorrow and ill put money on it he'll deny it his stand..

[old graybeard]

Do the right thing and contact the guy. He left his number in response to your note now follow through with it. It'll give you a chance to meet him face to face and you can clear up any issues that need to be addressed.

[HunterHawk]

yeah i agree... give me back my stand!!!!

haha let me know if you need any security going over there:lol:

have your brother go over there with you.... meet this guy face to face... that way you know where he lives incase you have to call the dnr on him and you know what he looks like incase you have to kick his mug off again or if he shoots you or anything like that :)

good luck and have fun!

ps... check out my bear pics in the bear forum.... im skured

[deathfromabove]

Well, clearly it's a tender spot for you, farmlegend. I'm glad you don't run the site, since it's just an opinion, though clearly an unpopular one, and hardly worthy of being banned.

I don't want to sidetrack the point of this thread, which is the question of keeping someone else's stand, but it seems that that question has been fairly well answered; or at least well commented on.

So here's the question that seems so offensive - is it ever ok to hunt private property that you don't own, and without permission? I say yes.

Sure, it's easy to say that just because you bought (or inherited) a piece of property, and pay taxes on it, it's the end of story. To answer your question, Thunderhead, I own my own home and parcel, and pay taxes on it, and I own 10 acres of undeveloped land, and pay taxes on it. I also visit that site often, and have a good idea of what's happening out there. Perhaps you could hunt it when I'm not using it, but you're unlikely to sneak out there for more than a week or so without me finding out about it, because I'm not "absentee."

If you are out on your land, even once a year for a few days to hunt, you're going to have a sense of who else has been trespassing/hunting/hiking/whatever out there, and can take steps to deal with it. It sounds like this guy who leased the land to JefftheDJ had no idea that the neighbor had been out there for years and years. Frankly, if you're that kind of owner, with a paper deed but no knowledge of your land, and there's a neighbor putting it to good use (and, of course, under the responsibility to leave it as good or better than he found it), I say that's a better use than your own negligence.

I'm not saying that's the story here. I'm not advocating trespass on just any private property. I AM saying that there are situations where the locals have better knowledge and more responsibility than the "owner" half way across the country or state who is just holding on to the land for timber or gas or for his grandkids or whatever. Land should be used, and used responsibly.

Clearly there's no black and white here, and someone who's made the decision to use someone else's property should be darn sure that they're not stepping on anyone's toes. Sounds like this neighbor was doing just fine UNTIL the long gone absentee owner leased it out to someone who cares about using the land.

B.eing
K.ind
I.n
K.ind

:rolleyes: Prepare for a well deserved beating...........

[Whit1]

Two points:
Tresspassing is tresspassing and is against the law period. There's no way to rationalize your way through that point.

Apparently the author knows what he wants to do so before this thing gets out of hand.