Public Land, who stays/who goes??

[Hossienda]

I ran into an awkward situation last night and was looking for some takes on it.

I was out hunting a piece of state land and had parked at the state land parking area. The hike back was about a half mile to the area I was going to hunt. I told my partner the spot he was going to sit, and then I went another 100 yards or so and had just found my tree to start getting set up and another hunter strolls in about 40 yards away from me. I didn't say anything right away as I thought maybe he was heading farther back and just went about getting my steps out and setting up. This guy finally sees me and yells over, "A little close!?" I indicate back that it is public land and can hunt where I please. He proceeds to say things and I just decided screw it, I don't need this. I kind of made a ruckus as I packed my stuff back up and headed the other direction and ended up sitting within 50 yards of my friend. We didn't see anything and I am pretty sure the other guy didn't as we could hear him coughing up a lung most of the evening.

So here is my question then, would any of you guys handled things differently? Taken a firmer stance saying this is where I am hunting and I don't care what you do?

-Hossienda

[Stratosman]

You didn't mention to him that you were there first? Some people are just total a-holes anyway and it might not have mattered, then its easier not to stoop to their level and just move. Either way it sucks to have your hunt ruined.

[Deitz Dittrich]

Although this is a touchy situation... I would say first come first serve.. If that other gentleman was there first, I would have gven him the spot... respectfully... in hopes that if I were there a different night and was there first he would do the same. I am not sure there is a too close distance. I would say that 40 yards may be.. although I have many times hunted with friends that close. I think the land dictates how close people can hunt.

[Hossienda]

Thanks for the replies. Looking back, as soon as I saw him I probably should have said hello and just chatted a minute as I was there maybe a minute or two before him. He just seemed a bit gruff.

-Hossienda

[bigbucks]

I agree it isn't too close if you're hunting with somebody & know the deer may come good for either stand site. I too have hunted that close or closer many times. On two occasions we were 35 yards a part & both shot deer with the bow before getting off stand.

However that's pretty close to be hunting to a total stranger & if you were there first he should have probably moved on. I guess I would have probably discussed his plans, asked if he'd hunted the spot before, etc. If I'd hunted it before I'd have mentioned that & tried to work out where we could both setup to help each other, not hurt each other. If he wasn't willing to do that, then he's not much of a guy, let alone hunter, & I can understand your frustration. I feel for you guys that have to hunt on public land.

[SartellMN]

Interfering with someone hunting is actually a crime. If you are in a spot first and that person makes a commotion, I would call the DNR. Read the statute. I have actually seen people charged with this crime (I am a criminal defense attorney...when I can't hunt).

http://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/stats/97A/037.html

[Deitz Dittrich]

thats very interesting Sartel.. I would assume that law gets used more against anti hunters than just hunter to hunter... is this true.. only becuase I have heard of more times where anti's make a ruckus...

[WB make the CUT]

My matto "Shut up and hunt" then have a talk after the hunt, no reason to get into a verbal war.. we are all hunters.

WHy fight with a fellow hunter work it out.

[scotty18]

I have one suggestion, hunt during the week. I know a lot of you guys don't have the oppertunity to go during the week. I hunt 99% of the time on public land and when I go during the week, I am usually alone. If someone else is there, it's usually a local person and you can get some great info on the area if you can talk to them.

Scotty