Return of the Poacher

[kepone cats]

Last deer season there was this guy who occasionally (perhaps frequently) shined a spotlight across one of my family's fields. Cousin Dave saw the man, who resides in James City County and drives a Blue GMC pickup, backed in the powerline with his headlights shining on some deer in our field with his rifle barrel sticking out the window. I gave the license plate number to the Game Warden and it turned up being a man my family knows of who heads a huntclub around the Gordon Creek area of James City. The man called the Gamewarden and asked who reported him and who was spreading rumors that HE was a night hunter. I told the Gamewarden to tell him That I, Craig Hofmeyer reported him. I decided not to take it to court.

With this said, yesterday at dusk I was pulling out of the farm road and on to Rt.5 East bound and I see this guy in his light blue p/u driving along slowly. As he goes by my field he slows down because there was five deer out there eating beans. This is the same field he was poaching last season. I was not pleased to see this so I followed him. He pulls over just down the road to let me go by so he can do a U turn and swing back to look at my deer. (yes I said MY deer) I pull over across from him and watch him. He gets nervous, pulls back on to Rt.5 and goes back to James City.

Now, what should I do with this guy. The Gamewarden already watches the field there from time to time and has used the robo deer. But! The field can not be watched at all times. He is also not the only poacher out there. I have written down several plate numbers and reported them to the man. Should I confront the guy face to face? Should I write him a letter? Should I tell the Gamewarden that he is sizing up my deer? Should I do nothing and hope I bust him redhanded?

Do not say put boards with nails, this is a highly traveled road he pulled off onto last year.

Thanks for the info, if anyone wants to sit and watch the field at night for poachers bmail me. -Kepone

[Scott McGuire]

Put a sign in the field that says "All Poachers, including ________ Keep Out"

[h2oboss]

I like to glass feilds this time of year, any chance that's all he was doing? maybe he learned his lesson from last year? If not video it form now on, maybe that will help. Next time take it to court. Good luck.

[kepone cats]

I do not think for a moment he would shoot a deer in velvet this time of year. Probably just scouting for this seasons poaching. There is nothing illegal about driving down a state road. I just thinking about his intentions.

[Capt.Nick]

In Md.it's illegal to shine a light on deer even if you don't have any weapons in your car.Could someone else be driving his car?Would the DNR set up a video camera for you?

[nicbuc]

Kepone, hindsight is 20/20 but you should have jammed him when you had the chance. The GW probally ain't too excited 'bout catching him since you didn't follow through last time. So my advice is to b-mail me I would be glad to sit a few nights with you w/a video camera and catch him, only if you are willing to go the distance and jam him up in court. That is the only way you are gonna win. I live near by off Rt5 and Centerville Rd. Let me know I think it'll be fun kind of hunting before the season. [wink]

[RANGER690]

I think you are right. If all he is doing right now is looking, there is not much that can be done. But it would be fun to pull up and video or snap a pic of him every time he cruises by. That should make him mad as a hornet. And he might get the point.

What is on the other side of the road? Any place you can set in a climbing treestand with camera. When he stops, Whistle and show the camera. Be in a different tree/area a couple of time.

Lets have a get together by the field. We can talk smack and watch for lookers!

Can I shoot doves off your wires?[grin]

Are you making up that name?

Dayton

[kepone cats]

My cousin is the one that saw him with the rifle out the window, he did not want to go to court. I would have done it in a heart beat. Even if they did not prosectue it would be an educational experience. [grin]

[Joker]

If you know who the guy is, send him an anonymous letter telling him you know who he is, you've seen what he's doing, and you will inform the authorities if the pattern continues.

If it continues, then send another letter telling him you've tried to be fair but now must get the authorities involved. CC the letter to the fish and game department.

[pbramble]

don't even warn him because if he is doing it to you, he's more than likely doing it to other people. Gather evidence on him (video, pics, etc.) call the game warden again and tell him you want to burn the guy, and burn him.

[h2oboss]

ya definately don't warn him, it'll just make him that much smarter about what you know and that much harder to catch.

[cskiff]

I think a 4x8 sheet of plywood, in BIG letters stating the model of the truck and license plate number of his tuck set up were you see him all the time that states "If you see this truck on this property call the local authorities or game warden, call both if you see a gun out the window" Or on a lighter note state " this property is protected by Smith & Wesson trespass if you like". really though I think some of the guys who said video him in action is a great idea, there is no denying if you are caught on tape, if he pulls in on a lane that is not traveled alot a trailcam might be the answer. I know this is flustrating but you will probably have to put alot of your own time letting him see your presents around the area to deter him.

[kepone cats]

Thanks for all the effort.