Author Topic: KEEP OUT signs and illegal interlopers (Read 1589 times)

JonnyReb · « **on:** August 26, 2012, 04:41:26 AM »

On my backyard hunting plot, i've seen increased human presence over the last few years. 2 treestands(ladders) stolen(cable locs cut), shotgun hulls left lying in my trail and other signs of activity. As my ladder stands are gone i'm really trying to decide whether to buy more ladder stands or to just build wooden permanent stands. Maybe use a tree loc type an remove my steps. Darn it makes me Mad to have to do this. 2nd thing is I guess its time to post the property. I hate to do this as well, as its a narrow 12ish acre strip, and if I post the edges i'll be putting signs right on the trails I shoot down and the deer use to travel. I'd think dozen of bright yellow Keep Out signs would freak the deer out for awhile. I still have 2months before the gun season starts here in NC, think it'll be an issue? Anyone deal with trespassers successfully? J

briarpatch · « **Reply #1 on:** August 26, 2012, 10:10:01 AM »

I have a few acres in NC and live in Florida. The ruts that are made from big trucks and such are huge and I would guess it is hunted hard.
With the distance there is little I can do. If you live on the land you can watch it and keep the goons out, if not it will be their party place. You can post all day and tie a ribbon around it but it want mean anything if you hurt someone or they get hurt. The last thing you want to do is get a cop involved in the situation. So grin and bear it. I let friends hunt it and they help when they are there. Other than that I dont worry about it.

cjclemens · « **Reply #2 on:** August 26, 2012, 02:24:51 PM »

I think some people on here have had some luck using strategically placed trail cams to catch trespassers. That being said, I guess the only real way to keep people out is to maintain a presence on your property, so they know they'll be seen. Unfortunately, there's no way to do that without affecting the wildlife as well. Illinois just passed what they call the "Purple Paint Law," which states that in lieu of No Trespassing signs, you can use purple paint or ribbons to mark borders of your property. Either way, trespassers are a pain in the ass. I don't think there's any easy way to deal with them, either.

fatercat · « **Reply #3 on:** August 26, 2012, 02:43:43 PM »

post it and post it well. covers your ass if anything happens

JonnyReb · « **Reply #4 on:** August 26, 2012, 05:05:00 PM »

Hey we (N.C.) just got the purple paint law here too, just saw that in the regs but honestly figured the average trespassing hunter wouldn't be up on new laws on the books, or care. Sure would beat the bright yellow signs I guess i'll put up but I want them to KNOW they're not to be there. I did do the trail cam thing for awhile, and will again but never caught a person on it. Good thought though, time to get them back up anyways. I did catch 2 teenagers riding their 4 wheeler on my trail last summer and wondered if they were the ones who took my stands. Both were 2 person models and pretty heavy. That 4 wheeler woulda made it easier. Was planned too as they brought something to cut my cables.Probably was them. Little deviants.

ronbow · « **Reply #5 on:** August 27, 2012, 02:22:02 AM »

Quote from: JonnyReb on August 26, 2012, 05:05:00 PM

Hey we (N.C.) just got the purple paint law here too, just saw that in the regs but honestly figured the average trespassing hunter wouldn't be up on new laws on the books, or care. Sure would beat the bright yellow signs I guess i'll put up but I want them to KNOW they're not to be there. I did do the trail cam thing for awhile, and will again but never caught a person on it. Good thought though, time to get them back up anyways. I did catch 2 teenagers riding their 4 wheeler on my trail last summer and wondered if they were the ones who took my stands. Both were 2 person models and pretty heavy. That 4 wheeler woulda made it easier. Was planned too as they brought something to cut my cables.Probably was them. Little deviants.

Whatever you do to protect your property rights, you don't want to start a war. They will always have the advantage because they know where your property is but you won't know where or when the vandals/thieves will hit.

JonnyReb · « **Reply #6 on:** August 27, 2012, 02:36:46 AM »

Thats true Ron, and I agree, no I don't want to start a war. Actually I really never had a problem with someone passing through as there is huntable land surrounding me and that was my concession to not posting signs. The stealing though, kinda draws a line in the sand plus i'd hate to be sighting in a new rifle only to find out some guys on a 4 wheeler were burning one downrange in the woods somewhere. Signs will at least let whomever know they're outta bounds and will also give me a bit more leverage from a liability issue. J

cjclemens · « **Reply #7 on:** August 27, 2012, 05:55:59 AM »

I don't know how your insurance policy is, but I know there are a few people that add expensive stuff, like trail cams and ladder stands, to their homeowner policy. I wouldn't start a war, per se - but I think its also important to stand up for your property rights. Like most other landowners, I generally don't have a problem with people crossing my property, looking for downed game, or even hunting here. What bothers me is the lack of respect people have and the arrogance of trespassing, littering, and stealing. Of all the trespassers I've run off, 99% of them are local kids who don't have anywhere else to hunt. The thing of it is, if most of them had asked permission before trespassing, I probably would have given them permission. Oh well. Some people just don't get it.

JonnyReb · « **Reply #8 on:** August 27, 2012, 12:22:56 PM »

Well said CJ. I'm steering clear of adding my stands to insurance though, instead i'm just going to figure a way that makes them impossible to get into. Unless they're a monkey.:->. J

808050a · « **Reply #9 on:** August 27, 2012, 07:07:26 PM »

Call your local Game Warden. If he is anything like the pricks we have in Bama he would love to find the crooks on your place. They have some pretty good tactics at catching people trespassing.

Land_Owner · « **Reply #10 on:** August 28, 2012, 04:28:42 PM »

Well said 808050a. Use the Game Warden as your Friend and Ally. Offer him your gate key. Let him park on your land. Work with the Man and they will work with you. They like the opportunity to work new areas, which offer the opportunity to make arrests. Then you MUST do your part and PROSECUTE. Should you FAIL in this regard, never again will you be trusted by Law Enforcement. Word gets around both ways. You PROSECUTE and Poachers will go elsewhere. You don't and the LEO will.

JonnyReb · « **Reply #11 on:** August 28, 2012, 06:01:40 PM »

Good advice for many parts of the country. Where I hunt in S.C., guided hunters are the norm and the local game warden plays cat and mouse all season. He knows who leases land, who guides,,when your there and has definitely checked food plots for violations during turkey season(manipulated food) especially. The man does his job to the point of annoyance and is on top of EVERYTHING in his territory. He would truly appreciate a gatekey or an invitation/tip and it would go a long way torward insuring noone set foot on your land when you weren't there. Lest Alvin get you. In this case great advice. My home plot is much more secretive while barely maintaining legality. A no fire zone(city limits) is within a few hundred yards, a city nature preserve butts up to my land. Just over 500 yards the other way from my house is a new school. All this in the last 5 years, 20 years ago I shot semi autos out here with abandon, now I use blackpowder, .357 and .50 airguns or a bow. I still carry a shotgun during deer season and while legal, would open myself up to possible unwanted scrutiny here behind the house. I think i'd be more inclined to call the local police on a thief, and just deal with general tresspassers myself. Hopefully the signs will help. J

LanceR · « **Reply #12 on:** August 29, 2012, 06:12:07 AM »

My advice is to both put the signs up and get a can of purple paint and to do it soon. From your description you are in an area where the deer are used to human activity and they'll get over the signs with a day or two. It will be no different than mowing the weeds along a filed. They look, give a deer shrug and carry on.

My understanding is that in NC you must have written permission on your person prior to hunting on someone else's land. Is that correct?

Lastly, let the folks around you know that you have had thefts. Ask if they have seen anything. Tell them you have reported the thefts and have asked for increased attention from your local LEOs and game folks and be sure to tell them that you have decided to prosecute all trespassers in the future. Once folks know you are willing to be a hard head about protecting your rights I suspect your issues will subside some. Unfortunately, if our experience on our farm has been any indication, they will never go away altogether.

Good luck.

Lance

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #13 on:** August 29, 2012, 06:25:56 AM »

Its the attitude ,many will say some jerk posted 10-12 acres and posted like he owns the county. The only thing that will change that attitude is some tickets to court or a ride in a police car.

JonnyReb · « **Reply #14 on:** August 29, 2012, 02:02:41 PM »

Thanks Lance, well said. Yes we do have to write permission notes here in N.C. Without one any trespasser would be in violation if they were hunting. Signs will go up sunday and I agree that the deer will soon come to ignore them. Your post also makes me reconsider the purple paint, which I think i'll use in the areas I hunt and use the bright yellow ones at the areas I think they're coming in on.* SHOOTALL I think most people that trespass do so without meaning to cause harm, trespassing hunters should know better but when it comes to the stolen stands, I agree that a ride in the back of a cruiser woulda done someone good. Or at least made me feel better:-)

hillbill · « **Reply #15 on:** August 29, 2012, 02:27:38 PM »

it sounds like your on your land for the long haul.if you like ladder stands and i do too. instead of buying the cheap light collapsible ones, just build sum nice heavy ones in one peice out of 1 in sqaure tubeing. it will take 2 guys or one really big guy to drag them in the woods and set them up. and yu wont be packing them out on a 4 wheeler cuz they dont break down.i can move mine by myself on a trailer but need a rope and pulley and a ladder to set them up in the tree.they are semi permanent and will last many years.i have several of them. i also have several ground blinds ive built out of scrap lumber, old treated or hedge fence posts and used tin for a roof.add a nice lawn chair and yu can hunt rain or shine. its very fun to listen to the rain or sleet patter on the roof and know your in the woods in comfort while yur buds are in the house.

Ranger99 · « **Reply #16 on:** August 29, 2012, 02:42:45 PM »

we've had the purple paint here for a while.
a tip: paint white first,then the purple over that.

i've had to deal with trespassers when i first
got my place, and i finally figured that you have
to be firm and not angry when you put the word
out that trespassing will not be tolerated.
you get a lot of "well. .when ol' mister so-and-so
owned that place, we could do whatever we wanted".
i had to pass the word that i owned it now, and
that party time was over.
you might also end up starting a feud if you
get too rough.
it's a touchy deal, but do get with the g.w. and
trade phone numbers, and let him know what's
going on. he may be unaware of your situation.

good luck

JonnyReb · « **Reply #17 on:** August 29, 2012, 04:53:34 PM »

HILLbill and Ranger, great stuff, thank you. Good tip on using the white paint before the purple and I love the idea of building permanent stands, probably not this year but will be a good project after next turkey season. I really like the idea of an elevated box stand with a locked door. Really prefer a box for long or rainy days. Sounds like you've both dealt successfully with this issue and I really appreciate the advice,. J

LanceR · « **Reply #18 on:** August 31, 2012, 03:43:46 AM »

This has been an interesting thread thanks to the good input from a number of folks. Thanks.

I like the idea of the white paint to set off the purple paint. that would sure make them had to miss.

I had to smile at Ranger99s comment regarding folks fussing about changes by new owners. I had a similar issue for a few years after we got the farm. I finally told a few of the stubborn folks that if they wanted to have a say in how the property was managed they should have bought it be we got it.

Our posted signs are molded plastic. They have been up for around 9 years and I haven't had to replace any (except a few that accidentally got brush-hogged in high weeds) They have reinforced slots for cable ties, wire or nails and the outfit that makes them recommends leaving about 3/8 of an inch of nail shank sticking out of the tree so the tree can grow for some years before the nail pulls through the sign. Starting last year I have been re-nailing some due to the tree growth. I use aluminum roofing nails so that if a saw ever gets into one of the nails things don't get ugly. The signs out in the open and exposed to full sun have faded from bright yellow to a duller shade but are still in good shape. The ones under shade are still quite bright.

In New York you need to have your name and address on the sign. The outfit that made them charged a $25 set-up fee to mold the info right into the sign but for orders of 100 or more signs they waived the fee. At the current cost of $1.29 each they are a good long term choice and are a lot easier than cutting backer boards if you need to use those.

www.postedsign.com

Lance

Savage .250 · « **Reply #19 on:** August 31, 2012, 04:09:22 AM »

Post it ..I`ve seen all colors of signage hanging on trees, fences, where ever and plenty of sign/deer around.
Posting lets people know it`s private, lease ,what ever and if you trespass, there is no foregiveness.
I won`t not worry about your shooting lanes .......fire when ready.

Don`t leave you tree-stands. Maybe over night but not for any extended time frame.
At least till you get the problem takes care of.

Call the Game Warden.........

Ranger99 · « **Reply #20 on:** August 31, 2012, 06:25:34 PM »

LanceR
about the time all that was happening, I'd driven down
one night after work, and just pulled up behind the house
and went inside and kinda passed out in a recliner. i got
woke up by some loud noise, and i ran outside and a bunch
of drunk folks in a big utv came right through the yard and
i guess they thought no one was there because of no lights
and no truck. it really pissed me off and i ran outside.

i got in the truck and followed them back to their house and
their dad was standing outside. he had wondered where they
went and i told him (i had calmed quite a bit ) what had happened.
he got mad (at them) and apologized for their behavior.
i'm glad i didn't get as mad as i could have, cuz that would
have been a really bad deal for all.
the word did get around, and i haven't had many problems
since.
i

HogFan · « **Reply #21 on:** September 02, 2012, 08:06:50 AM »

As many of you have mentioned, post it! In Arkansas the purple paint law has been in for as long as I can remember. My cousin married a lady that her dad had 163 acres, that we got to hunt on when I lived there. My cousin's father in-law used to live on the land before retiring from the AF, and then he ans his wife moved further north on 200 acres that they also owned. After my cousin got married, his father in-law gave my cousin permission to allow myself a couple other people to hunt it. We did not have any real problems for the most part until last year. Some stands were stolen and the fence was cut in a couple of areas. I did find a trespasser on the property in 2010, and got the old story Mr. So in so always let us hunt the property when he lived here, which was a lie. Anyways, this year the thieves have gotten more brave. According to my cousin, someone took a chainsaw to the power line poles that went to the barn and the one where the trailer used to be at. The stolel all the power lines and left the poles laying. I am sure it's meth heads in the area, as I saw some people scoping the place out last year that ended up stealing scrap metal from the farm across the house we lived in at the time. I will miss hunting the property since we moved to AK from AR, but I will not have to worry about is my stand going to still be there every day either.

Spanky · « **Reply #22 on:** September 04, 2012, 12:26:45 PM »

Just a couple thoughts... are there any vehicle or atv tracks going into the area? If not then they are probably on foot and it makes sense that they are locals. Have you gone around and talked to your neighbors to see which ones hunt? It certainly wouldn't hurt to post the land but I'd ask around and talk to the locals first. You might find out who is doing it and put a stop to it that way. You could spend some time in the woods patrolling the land... you might get lucky and catch someone red handed or at least see where they are entering the property. I agree with calling the game warden... if he spends much time in the area he might have some idea of who the local troublemakers are.

Spanky

atvmudder · « **Reply #23 on:** September 07, 2012, 07:09:46 AM »

I am also in NC and I have had problems with trespassers on a property I hunted in the past, located at the end of a dirt road (party road). It is normally locals, so befiend the neighbors, post and track like a hound dog. I make myself very aware of tire tracks and even foot tracks. Unfortunately I even know when the neighbors dog comes through my current hunting property!

(But that is a different subject). Be vigilent of your surrounds! If they are coming in on 4-wheelers, you may have to stay up late in waiting on a Friday or Saturday night and listen for 4 wheelers in the distence. I would almost make a bet they are the culprits. Game cameras in locked cases set up high or hidden may help too. Definately be friendly with the local game warden or sheriff! Good luck sometimes they are hard to catch!

JonnyReb · « **Reply #24 on:** September 09, 2012, 11:52:58 AM »

Good thinking Spanky, about the trail in and out. In my case the 4 wheeler trail is a big circle and there is no other trails leading in. Therefore all my interlopers are hunters, kids wandering or guys growing pot. Those are the 3 kinds i've encountered. The guys who stole my stands(i think) took their 4 wheeler straight through the woods to hit my trail. I'm lucky in the fact that typically, they're on foot. J