Contributors to this thread:
Well, I experienced an act of vandalism to some equipment and I was wondering if others have had similar experiences. I had a ladder stand that I put up at McClintic WMA in September. I have bowhunted out of it on and off all season with no problems. This past week during gun season, I used it and my grandson harvested a nice buck out of it on Wednesday. Thursday, I stayed home for Thanksgiving dinner with the family and didn't hunt. Friday I went down early intending on hunting out of it again and found it vandalized.
Someone had pulled down the two bottom ladder sections and thrown them into the surrounding brush. one piece had been bent. The top section had a lock and cable securing it to the tree, so it was hanging there. They had cut the straps and my safety rope into pieces.
Now I could understand someone stealing it, but too just be destructive and tear up someone else's property is absolutely inconceivable to me. I filed a report with the DNR officer, mainly because I wanted it officially documented. He seemed to think some other hunter might have done it out of spite. I find that hard to believe. My personal opinion is that someone with an anti- hunting bent ran across it and did it. I'd like to hear other's opinions and any similar experiences on either public or private land.
Most likely just one of Dr. J.R.'s "good ole boys" didn't like it being there.
I'm surprised they allow permanent stands to be put up there.
There not hunters that's for sure. They might have a bow or gun in there hand but that doesn't make them a hunter, just plan trash.. Someone I don't want to be around or hunting on a size restriction area like McClintic WMA. If they would do that you know there going to ground check all the bucks . Yes I agree I just don't understand it blows my mind how someone could do that. But its happened to my buddy and we also have had cameras stolen, All I can say is I would like to catch them in the act I bet they would think twice about it next time
Unfortunately in every group of people there are going to be a bad apple or two. Whether it's out of spite, jealously, or whatever, who knows?
Just like some bowhunters don't like gun season, there's still a number of gun hunters that don't like bow hunters because we have an earlier and longer season .
I didn't know that permanent or semi-permanent stands were allowed on public hunting areas either.
I had a camera taken, a stand taken, and another camera tampered with the first week of gun season in the bow only counties. I got photos of multiple people trespassing on our lease including a gun hunter. I feel your pain.
In this state we as hunter and our dnr get a bad deal all the time. Some on here complain about low license fees and I am not saying you are right or wrong but the really bad rap is with the amount of tourism and revenue hunting and fishing brings to this state what does the dnr get moneywise from it besides license sales????? And I am not talking about federal funding - plus look at all the activity that takes place on our wma besides just hunting or fishing. Maybe with some help from the state besides just an increase in license cost maybe we could hire more help for the dnr!
JR have you ever looked into the treesaddle? I like them and it beats carrying a treestand thru the woods!
JR - this begs to be ask - have you ever forgot about it and gotten a jolt???? Heck I know I would forget probably several times!!! LOL or is that how you fix your afib a self-remedy!!!!
Some of you guys are lucky to live in a county where people do not do this. I am not fortunate enough. The counties I hunt in are full of this. And it was a hunter I bet. I have had great luck with electrifying my stands. I run a wire from a hidden buried battery. It will knock you down if you touch it. I have it set up on a remote so I just flick a switch to turn in off before climbing it. I have had 7 stands stolen in last 3 years. I use a climber more and more.
That tree saddle would scare me to death
I've never been in one but they look uncomftable to me and they look like they would limit shooting opportunities.
I used one all day before and would not recommend an all day hunt but it is not absolutely terribe to do so. Actually I think it increases ur shooting zones - u can actually go around 360 around the tree with it. As to safety wise - it's a beefed up tree harness. For a morning or evening hunt though I think it is more comfortable than a treestand and if you fall asleep you will not fall out of it!
Ok JR I did not see a response to the question of if you have gotten jolted from the treestand or not - so with the lack of response - can I take that as a yes you have???? LOL again I know I would forget at some point!
No I havnt gotten jolted yet.
Well in answer to leaving stands on public property, it is ok as long as its a portable stand. No permanent stands that are screwed or nailed to the tree.
I usually use a climber, but I really like the ladder stands too. I suppose the best solution is a hang on stand. They have a low profile when folded up against the tree, and when you leave the climbing steps can be taken with you leaving the stand unaccessible. But I just don't feel very secure perched in one.
Thanks for the clarification. I learned something new.
JayD does your legs fall asleep or do your butt cheeks get numb lol? serious question I have thought about a tree saddle but was worried about all day sits
A full day in it is tough but I think a full days hunt in any stand is tough. All I can say is that I like the treesaddle and I think you need to make sure you get the correct size. Now this comes from a guy who has been hit by two drunk drivers and had to have my knee reconstructed back in 85 because of the one accident. I do have aches and pains at time - but the treesaddle has always seemed comfortable enough to me. I also feel very safe in it. Depending on how you setup if on a limb to place your feet or several tree steps placed around the tree - you can move around the tree keeping it between you and the deer to help stay hidden. Some guys use kneepads but I never felt the need for them. I really like it when hunting on public ground because it is lightweight letting you be very mobile to move to another area say between a morning and evening hunt.
I hunt down in McDowell County and we have had several trail cameras and other items stolen as well this season. We have special built heavy gauge metal boxes made and use 3 1/2" to 5" lag bolts to secure them in, but the punks find ways to get them off there...makes me sick.
Babysaph, you use a remote to activate/deactivate. I would be worried while up in stand I accidently pushed the remote button OR a plane goes overhead OR whatever makes my garage doors open for no reason. Pretty clever idea, just wondering what you would do if your setup would activate while you were in the stand? haha
I never thought of that. I could take that batteries out of the remote. Now I am going to start doing that. I got the idea from a guy I know that has one around his cattle. I mean buddy it will knock the crap of ya. No peeing off the stand either. LOL