Unethical hunting question for you.
 

I was hunting Saturday on opening day of BP season on my lease. I was assigned exclusive acreage south of a quarter mile long cross fence. My area south of the cross fence is about 250 yards of mesquite brush I have corn feeders and stands on each end then extends south to a large wheat field I also have use of. I set up a pop up ground blind on the edge of the wheat field taking advantage of the wind overlooking the mesquite on an evening shoot when the deer work out of the brush. The lease is run by an outfitter and this man's sole partner in the enterprise dropped me off and continued driving on to the eastern boundary and then about another 1/2 mile on north with a guest of his to their area. After an hour or so they spotted a tremendous 145 class 8 point working toward my area and made a stalk. Before they could shoot it the deer made it over my cross fence and ultimately through the mesquite and onto my wheat field. I was glassing the deer at 180 yards when I saw two orange hats in the brush behind the deer. You guessed it they shot the deer right in front of me and claimed they couldn't see me. I was in a popup blind that's why!! The deer fell 40 yards from where they dropped me off on the ranch road and the deer died on the road itself!! They sneaked past my cross fence over 200 yards! I was in the direct line of fire and could've been shot. They wondered why I didn't shoot and I told them because the two of them were downrange and it was dangerous. A big argument ensued winding up having ME kicked off!!!! After 3 hours of arguing I only got $500 back of my $850 fee which still included all but one day of bp season (remember it was opening day)and the entire rifle and late bow seasons relinquished totally unused. Who was wronged? Honestly, I'm thankful to quit hunting with these dangerous fellas and get back any money I could. The beautiful buck had 6" bases and was 180# field dressed. Sorry to see this place go actually but safety and courtesy first. What do you guys think?

RE: Unethical hunting question for you.
 

I think I'd be going after that $350!

<---Doug---<<<

RE: Unethical hunting question for you.
 

Spring turkey hunting, migratory birds and early bow seasons had already passed or were currently in season on a year long hunting lease. That's why it broke down to $500.00 but still no one admitted wrong doing other than apologizing for not seeing me. They shouldn't have been there. Period. They claimed &quot;had we known you were nearby we wouldn't have shot&quot;. They even said that if they couldn't shoot it they hoped they would run it past me for a shot but they admitted they didn't know where I was so that doesn't wash. They got out of their evening stands, when everyone worth their salt in the deer hunting world knows is normally stand hunting only at that time of day, and fence jumped to my side with no respect for my hunting rights to the area.

Edited by - soonershooter on 11/08/2002 02:03:12

RE: Unethical hunting question for you.
 

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Edited by - soonershooter on 11/08/2002 02:01:44

RE: Unethical hunting question for you.
 

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RE: Unethical hunting question for you.
 

Like bowfanatic said I'd be getting the rest of my money. If it takes a lawyer, so be it!

First write a letter and tell them that according to their agreement, you were supposed to have exclusive use of that area. His business partner violated that clause and if he doesn't refund the rest of your money within ten days you will sue him in court for a refund AND seek punitive damages. Send this letter certified mail.

FOOLPROOF?
Never underestimate the power of a fool!

What if the &quot;Hokey Pokey&quot; really is what it's all about?

RE: Unethical hunting question for you.
 

Soonershooter. Just count your blessings that you weren't shot. Slobs like those guys are the reason I got shot in the back last year on private land with a 12 guage slug. I wasn't as lucky as you and just reading your story brought the whole image of what happened back vividly. If you ever find yourself in a situation that you feel is unsafe again, get yourself out of it as quickly as you can, No deer is worth taking a chance of you getting shot. Hopefully, you can find another place to hunt so your season won't be a total loss. If you had a written contract for exclusive use, get a lawyer and sue the jerks. What they did is unethical and just plain not right. I hate most lawsuits, but sometimes hitting them inthe pocket is the only way to make people understand the seriousness of a certain situation. Good luck to you and keep your good senses! Looks like you have a lot more sense then they do.