Well,

Most likely we will never be neighbors so its a moot point. But, if you were my neighbor I think that you would change your mind about me. My point was if the guy had been less of a jerk he would have had more land to hunt. His actions hurt him more than it helped. I never hunted on his land even when I had permission. I rarely venture past my boundaries. On the rare occasion that a turkey is gobblin on the other side of the fence I will set up on the other side. Once in a great while I will sit a holler across the line on a neighbor who we have mutually agreed to allow each other those rights. Now, I in no way belittle his 80 acres. I know that land is exorbinantly high these days, and 80 acres is a large investment. I certainly couldn't afford to buy land at their current prices. I'm lucky that our land has been in the family for quite a while. You are absolutely correct that he and you have every right to do as you wish to your land. I simply was stating that a different attitude may well increase your or the original poster oppurtunities. Now when he jumped the fence and removed my steps and soaped my platform he went too far. What if I had not noticed the soap? I climbed the tree without the steps. I could have slipped and broke my neck. Now you can think its rude all you want, but things sure are nicer and more relaxed now days.

You have no idea how classless this guy was. He showed up at my house one evening and said that my: "G.D cows had broke the fence and was ruining his land!" I said: "I'm sorry for the inconvience, I will get my truck and come get them." His reply was: "you step foot on my land and I'll have you arrested!" Now how am I supposed to get my cows off his land without stepping foot on it? Well, I got it done somehow but that isn't the point. Then I patched and replaced the fence to keep my cows out. And he watched over me like a hawk saying that it wasn't good enough. That I should have to replace the entire 1/4 mile of fence. Now think about this: I was the one who originally built the fence in question, and he wants me to replace a 1/4 because the cows broke down a 10 foot section. Border fences are generally considered joint property. It is generally agreed that both parties share the expense of building said fence. He said: "I don't have any cows, so I don't need any fence!" Thats when I lost my cool and told him he should go back to the city and never speak to me again.

You are forgetting some of the principles that founded this country such as common decency and treat others as you would have them treat you, and love thy neighbor.... And him being a T total jerk interferred with my pursuit of Happiness...YOu Know Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.

OBTW, After his passing the family sold the property. I wish I could have purchased it but wasn't able too. The new guy who purchased it is a fine fellar from St. Louis. I've talked with him a few times. He's a stand up guy. Just wanted a place for him and his son to hunt. I seen him one turkey season and He said that none of the turkeys were roosting on him, and he sure wished his boy could kill one. I said to him jump in the truck I seen a nice gobbler down in the bottom struttin. We drove a ways and made a sneak and 15 minutes later dad had called a nice 22 lb, 10" into range for his 14 year old son. He offered me the breast and I said only if you come to dinner and share it with me. we are real neighborly to each other ever since. If the turkeys are roosting on me he sets upacross the fence and trieshis luck. If I see a nice buckacross the fence andI want him I'm allowed to take him. Its a much nicer arrangement for both of us. And, I think he likes the arrangement quite a bit.

Anyway, I'm sorry for ranting for as long as I did.