abrown Posted September 30, 2011 Report Share Posted September 30, 2011 I have several stands because of that! I work for Corps of Engineers, and our regulations on Corps property is that a stand can't be hung for more than 24 hours, not to mention screw in tree steps aren't allowed. I don't enforce that, cause I think it's kind of crazy, so from September thru March, I leave stands alone, but after March I remove them. I haven't had 1 hunter come in and ask for their stand or complain about it, you know why, because when hunters do that, they know their wrong and if they claim that stand, it'll cost more than what the stand is worth in fines to get it back! So, don't feel guilty about keeping it, because whoever left it was wrong and KNEW IT! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhunt Posted September 30, 2011 Report Share Posted September 30, 2011 I can't take another man's stand - illegally put there or not. I've had tree stands taken from me when the person who stole them thought I was on private property- turned out it was on public land and I had to threaten the guy and the landowner had to tell him to give it back. Clearly this guy was trespassing, but I say he likely learned his lesson and with the generosity, will not be back. If he does come back - call the cops. I probably could not take another persons stand and use it either, but the original poster here did not take the stand, it was given to him. Far as the person who lost it, would tend to think a person deliberately poaching is NOT going to learn a thing if they get less than a slap on the wrist. Might actually encourage them to continue if it given back to them. Had a similar situation on my neighbor before he gave us written sole permission. Caught someone on him just a few years ago(supposedly mistakenly) and found a stand and a ground blind. At that time the neighbor opted to let him have his stand and blind and did not press charges. Things changed after last year someone, possibly the same person, was on the neighbor during our youth and ml'er hunts and fired 3 rounds towards our house with a rifle during the youth hunt and in the woods towards our property during the ml'er season. Then we find this little 8 point http://www.realtree.com/forums/deer-hunting/102601-poached-buck-mler-found-morning.html a casualty of poaching in the ml'er season. I almost caught that poacher that morning. We have had the only verbal permission on that property for about 16 years. Neighbor last year gave us what we needed to prosecute these jerks and we will if and when they are back. If I find any other stands or blinds, they will likely be given to the warden or to one of the camps that puts on hunts for kids. Back to the original topic, if you don't feel comfortable using it, might sell it and give the money to charity. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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