Preventing Other Hunters from Taking Advantage of You

Bill Kinney Photography

Hunting is a great sport for people of any age, gender, etc.  Anyone may take advantage of what hunting has to offer, whether that be the thrill of the hunt, meat on the table, or just getting in touch with the outdoors.   It really depends on the person.  The main thing though is that everyone has fun and gets something out of it.  Hunting can be a great experience, but carelessness and a bad hunt can really turn the tides. When hunting your biggest foe isn't actually your prey, but yourself.  To prevent a great experience from going bad be mindful that you are not the only one out there.  Though it may seem like nothing but you and the outdoors, there are other hunters out there who can bring down your day.  Know how to deal with other hunters and protect yourself from some common hunting problems for a more enjoyable and successful hunt.


Tree Stand Theft
Depending on where you are hunting, you may leave your stand out in the woods.  If on private ground simply ask the land owner if they have a problem with you leaving your stand out there for a couple days or so.  However, it is illegal to leave your stand on public ground and in a national forest so be aware that many hunters who find a stand in these areas will see it as free for the taking.  More than one person can tell you of the time their stand disappeared and was simply cut down.  To completely avoid this try using lightweight portable stands that are easy to carry in and out with you.  If for other reasons you want to leave your stand out there, take steps to avoid it being stolen.

Always lock up your stand.  A chain or bicycle cord with a nice lock on it can deter someone who comes across your it, but also try and make your stand as hidden as possible.  This can be difficult because you are trying to place it according to the deer movement, not human movement, but taking the few extra moments to find a suitable location away from deer and human eyes could save you a tree stand.

Another great idea is to remove the steps.  The only way another hunter is going to get to it then is going back to get some steps so they can get to your stand.  Most of the time they won't be carrying steps on them.  The main thing is to be aware that there are other hunters in the area.  Take note of them and if there are only a few and you meet up with them take a moment to get to know them.  They will be less likely to take your stand if you know they are there and know who they are.

Territorial Hunters
In some places you will have the problem of hunters claiming that area as their hunting ground.  Whether they were there first or whatever reason, if you are there you have just as much right to hunting that area as they do.  The best way to deal with these hunters is to get along with them and respect them as much as possible.  Try to introduce yourself and get to know them.  If you are both hunting on private ground ask them how they know the owner and such.  If they are overly aggressive simply try and avoid them and not disturb them.  If they start acting out against you, such as taking your tree stand or maybe even taking over your hunting spot, tell the land owner.  The final say is up to the land owner so if you feel this will not resolve any conflict you may need to find a different piece of land to hunt on.

Obnoxious Hunting, Illegal Activity and What You Can Do
If you witness illegal activity or a hunter who you may witness acting or hunting in a way that may cause harm to others, report it.  If on private property and you see a cut fence or other damage to personal property alert the land owner, they may not even know there is a problem.  Contact the local DNR, warden, or authorities if you witness illegal hunting activity.  Each state has its own poaching hotline that you can call if you witness illegal activity.  Most of the time when poaching or such is witnessed the hunters are gone before the authorities can get there.  The best thing you can do is to take out your camera, phone, or video camera, if you have them on you, and take a picture as evidence of the activity.  Try and get a picture of the hunter(s), a license plate, tag, or any other identifying marks to prove who it was.  The evidence can be given directly to authorities or is sometimes even as simple as submitting via email.  Many states will also offer a reward for turning in hunters for things such as poaching.  Being a good hunter doesn't necessarily mean getting the biggest animal, but also being a good steward of the land.

Have you had a problem with other hunters before?