Dealing with other hunters on Public Land

[texas bound]

This morning started out like most others. Headed to LBJ nice and early. Got to my spot about 520 or so. Set down got all settled in. About 15 mins after being there 3 hunters come walkin up in my area. I did the right thing and shinned my light so they would know I was there. They keep walkin and stopped at a tree that was 30 yards from me and started to set up a ladder stand. So I shinned my light again and said that I was hunting here (just to make sure they knew someone was there) Well they keep putting the stand together and one of the guys got up in the tree. So I had some words for them and by now I was really p!$$ed. So at about 7 this morning I stood up got all my stuff together. (makin a ton of noise) So after I got my pack on my back I felt nature calling. So I turned around and relieved myself on the tree I was on hunting(new spot and new unit, not my honey hole) Then I headed off into the woods makin as much noise as I could.

I have been huntin public land my entire life back home and have never had an issue with this. I have walked into my spot and seen a hunter and just turned around and went somewhere else and had people walk in on me and walk away. That is just common sense and respect for your fellow hunter. I hate rude people. I hope that hunter never sees anything the rest of the season. I have half a mind to shave my head and put my hair all around his stand and area.

Sorry for the long read. I was really mad this morning and needed to vent some.

[Boomerang]

You would think they would have several options in the event they ran into someone (or the same for yourself). What a shame that you were there first and they continue to set up right next to you.

[texas bound]

I normally do have other spots but it was a new unit I had been on once and liked the area and that is why I got there nice and early this morning so I would try and beat other hunters to the woods.

[Sparkles]

So far i haven't had this happen to me. Most people just move on with a wave. Or if i am the late one I'll give a wide birth and go to another area. Sorry bud.

[Hilbile]

Some one needs to learn a few hunting rules.

[bluenavigator]

Oh yea.... seem that these hunters have no honor at all.... wonder if they did that purpose to make you to go away.... good thing that you did the right stuff. Nature call, nothing wrong with that to ruin their day!

I never faced other bowhunter since I hunted these public lands. Only once see guy with shotgun, he was hunting for the ducks, I just waved and went on my own business since I was done for the day.

[Texas Grown]

Sorry ya had "the encounter" Eric. Some people are just plaine rude, some just self centered, and some uneducated in politeness. Then there are those that are just plain "Slow" . But there are some good people out there, that make up for all the bad that happens .

[ATSix]

Sorry about your busted hunt. I think most folks just don't know any better. The irony is, those guys probably won't be back next week anyway. This and Thanksgiving will probably be the heaviest crowds. Good luck!

[Baconater]

Thats when a camera or a camera phone comes in handy. I'd have walked right up to his stand and taken his picture, then reported the incident to the nearest game warden or park authority, complete with photographic evidence. Dont worry about feeling like a tattletale, idots like this need to be handled and taught to be considerate.

A few years back me and my BIL were dove hunting on public land when a truckload of kids came through shooting everything in sight. Quick call to the GW and he came right out and busted them. A couple of them had no licenses. He thanked us and told us he wished more people would report unethical, unlawful and incosiderate behavior on public lands.

[texas bound]

Did not know it could be reported. Next time I will.

[bulletpusher]

What they did tells me they HAD no plan "B".

I had some duck hunters walk in on me the last day of doe season, on what I was betting would have be a sure thing day. I shined my light at them, one guy turns and tells the other guy. Then he turns and looks at me, then turns his back never to look back my way again. Then they ran their mouths all the way through prime time. I was steaming hot. When I started to climb down to rip them a new one, they grabbed their stuff and started leaving.

[dwoodard]

Same thing at Lake Whitney this morning. First one there, set up by 5:15. At 7:00 here comes this stupid duck hunter. Walks withing 12 ft of our blind and then proceeds up to walk between two tree stands my son and his friend are in. Scared off a buck and two doe. Amazing. I was speechless. What do you do in the face of sheer ignorance and inconsideration? I told my self that perhaps he didn't see us, but anyone that blind has no business hunting. Oh well.

[ezypikns]

What I don't understand is....

why, upon encountering another hunter 30 yards away from where you're going to set up, you STILL go ahead and hang your stand there.

Not only are you screwing everything up for the first hunter, you're screwing yourself too.

Dumb, dumb, dumb.

[flashof1979]

Man I do hate to see people walking in at first light. Get in eairly or wait a couple hours! Texas Bound did better than I would have. Everyone's hunt would have been blown long before daylight. Of course it doesn't matter if you are in the woods or not, I hate rude and stupid people.

[texas bound]

Man I do hate to see people walking in at first light. Get in eairly or wait a couple hours! Texas Bound did better than I would have. Everyone's hunt would have been blown long before daylight. Of course it doesn't matter if you are in the woods or not, I hate rude and stupid people.

I had two buddies hunting so I didnt want to ruin their hunt but I made sure I ruined the guys hunt who set that close to me. I might just go back by there tomorrow and make sure and leave some more good scent for him