This is my first season hunting on a WMA, and was wondering how you guys claim your hunting spot. The reason I ask is, I have a nice little feeding area (acorns) picked out and have hunted it about 4 times this season. I was in doubt on what to do. Make it obvious I was hunting the area, or just hope nobody else found it.
I decided to make it obvious I was hunting the area and hung a couple of ribbons on the entrance trail. Now when I see ribbons or brite eyes, I avoid the area because someone is obviously hunting there and assumed others would think the same way. To my dismay, someone has actually tied their ribbons right next to mine, and I assume they plan on hunting there! I know there is nothing that can really be done because its public land, but I would think there are " unwritten" rules to stay out of someone elses hunting area if you see obvious sign they are in there. I have other areas picked out, but I hate to let him just walk in and take my spot. Any suggestions?? Sorry to be so long, it just kinda chapped my hide!

Get there early and hope whoever else doesn' t walk in to the spot you are hunting. As you said, it' s public land. First come first serve.

Only an idiot would put ribbons right next to yours.Obviously this is a selfish hunter and if I were you,I would go right back to your spot,don' t let him kick you out.

Who says he hasnt been hunting there for 20 years and didnt need ribbons to get in there day or night. You might have moved in on his territory, and hes just letting you know there is someone else is in there? Never mark trails on public land and expect people not to follow them.

I believe it' s first come first serve. Anybody could hang ribbons up all over a WMA. You might not even be there the days he is going to hunt.

I' m with swampthing....NEVER mark a trail on public land, too much risk of attracting others.

I hunt a WMA here in La. and you just have to get there earlier than the next guy. The WMA book states that no spot can be reserved , it' s first come first serve. I never use ribbons to mark my way in. I use a etrex gps to go in and out. The actual tree I put stand on I usually mark with a couple of those flourescent lighted tacks. And if after all that I always have another place or two to go hunt.

I Bowhunt lots of public land in a couple states. keep your spot undetected if possible-have more than 1 spot in mind & IF the area is large, like some of the larger places just go in a little farther. If you have Public ground that is accessible by boat or canoe & you have one-use it-you will get to lots of unused PUBLIC ground.

I have found the best defense to hunting public land is to leave as little evidence of yourself as possible. Set up as many stands as possible (to rely on one or two on public land is a recipe for disaster).

Any mark you leave will be investigated by others - they may not hunt it - but they may mark it to discourage you.

Its a dog eat dog world out there

I mark limbed out trees I find with black tape - if a hunter uses the tree he will usually remove the tape - And I know what trees are being hunted.

Know your deer and know the hunters

Rack attack, It' s illegal to leave stands up on public land.

NYS law
Travel off-road using any motorized vehicles (motorcycles, snowmobiles, trail bikes, motor scooters, mopeds, all terrain vehicles, etc.), except as specifically allowed by a permit or posted notice.
Damage vegetation, including trees, or remove anything from state land.
Place nails or other hardware into trees.
Build permanent structures, such as tree stands, platforms and blinds.
Erect, use or maintain a building or structure.
Store personal property.
Deposit or leave any litter or rubbish.

Leaving a portable stand on public land is storing personal property. You don' t use screw in steps too do you?