It's public land,BUT do I knownly take another hunters spot???

[CaptainMusky]

I had a similar situation last year. The last couple years my dad and I have been hunting this piece of public land and there were a couple others in there as well. We knew where everyone else set up and just made it work. Last year I was going to try a new spot. I assumed this one guy was going to be in the spot he was in last year and before hanging my stand I looked for his stand, but it was nowhere to be found. Opening morning he walked right past me on the way to his stand and to my dismay climbed a tree not far from me. I was disappointed as I had looked for it, but didn't see it.

So here I sit, I didn't want to ruin it for this guy as he is really nice and we talk'd a little about the other hillbillies out there and stuff and didn't know what to do.

I thought about my options for a few minutes and my thoughts were erased when 4 deer came my way. I intentially let the first two walk by before shooting so he could have a chance. I shot mine and he got one too. We were both happy. I later moved my stand to be farther away. It worked out for all of us I think, granted he could have shot more than one if I hadn't of been there, but none of us are meat hogs and were plenty happy with the outcome.

[FL SNIPER]

Now that's the way it's supposed to work! Sounds like you were both level headed, respectful sportsmen and that probably made things much easier and enjoyable for you. Good work.