I was not surprised at the outcome of the trial. I agree with the verdict full hearted. The way the defence played out Vang's side of the incident was the only choice they had. It just was not something that the Wisconsin jurors would consider a valid defence. Just the fact that it only took them three hours to deliberate tends to show how strong the prosecution's case was. Normally something like this could have taken days to reach a unanimous verdict.

The thing we need to remember is this kind of thing could happen anywhere, and not just in Northern Wisconsin. More and more people of all races and origins are getting into the sport of hunting. In the future, we will encounter more often, someone of a different ethnic background and perhaps frame of mind as to property ownership as us, when we use our outdoor resources. Always consider the type of person you are dealing with, and frame your comments and judgements wisely. When you confront anyone in the woods hunting remember, they are armed as well. Also they are at a disadvantage (as in this case) because they usually are aware they are breaking the law. Trespass does not seem like areason to considerviolence, but some people's fear of the law is to them major reason to escape, and any avenue to do so will be considered by some.

Whether racial comments were used in regards to Vang or not is no longer an issue. I have little doubt Vang was indeed in fear of his safety. That many people catching you on private property, and especially with the feelings towards Asians held by some would be a reason on Vang's part to be very concerned. Still violence by him was not the answer. Justice was served.

A new twist to the members of the forum on this topic.. a What if.. What if Vang had gotten out of the tree, cooperated with all their requests, apologized for the trespass and while attempting to walk away was physically restrained and even brutally beaten up for his crime of trespassing from the land owner and friends. Would you feel it correct for the law to then pursue criminal charges of assault against the land owner and friends? The reason I ask this is because we were discussing this topic just yesterday and we came at it from this angle... What do you think?