Already Planning for Next Years "Hunting of the Hunters"

[Ryan123]

Earlier this year I purchased a home a large about of land, bordering other parcels, which has been fairly well neglected over the past few years.  Unfortunately, this means that a large amount of trespassers have moved in throughout the years, and it has only gotten worse now that hunting season has started.  Luckily my neighbor, who was surrounded by tree stands from trespassers, and I are on the same front with trying to push them out.  

 

From putting up posted signs (and putting them up again after they were stolen), trail cams, and telling people they can't be back there (only to be told they they don't care what we say) this year has been a flop so far.  It's gotten so bad that the deer have been pushed so far forward that they are bedding down practically right beside my house.  As I actually own behind the one family that are the biggest trespassers I really hate to bring in the DEC as I don't want to cause a war within the neighborhood - I have to go to work and they, well, don't.

 

So once hunting season is over and the snow flies my newest addition will be a pair of snowshoes so I can cut a trail so I have better access to the property and can be back there more.  I will also be putting in a campsite of sorts so I can be out there more.  As much as I don't want to pollute the area with more "lead" I'm thinking about adding a couple of 22lr shooting ranges and some skeet.  Maybe, next year I'll be a bit more prepared - I'm hoping hunting on an active shooting range (cause I'll differently be out there then) will be a deterrent to deer and thus to the trespassers.

 

If I could put the same effort into hunting the tastier of the two animals in my backyard (the deer obviously ) I would be an amazing hunter.

 

Any thoughts or suggestions on dealing with Trespassers that doesn't cost me more money that I don't have?

[kpkot]

Cell phone video or record audio when you talk to them at least you can show the authorities proof if it comes down to it.

[Merlot]

Earlier this year I purchased a home a large about of land, bordering other parcels, which has been fairly well neglected over the past few years.  Unfortunately, this means that a large amount of trespassers have moved in throughout the years, and it has only gotten worse now that hunting season has started.  Luckily my neighbor, who was surrounded by tree stands from trespassers, and I are on the same front with trying to push them out.  

 

From putting up posted signs (and putting them up again after they were stolen), trail cams, and telling people they can't be back there (only to be told they they don't care what we say) this year has been a flop so far.  It's gotten so bad that the deer have been pushed so far forward that they are bedding down practically right beside my house.  As I actually own behind the one family that are the biggest trespassers I really hate to bring in the DEC as I don't want to cause a war within the neighborhood - I have to go to work and they, well, don't.

 

So once hunting season is over and the snow flies my newest addition will be a pair of snowshoes so I can cut a trail so I have better access to the property and can be back there more.  I will also be putting in a campsite of sorts so I can be out there more.  As much as I don't want to pollute the area with more "lead" I'm thinking about adding a couple of 22lr shooting ranges and some skeet.  Maybe, next year I'll be a bit more prepared - I'm hoping hunting on an active shooting range (cause I'll differently be out there then) will be a deterrent to deer and thus to the trespassers.

 

If I could put the same effort into hunting the tastier of the two animals in my backyard (the deer obviously ) I would be an amazing hunter.

 

Any thoughts or suggestions on dealing with Trespassers that doesn't cost me more money that I don't hav

If you were able to develop a sheriffs contact and donate a sum of money to the local sheriffs association, you might have an extra set of eyes keeping a patrol in your neck of the woods. Just a thought.

[rob-c]

game cameras to catch them trespassing, and well you are going to have to bring the cops in, that's the only way these dirt bags that think they are entitled to your property will learn...

[Timeless]

Maintain photos of all your signage and if/when it get ripped down. Game cams well hidden could help catch people trespassing and possibly also removing the signs. Record any conversations with trespassers. Get the police/DEC involved. Invest in a good home security camera system.

Sorry, but if the trespassers are as ballsy as you say you're going to have to get the law involved and cover your ass. If you catch them breaking laws (not tagging deer? Shooting too close to your house? Etc) you can probably anonymously report such activity too.

[mt624]

Legally you only need to post the property once a year. Take a few pictures or invite the authorities out once posted to show them the effort you went through. You can also send certified mail to particular people which is essentially the same as legal posting it to them. Look up the particulars. Then don't mess around, if you catch someone press charges. Simple as that unless you like wasting time. It sounds to me like you're waging war with the shooting ranges, etc. unless you were planning to do that anyways. If you want it to stop press charges otherwise they know you're not serious and will keep going in. Good luck.

[outdoorstom]

I agree with everyone else, the only way they will take you seriously is to bring in the law.

[LetEmGrow]

The best way to protect your land is to use it.  Sometimes people don't understand things have changed until they've changed.

 

Aside from posting your property and doing some shooting once in a while, you can do plenty of other things to help them along.
These are the things that have worked for me.

Have the first trespasser ticketed - no exceptions.  Don't worry about what your neighbors will think.  You can't afford to care.  Do not get in to a confrontation with a trespasser but don't hesitate to tell them to get off your property.  And yell. And pull out your phone and start taking pictures.  If they do not walk away then that is when you walk away.  Let the cops handle it.

In late August, put up cheap ground blinds in sight of the border but not right on it either.  You don't have to sit in them but make sure they can see them. They will never know if you are in it.

 

Do you have friends who know these people?  Make comments of general conversation (lie if you have to) about trail camera pictures you have, the number you have (of small deer of course), how much work you have put in to hiding them (but not how you hide them), etc...  Maybe also throw in some comments about cameras that automatically text the pictures.  This train of thought goes back to the simple debate whether or not a home security system is more effective that the signs you put up that say you have one      

 

Fall some trees.  If you got a lot of white ash that you do not care about then find someone to cut it for timber.  Less work on you and more activity on your property.

 

Bulldoze in a road if one makes sense or partially makes sense.  Make trails, hang clothes in trees for a couple days and then take them down, anything to make someone concerned that they will run in to you if they trespass.

It might also be a good idea to reach out to a game warden now that things are winding down.  Personalities vary but if you get a good one then he may come out, walk your property, and you can give him a sense of who is causing issues for you.  This can help a lot. 

 

I was in the same boat as you.  I bought land that was under absentee ownership for decades.  People gonna see how much you will take.  It usually takes 2-3 trips out from the game warden and the problem will cease.

Good luck!

 

Edited December 14, 2015 by LetEmGrow

[growalot]

Posted signs with cell # on them...makes for no excuses....arrests period..word gets out..you worried; invest in home video security and a big dog...How much land..how many boarder?I went door to door introduced myself ,handed a card with Name and # on it. Explained we live here and the family hunts and the family only...no recoveries without a call, we do not want any accidental shootings to occur. Then don't ruin your deer hunting by to much activity...just build a blind or two..put in tinted Windows and buy some hunter orange material that can just be seen through the open widow...whether your there or not...also keep a clear trail to all stands and blinds..your being able to be quiet walking around..tends to unnerve them. I have a couple of neighbors that have had problems call me if they see Anything I do the same for them. Then you have the ones you just have to fence out...get the small squares...deer jump readily but hard to climb...not easy to sneak a kill out. Then just realize it takes time..