I went hunting this morning. I got set up on a tree line listening to gobblers going crazy in the roost. I hit the slate a few times before the fly down. When they left the roost they pitched right for me. There is another tree line between me and where they hit the ground. The Tom kept getting louder and louder and then BANG! someone cut me off and killed that bird. I was shocked and kind of scared considering I was supposed to be the only one out there.I was pretty ticked. I think the land was poached. He knew where they were at because they have been there each morning this week but I couldn't get them in range. He knew exactly what he was doing.

Was it private land? If so you should have called the game warden. I know how you feel.I had that happen to me where I am the only one with permission on some property my G-ma ownes and a 70 y/o guy who lived in the areaALL HIS LIFEclaimed that he had not clue he was not supposed to be in there.( b.s). He pulled the "well isnt this so-and-so's land?". I called the G.W. on his ass and got him a really stiff fine and the bird confiscated. The guy is watched by that G.W. so hard now that I bet he doesn't even hunt anymore.

There is no such thing as Private Land anymore.

Yeah It is private. My friend and I have permission to hunt it. The owner doesn't hunt anything and there is deer tracks everywhere. Definately trying to go there next deer season as well, but this is how I know it was poached. The owner said we were the only people out there.

That is some bullsh**, it has happened to me before on public land, really there isnt any thing you can do unless they are tresspassing.

If the owner said nobody else is hunting there but you, I'd have called the GW. I'd have been arguing with that guy until the GW got there too!

One of the draw backs of hunting in a state were hunting is very popular

You should have walked over there and claimed the turkey that YOU called in, and if he says anything tell him that it aint his land so therefore it aint his bird. And if he gos on to argue, then just wait for the game warden. If he tried to take the bird away then knock him on his ASS!!!

I would be pissed if someone shot the turkey that i had just called in.[:@]

Yeah I probly should have but I was just thinking of my safety.

It is never a good idea to cause a confrontation - Come on to those who responded - Use your head -

It is a good idea you inform the landowner! Ask him what you should do. He might have let someone else on at the last minute! AND the last thing you want to do is cause trouble for the land owner! If the landowner did not - ask him what you should do - suggest you would like to turn the guy into the warden. He may agree or think differently. Treating his land with respect - you get th respect of the landowner and may have a spot for as long as he owns it!

It is aood idea to get a clear description of the trouble maker, note time of day, physcial description other than in camo, date, all things you can think of. A description of his vehicle andlicense plate if you can and not say a darn thing to him! Do write those down and call the sheriff or game warden after talking tot he landowner.

HUNTING TODAY IS NOT A RIGHT - NOT EVEN CLOSE - IT IS A PRIVELEDGE WE AS ETHICAL HUNTERS MUST GUARD!

JW