Big Z

So, I decided to make a trip to my favorite public land spot for some archery deer hunting. Public's really my only choice now that I'm living in the city for college, and I was looking forward to a nice, relaxing day in the ground blind. Anyways, the deer on this place always cross a county road that separates the public land, so I have my blind built about 15yds away from the road back by some trees. Now, there are some pretty bad hunters that show up. Guys that walk in/out at sunset, guys that smoke cigarettes and then spray themselves with scent-away, all that and I take it without complaint. After all, it is public.

But today, my breaking point was reached. A guy drove by a few times real slow (maybe you've seen that before), and stopped and got out the 3rd time he drove by. About 40 yards from me, but my blind's good enough he hadn't any idea I was there. He gets his semi-auto rifle out and pops a few shots out there for fun . He made a few mistakes. For one, target shooting is illegal on this wildlife management area. For another, he shot from the road which is also illegal. And the worst one-- he did it all right in front of me--ruining my evening, costing me fuel for nothing, etc.

I put my bow down, got out of my blind and walked up to him. Asked what he was doing. He said he was just trying out his gun to see if it worked. I asked if he knew it was illegal to target shoot on this property. He tells me there was a sign that said target shooting was allowed. This is my FAVORITE part--he was standing not 5 yards away from a sign that said target shooting was prohibited (which I proudly pointed out). I think he knew he was caught right there.

I told him that I also caught him shooting from the road, and that was strike 2. I got his plate numbers, told him he would be getting a visit from the warden, and started to walk off. He drove up and asked if there was any other way to settle it, but in all honesty I've dealt with too much **** to give in easy over the deal. Even if he doesn't have to go to court, he got the **** scared out of him. I felt bad, he was a younger guy about 20 something. But I'm 18 and you don't see me playing dumb about the law.

I just needed to blow off some steam

Rob/PA Bowyer

Good for you Big Z, Good for you. Well done.

sportsman22

Awesome man!! One less Dumb____ (use word of your choice) we have to deal with.

lifesadrag

Reminds me of the Three stooges episode, they came across a sign that said " fine for hunting " and thought it was a great place to go bear hunting!

BossmanPA

Make sure you turn him in. I get tired of people with no respect for safety.

I bounced a guy off my communities property (2500 acres), he told me " a cop told me I can hunt here". I told him "this is private property, and when you're willing to pay the property taxes and and community fees, you and the cop can hunt here whenever you want" I try not to be a dick, but it gets old when you play by the rules an other people have no regard. Now I just tell them to hit the road. Good job on calling this guy out and turning him in.

itsslow98

thing that you didnt mention which would have been number one for me, is you mentuioned he was 40 yards from you. say he stopped a few feet back and fired right at youw ithout even knowing. if he struck you know one would have found you for days probably. wouldnt think twice about turning him in. off that topic, is it legal for you to hunt 15 yards from a public road? 150 yards here in maryland.

switchbackFF10

there's an a$$ for every seat...sorry your hunt was ruined...good call on turnin him in!!!

GR8atta2d

Well I guess in the end it's admirable..but in the same breath approaching a guy who has already broke the law and stands with a gun in his hands, is not someone I'd confront.

Maybe sneak in take a license number and get out unseen.

Heck we had a Game Warden Killed for approaching a guy fishing illegally. Caution should always be your 1st instinct.

Big Z

I waited until he unloaded his rifle. Plus, he was dressed well and drove a nice vehicle, and was with his girlfriend. A few things that told me I wasn't about to get blasted by a 38 in his pocket
He obviously never saw me, and it coulda been dangerous for another guy where he was shooting, so he deserved to get hiss ass jumped right there.

Big Z

I believe it's 33ft from the center of the road here.