Neighbor Problems...
 

Ok this is a long story kind so be prepared to read but i need some serious help..

I live on 5 acres and so does my neighbor. Im 19 and hes 16. Ok all i do is bow hunt. No guns unless im on 200+acres. Ok he likes to shoot 12 gauge off the front porch at the birds and stuff and hes lesss than 100 feet from our house. My father has been over there once and politely asked him to stop shooting because in virginia you cannot shoot within 600 feet of a house.

Well i called the game warden and he said that i need to get the law enforcement out there to talk to him and help the situation before it escalades. Well if i get him to stop shooting even during hunting season he knows that im in the woods with a bow and he will make enough noise to ruin it all for me. and if i dont make him stop shooting i stand the chance of getting shot because he doesnt care where he shoots if there is a deer.

So i was wondering if you more experienced hunters had any ideas as of to what i can do to make this a peaceful hunting season for myself with out getting in a conflict. Ive personally asked him to stop and his exact words are "dont worry about what i do" So any ideas of what i can do and many people would say call the cops but i dont feel like getting a retaliation brick through my windshield of my car. so i need help

RE: Neighbor Problems...
 

Well, I would definitely try to get things smoothed over by talking and explaining things with him and maybe his father. After that I would get the local law enforcement involved. I don't think he wants to waste shells $$$$ by just making noise. But that's me. He's sounds like a young punk that doesn't know crap and probably hasn't completed a hunters safety course. Just be sure to document everything he does so you have proof with dates and times. If it gets to bad just tell him I'm going to pay him a visit and he doesn't want that.

RE: Neighbor Problems...
 

How big a boy is he? After asking nice, if he didn't comply, I'd catch him in the road and whip his @$$.

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i like this plan lol

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I would ask him politely one more time, then I would get the law involved. Just tell him you think he's a good guy and you have a slight misunderstanding. Tell him your concerns, and listen to his. I always try to reason with people before I get the "law" involved.

Ifhe fails to cooperate I would then take things to the next level. I would call the police and tell them there isa minorin possession of a firearm and heis currently discharging it nearyour residence.

RE: Neighbor Problems...
 

I would ask nicely one more time then if he doesn't I would have the law enforcement in your area handle it from there on out. I would also when I went to him or his father the last time I would inform them in a nice way that if it doesn't stop you will contact law enforcement and let them handle it from now on.

I would also try and get him on video doing it so there is no questions when the officers come out.

It sounds like you are in a no win situation with this but you don't want him to shoot you or your house just because of some bird or other animal.

RE: Neighbor Problems...
 

Here in WV it is illegal to fire a gun within 500ft of a dwelling, even if it is your house. The DNR is usually the first respondant in these cases.

Jim

RE: Neighbor Problems...
 

Speak softly and use a bbbbiiiiggggg stick:)

RE: Neighbor Problems...
 

Would you call him a friend? If so,and I'm just throwing this out there, what if you woul ask him if he is interested in hunting? Maybe he hasn't had the guidance in the sport of it. Just gone out and shot birds. If he could see the gratification you get out of it then maybe, just maybe you might get him to respect what you are doing and what you are asking of him. Never know, he could become a hunting companion.

RE: Neighbor Problems...
 

I would talk to his parents. If that doesn't resolve, call the police, that's what they are around for. Make sure to record everything you can, otherwise it will be your word against their word. Unless there is evidence, the police can do very little.

Do not go whoop his a$$ either, you are 19, a legal adult. An adult beating a minor down is not good, you would go to jail.

RE: Neighbor Problems...
 

I think you can talk til you're blue in the face. Heck there wasn't even a response to your Father's going over there so I think you have to move to the next step.

I imagine when you call the cops, by the time they get there he ain't gonna be standing there still shooting so, because I see this becoming a he said/he said thing............

get the video camera rolling on EP and just keep taping and taping and taping. Eventually he'll do his part, maybe when you're not even home.

Thesedays. that is how most folks get caught doing things they shouldn't be doing - video.

RE: Neighbor Problems...
 

I dont see how you can do anything.................. I mean is he shooting at your house, 100 ft away is relatively safe for birdshot........ what the problem as long as he is not firing buckshot at your house what the big deal.
If he is not within a city limits in GA it is legal to discharge a firearm when ever you want....... so unless he is raining on your house he is probally within his rights.

RE: Neighbor Problems...
 

Mottz idea is a good one, seriously. But then you might have some little pecker "sidekick" wanting to go hunting with you every day, and probably even going on your property without you knowing because he thinks he's got your permission. If only you were a minor, you could beat the brakes off him. Punks like that need a beating.

RE: Neighbor Problems...
 

If state firearm laws state that you can't discharge a weapon within 600' of a dwelling then get some photographic/video evidence, call the cops and when the kid and his father have to go to court, pay fines get their hunting privleges revoked and get the shotgun confiscated maybe they'll figure out you were serious.

RE: Neighbor Problems...
 

x2

RE: Neighbor Problems...
 

Pretty stupid suggestion.
1 - he is 16 - youth
2 - often the whippor becomes the whiped
3 - not how life works - it wil most likely backfire in someway
4 - repeat stupid.

RE: Neighbor Problems...
 

First comes bird shot then comes 22 ,what comes after that?Video every thing.Law enforcement officers can be legally held responisble for their inactions too.Law enforcement officers are bound by law to do their jobs.Document everything. Takenames of everyone you talk to .Make photo copies of any paper work you send.Paper work has a tendency of getting "lost".Don't give up because nobody is notdoing anything.He is 16 and a juvenilein some states that "accidently " kills someone will be walking the streets in 15-20 years while you or a familiy member are dead.If you have talked to this kid and he continues, do not listen to the liberals,he is 16 and knows right from wrong.

RE: Neighbor Problems...
 

From the Arkansas Game and Fish Commision regulations book:

To shoot within 150 yards of a residence, using firearms, you must have written permission from the owner or occupant. For archery, you must have written permission to shoot within 50 yards of a residence. Written permission is not required of the landowner or members of their family on the landowner’s property.

It is illegal to shoot across, from or within 100 feet of the centerline of any city, county, state or federally maintained road (see exceptions below).[*]Exception 1: Trappers may use legal firearms to harvest animals caught in legally set foothold and Conibear (body-gripping) traps[*]Exception 2: Licensed/permitted falconers may hunt with and trap birds of prey in accordance with state and federal falconry regulations. [/ul]

RE: Neighbor Problems...
 

Thats what I was thinking, maybe get him into bow hunting, then you both would have 10 acres to hunt.

RE: Neighbor Problems...
 

CB,
What state do you live in? Like many have said, there should be a law or ordnance regarding discharging a firearm with in a safe distance. Do you know for certain he is harassing you intentionally? If so, that should be against the law as well. That's to bad that your game warden offers no help. I would call his boss and if that still doesn't work call your state police. Wouldn't hurt getting a video of it too. Hopefully, once Daddy has to pay a fine, he'll do the beating for you! Good luck.

RE: Neighbor Problems...
 

Ask him one more time, call law enforcement, If you can get video evidence that will help your case, if hes breaking the law by shooting from, or near a dwelling they can confiscate his guns. I had a similar issue last year with some kids from across the river from us, shooting into the river with a rifle, Dont knwo if they were shooting aft fish or what, but this went on for a month before I decided to investigate it. I drove across the river to the boat landing, they were out there, shooting into the river and across the river onto our side shooting at trees, they dont realize we have an ATV trail running no more 10 yards from the bank of the river on our side. One shot could have been devistating. I went back to the farm and called the sherrif. He arrived at the house where the shots were bing fired from, they got a fine for having an loaded uncased firearm on an ATV, wreckless endagerment, operating a firearm while intoxicated, and some others, and they lost a couple guns. I could care less that they were out there shooting boxes and boxes of shells like they were for days on end clear to midnight, but when it becomes a safety hazzard, something has to be done.

RE: Neighbor Problems...
 

x2. Kudos to NF for the mature response.

I suggest a video camera. Tape him not once but a few times. I wouldn't take that over there and tell them about it, just keep that in mind so you're confident that he needs to knock it off. Its pretty easy for the cops to figure out whose telling the truth when there's video footage. Best luck and God bless.

RE: Neighbor Problems...
 

i feel for you brother definitely the cops need to be informed!

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Cannot discharge a gun unless your 600ft away from a building. Thats it?
Geez I should move to Virginia.:D
Personally, I'd get in touch with a Private Investigator.
Tell him whats going on and get him to set up video cameras
and collect footage on just what this kid does.
Most of these guys are more than capable of getting the job done.
Law enforcement aren't going to do much for you.
If he's shooting at birds, (robins, blue birds, animals, that are protected and illegal to shoot) I'd take this route over trying to get him to stop shooting on his own property.
It may cost a few grand but it will work I'm sure.

RE: Neighbor Problems...
 

Try and talk to him. If that doesn't work, next time he shoots a songbird, crow, etc. let him know that you could turn him in for violating the Federal Migratory Bird Act and if caught it will result in $5,000 fine, jail and restitutions. Federal wardens take their birds very seriously. AMOF it is illegal for you to have in your possession a feather from a songbird, a nest or a few other things. Good luck,

RE: Neighbor Problems...
 

are you kidding??? thats hardley 30 yds! thats is easily close enough to inflict damage w/ some #6's. i know for a fact, my ol man got shot duck hunting by a STATE TROOPER who was off duty at 50 yds and dad will tell you thats no fun. seems like hes breaking the law discharging a firearm that close to a dwelling. maine is 300 ft from a house and 500 ft from a school. i have friends that have tested this issue and were heavily penalized by state law. ide call the police and let them handle it. if he harasses you during deer season call the wardens. thats hunter harrassment. make him pay w/ his wallet not by whoopin his butt ( which im usually all for):D

RE: Neighbor Problems...
 

Called the game warden, DONT BE A SNITCH!!!! Handle the problem yourself. So what if he is shooting his gun, if he shoots ya.... kick his a$$, self defense. Any ways sounds like you might be the problem IMO. I would stop crying and leave the kid alone. Not trying to be mean but I can't stand SNITCHS!!!

RE: Neighbor Problems...
 

Are you kidding me!! I bet in school you were never invited to parties and always picked last in gym class.

RE: Neighbor Problems...
 

Another ballistic expert heard from. I hope you don't bird hunt.

As others have said get proof and let the law handle it. If you handle it on your own you are the one likely to get arrested and with a record you would not be able to posses your own firearm and there goes any thoughts of you hunting with one. Even though your'e a bow hunter you may change your mind someday.

RE: Neighbor Problems...
 

I'm just curious.
Whats it like in the States.As far as the success rate of prosectuing criminals for their crimes when it comes to wildlife.
Up here in Canada, I know alot of Cops and Co's that are retiring early or just quitting, cause our judicial system is bad bad.
They are having a hard time prosecuting alot ofcriminalson the charges they got, for the crimes commited especially when its hunting and fishing related.
These guys are fed up, and are going elsewhere.
I mean their fuel allowance only allows CO's to to a handle of roadblocks and game checksa year.
Its one thing for Police andCO'sto go up there,investigate, and start laying charges, its a totally nother thing for the for the courts to fine or jail these guys to the full extent of the law.
More often than not the charges are dropped cause of lack of evidence.
Sometimes,the guy pleads guilty to lesser chages and gets a small fine.
But its frustrating enough for me, to read in the papers about some criminal hunting and fishing activity that goes on
I can't imagine whats its like for the police and CO's prosecuters who do the investigating lay the charges just to have the case fall apart.

RE: Neighbor Problems...
 

Let me fire birdshot at youfrom 100 feet away and then see if you claim it is a safe distance. I've been "peppered" at a dove field at 400 feet, it didn't feel to good.

RE: Neighbor Problems...
 

If he's still doing it come deer or turkey season, walk to the property line after dark and sling shot a bunch of corn out in his yard. Next day turn him in for baiting and shooting over corn.

RE: Neighbor Problems...
 

THats the BEST response.. Set him up .. thats it!