I would leave a civil note on the tree asking him to remove it and if it is still there in a few weeks I would remove it and set it just off my property in front of a posted sign with another note asking him to ask permission next time.

The last thing you want to do is make an enemy. They can make your hunting miserable.

I was about to follow some of the others and suggest you tear it down and attempt to find out, for sure, exactly who built it. Then discuss the issue with that person. However, if it is definitely on your land (reference to Rob's post) and it is set up in a "hot spot" then I would probably just leave it there and hunt out of it. If it is on your land then I would assume it is "your stand" now....right?

I would take the stand down and leave a note where to find it as well. Then you can talk to the guy who comes to claim it. And let him know you dont want him on your land.

Thanks for all the good advise. At this point I think we will confront the guy in a nice manner and see how he reacts. Our land is posted and in Maryland you must have permission from the land owner to hunt on their land. The stand is definitely on our land I would say a good 60-70s yard on our side of the fence. As for the placement of the stands is in on of our hottest spots so once I find out who and why I will probably leave it up and I will just cut off the bottom steps!

As for the deer go I guess we will have to let the area calm down for a while then resume hunting right before and during rifle season. Thanks again for all the quick replys!

Stups

I agree with bob on this. It sounds like a big mistake. Maby he thought he was on his own land or some thing like that?[&:] I would try to talk to the guy. But i would also tear it down. LOL-what color did he paint it

Very close to a hunter green color.

Thats what they make m80's for ,when the guy is in it. NO just kidding.Get some info before doing anything

Iam sure this has been metioned but I would keep leave the stand where it is and leave a not saying that this person did not have permission to hunt on the land or build a stand on the land,also say that this is his one chance to either remove the stand and stay off the land or leave the stand and stay off the land and if does not comply you will get the fish cops envolved. and if you have to set upclose enough to see who it is when he returns.

I would staple NO TRESPASSING signs on his blind....maybe then he will get the hint.

Having had this problem many times [:@], the best course of action is the civil one. I usually try to catch the guy coming or going (Fri. Night, Sat. Morn, Sat. Night are usually when you can guarentee that they will hunt.) At that point, if the guy is civil, I tell him I'd like the stand moved from my property right away -- 2 days or so. If he's a jerk and it's a easy to remove stand, I'd remove it and tell them not to come back. If it's nailed or bolted to the tree, I'd leave it and use it and tell him if I catch him there, I'll remove the bottom two steps while he's up there adn return with the Cops. It usually works...