keeper of the strings

Earlier this year I turned in a guy for shooting deer out of season and over a bait pile at night. Problem is the guy was someone I know personally. I've never cared for the guy, but I am friends with his family. That is how I became aware of his illegal activities. Even though I don't like this guy I can't help feeling like I shouldn't have turned him in. His son is one of my best friends, and they have had me over for dinner on more than just a couple occasions. The old man is a jerk though and he's always bragging about how many deer he has taken this way and I just couldn't take it anymore. It would be different if they needed the meat, but they don't. He has been doing this for years and taking way more than he needs. I even heard him tell my friend that the only reason he does it is so the neighbors can't get them during hunting season. I called the DNR and reported him. Ever since I did it I have been feeling guilty. The family doesn't know it was me, but its very hard to look my friend in the face knowing I turned his old man in for poaching. I don't think I will ever do something like that again. I want to tell my friend to get it off my chest, but I know he won't understand.
What do you guys think?

The spirit of the woods is an old good friend

wimp

That's a toughy. Don't beat yourself up, cause the guy was a lowlife for shooting all those deer. Dealing with the friend could be rough, I wouldn't tell him, but that's me.

Trushot_archer

Keeper, whether you tell your friend or not is your decision. Only you kow what your relationship is like.

As for the guilt... what you should feel is PRIDE! There are too many hacks in the Michigan woods. The question you have to ask yourself is...do I like this friend so much, that I'll let them take hunting whitetails away from me.

I know this sounds extreme, but if everyone got to thinking like this, the percentage of poachers would be curtailed in a hurry.

I comend your efforts.

Trushot }}------>

Deleted User

[Deleted by Admins]

keeper of the strings

I know the DNR showed up, and I know he had a deer, but I don't know what happend, if he got a ticket or what. I dont want to ask anyone about it or it will be obvious I reported him. Its a hell of a thing to feel guilty about. He was just being so blatent about it and its been going on for quite some time. I know if he was my neighbor I would want someone to put a stop to him. Its just that the rest of the family are good people. I know his wife didn't like what he was doing, and my friend was mad about it too.

The spirit of the woods is an old good friend

davidmil

Exactly why most states have the &quot;Report a Poacher&quot; programs that are totally anonymous. It's so people can turn in a poacher and not ruin a community friendship or get into Hatfield and McCoy feuds. You did what you thought was right. Hopefully you thought out the consequences of your actions ahead of time. Telling the world will do absolutely NOTHING to undue what you've done or make anyone feel better. It's done. Life goes on. The guy knows the law. When he breaks it he has to be willing to accept the consequences. Guess what..... he probably won't change either... so be ready to decide what you're going to do the next time.<img src=icon_smile_sad.gif border=0 align=middle>

10pointer

I feel like you did the right thing I personally wouldn't tell anyone that you turned him in, that could uneccessarily ruin a friendship and it's no one elses bussiness that you reported him.

trufire

I always look at things like this in a certian way:would I do this if he were my friend?.

If so,then I do it!,if not,I dont!.

My two uncles jacked moose for better than ten years and I never would have thought about droping the dime because between them , they had ten kids and only seasonal work (Northern Maine).

If it were here in New York where everyone is working and able,I would do it in a second,friend or not!.

Budbowhunter

Ditto. I agree with the board. Maybe the best thing you did was show your best friend what happens to poachers and stop a family tradition. Don't spoil the friendship. Use the opportunity to educate your friend on the proper ways to hunt. Lead by example in other words.

KEEP IT LEGAL. KEEP IT SAFE. OR WE MAY NOT GET TO KEEP IT AT ALL.

Deleted User

[Deleted by Admins]