Hey don't let it deter you. Theres A holes out there. Just find a different spot stay away from logging roads it attracts people. I always find a spot of the hwy with no rds leading into the woods. You don't risk as much chance of bumping into someone. Can't quit now.

You did the right thing. Just don't get discouraged from deer hunting. Not all hunters are pom-piss a__es!

You said you went in at 4:00am. They were already there and you heard a shot on the way in?

Sounds like they did have some action and that they also shot at something before legal (or safe) shooting light.

I'm surprised these guys were out that early and still there at quitting time. I figured guys like this would have alrdeady had their 3 hour nap and be drunk by 5:00pm.

Great advice by all. I especially like the hunt close idea.

I commend you for not blowing up as I would have given them at least an "f u 2" before I left.

You did everything right, they did everything wrong.
Most hunters are solid respectful people, there are a
few bad apples in every barrel.

You know, it always floors me when I meet hunters that aren't solid, respectful people.

Not that it surprises me that some are just lazy screw-ups with bad attitudes, but that I actually have to share the woods/plains and a 'title' with these idiots.

As hunters, we should all be respectful of our fellow hunters, animals, the fields we frequent (and don't frequent), our communities and others. We should be one of the tightest communities in this country, but we also have some of the biggest losers in this country "in our ranks."

It saddens me a bit, but all I can do is continue to try and set a stellar example, in the hopes that when others look at hunters as a whole, they look at us as a good group of people.


TL;DR... Mushy stuff, set a good example, sucks that some don't. :confused0024:

You done both right and fine. Deppedy Dog had some neat ideas for a future referrence to this dealing if it ever comes up again.

As long as we are allowed to hunt, you will find these people out there who have no hunting ethics, or respect for anyone else who is out hunting. They poach and trespass, and think nothing of it. After all, you're not hunting your land, why shouldn't they be allowed to hunt it for you. This is the mentality. They have probably been hunting this public ground for years, and now there is someone new encroaching on their hunting spot. (It doesn't matter that it is public hunting ground). Your actions were exactly as any ethical hunters should have been. At no time should you risk a confrontation with them. You have no idea what they may be capable of doing. As has been said, log any info about the incident and report it to the local DNR/CO/Sheriffs Office. Try some of the other tactics suggested, such as hunting closer to the road, and away from the logging road. This is an access that will be used by anyone going in on the property, except for the smart ones. The deer are going to learn to stay away from the log road. You need to be where you can intercept them. Go in on the ground this Spring and summer and see where the good trails, funnels, pinch points are away from the public access.

Another thing for you to do, is to talk with some local land owners, and try to gain access to hunt. Offer them some potential meat from what you may harvest. Stop by during the summer and offer assistance in farm chores, for the right to hunt. There are many things you can do, to outwit the local rednecks. lol

It was "down an old logging road"
 

On public land there are several things to remember.
A lot of hunters go in on old logging roads and trails. It's easy to travel and easy to find. Some hunters hunt within yards of a hunting trail, so they don't get lost.

For any newbie, use a trail but don't hunt near it. Cutting off a trail early is better than staying on a trail for a long time. Staying on a trail would only work if no one else is in the woods. But hunters use trails should expect to find others on a trail or near it.

And if you're new to an area, look for the hunters who think they have a secret hunting spot. Even if it's right near a trail.

I only used trails to get deeper quickly, and then it was off on an unmarked trail through the woods. Only then do you have a chance to get away from any hunters, the hunters of old logging roads.

agree 100%