What would you have done?

[Brokennock]

Personally, I wouldn’t invoke the “red flag” crap, because in my opinion, that’s a democrat move. He could also turn it around and make something up to use it on the OP. In my opinion, that’s a bad precedent to set.

We are stuck with these stupid laws. We may not like then, we may not generally agree with them, but, we are stuck with then. Might as well turn them around and use them to our own advantage.
"Turnabout is fair play," someone once said.

sometimes just a simple knock on the door can solve matters

True. But, in this case, the neighbor has shown himself to be hostile and aggressive, aggressive in a situation and set of circumstances that could have gone sideways quickly.
There is no telling how he may react if the o.p. crosses onto his property and knocks on his door.
He (the neighbor) could (should?) have started out that way. He could have come by later to see the o.p. in a friendly manner. Instead he chose to approach aggressively in a situation where both parties were armed. I know people who would have applied the 3 S rule right then and there. (Not saying they are right) If one is to try to have a reasonable friendly conversation with this person at this point, it needs to be facilitated by a game warden or state cop.

 

[Tom A Hawk]

The warden said he was half a bubble off plumb.

That's my assessment of this character also. Half a bubble off of plumb. For sure and for certain.

 

[.36Rooster]

There is no telling how he may react if the o.p. crosses onto his property and knocks on his door.

Hey, Brokennock, you misread me. I was saying the game warden is citizen who has has the right to respectfully approach the man and ring his doorbell, and will do so ( not the OP) And that the presence of a game warden knocking on the man's door and asking questions about it would send a clear message to the guy.

But you are spot on. It would be an incredibly bad idea if the OP did this. Not only could it be dangerous, but if future law enforcement assistance is needed in the matter, his presence on the property would instantly be read as instigating the matter. The OP should not engage in any interaction with the man at all, and report every instance that he is approached by this man.

 

[Brokennock]

Hey, Brokennock, you misread me. I was saying the game warden is citizen who has has the right to respectfully approach the man and ring his doorbell, and will do so ( not the OP) And that the presence of a game warden knocking on the man's door and asking questions about it would send a clear message to the guy.

But you are spot on. It would be an incredibly bad idea if the OP did this. Not only could it be dangerous, but if future law enforcement assistance is needed in the matter, his presence on the property would instantly be read as instigating the matter. The OP should not engage in any interaction with the man at all, and report every instance that he is approached by this man.

 

[William Lincoln]

I predict that law enforcement on any level will pass on the issue.
First,it will not be considered a priority. Second, it involves land
ownership, which is settled in civil court ordinarily. If you want
long-term satisfaction = Deal with the man. Not confrontationally.
I have had numerous situations like you describe. I was a considerable
landowner until the last decade. I have faced many disputes that
were similar, over: hunting, trespassing and especially easements.
In every case, my issue was solved after winning respect from the
opposing party. I wish you well. Let us know how it turns out.

 

[Rawhide67]

I could come up with a variety of expletives to describe this guy or this type. But unfortunately, it wouldn't change them. They are miserable difficult people and the world is well stocked with them. I tend to keep to myself, don't like crowds or big social gatherings due to people like this. The sad part of it is that he thinks he's right and probably tells his buddies what an A hole you're being.

 

[Reno]

Based on experience from when I was a LEO and my nephew is presently a CO. You might not be able to document a lot right now but clearly he has interfered with your hunt twice now. Yes he is an adjoining land owner but I would say to simply add to or begin documentation and speak to a CO in your area. Then follow up with your cameras and see what evidence you might obtain.
This person does not mind a confrontation it seems like. You should also note in writing g what was done, what you did m, what this person did with times and dates. Quotes if you can remember them.

 

[MSW]

Dale Lilly's point is well taken, but having said that, this is a fellow with a deadly weapon, who has come onto your property without your permission or consent and threatened you. Where i come from, that's either a 'terroristic threat" or aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
I would make sure that the autorities knew about it, and the next time you see him, you should have your recorder going,

 

[Robby]

Had the gentleman approached in a neutral manner that would been the appropriate response. However malice and territorial aggression were apparent from initial contact.

That may be so, but when you take the high road, it just might surprise you how willing most people are to make that step up. Literally nothing to lose then at that point. I would even make an attempt to start over and go see him, again nothing to lose, and so much easier than stewing over this nonsense every time you hit the field.
Robby

 

[Ames]

Put up a blaze orange scarecrow in your hunting clothes well inside your property. Use ballistic gel as the torso.
If hes dumb enough to take a shot the round will be preserved for law to compare to his gun. Paired with notifying the game warden before hand would show he IS trying to shoot you. On your property.
Bye bye fruit loops.

 

[Billy Boy]

For many years I have hunted near my property boundary hedgerow where it connects to an agricultural field. The field either has wheat, or soybeans, or corn, or only grass and next to the agricultural field is a Christmas tree farm the deer use for bedding. So, my watching spot is a prime location. The other side of the field is a thin strip of grass and swale about thirty yard wide that is private land and that also borders mine. About 4 years ago I met the land owner ( at that time ) and obtained permission to hunt our shared boundary.

Two years ago I was watching my boundary line where it meets with the thin strip and after several minutes I noticed a figure in orange heading my way. He approached and asked who I was. I answered and said I had permission from the owner to hunt this area. He informed rather rudely that he was now the owner. I said OK, do you mind if I hunt this corner. He replied "Yes I mind". "You just chased away a deer I was watching".

Now...his elevated blind is 680 yards away on the edge of the Ag field

I said, "Well, OK I'll just watch my side of the boundary" and I turned 180 degrees away from his strip. He said, "Then I'll just watch my side" and continued to stand about ten feet away from me facing the other way. After a few minutes, I decided this stand-off was rather childish, said "Have a nice day" and departed to an alternate location.

This year I have been hunting this general area with bow, crossbow and now rifles. On Wednesday I was sitting in the hedgerow in a location some yards away from the other land owners strip, with my .50 Lancaster across my knees and facing my own land. I hear voice behind me through the hedgerow and turn to see the xxs hole is back again. He says, "You're in my shooting lane." "I might shoot you". Again, his elevated blind is 680 yards away confirmed by my range finder and Google Earth. I was irritated after our first encounter and this time I'm ****** off. I said, "Well, don't shoot this way!" He said, "This is my effing land! I said, "And, this is my effing land and you're the same guy that bothered me two years ago." He said, "You don't even live here." "You're a city guy, I can tell." ( I'm not a city guy but the comment was irrelevant. ) I believe his concern has nothing to do with my safety but rather he is offended by my presence. I said, "Go back to your tower and leave me the hell alone". He matched away, muttering, swearing and calling me unflattering names, 680 long yards back to his stand location.

I have been mulling over whether I should document a harassment complaint. What would you do?

Four feet of hydraulic hose with the coupler on, talk to him by hand. It’s the ONLY thing some folk understand….

 

[sawyer04]

It is not as bad as it used to be here. But several instances of postage stamp settlers trying to rule the world has taken place in the past. The old residenters just greet them and tell them they are on private land. Don't even engage them with conservation cause trying to converse with mostly idiots is a waste of time. These mostly idiots are watched closely and they get to knowing it after a while.
As of lately we have been plagued with land realtors saying they have the buyers, name a price. Several of those have left in a rush. Seems as though there is less patience for realtors than trespassers.

 

[Okie Hog]

I predict that law enforcement on any level will pass on the issue.

Bingo!!!

i've been involved in trespassing cases and a right of way closure. The game wardens and sheriff departments refused to respond to repeated calls. The battered wife of the landowner who fenced off my deeded right of way killed her beloved spouse with multiple rounds from a shotgun.

 

[Capnball]

Only if you have some proof; otherwise it's just word vs word. When he comes again be ready to record his actions. Make sure the video shows him on your land. Dale

I'd kill and field dress a deer right next to his property line!

 

[Old Hawkeye]

It is disheartening to me to see that out of the 50 some posts on this thread nearly all are calling for the OP to escalate the situation & telling him to "retaliate" in some fashion. This is not a war & fighting is not a solution. Maybe the OP should send him a letter explaining his view & his right to do what he wants on his own property & that he respects his neighbor's right to do the same. Offer to sit down with him & come to terms so you can both hunt without further "issues". This can't be that hard for crying out loud!! All it takes is offering your hand in peace sometimes. Can't hurt to try. Fighting & threatening will only make matters worse for everyone, but this seems to be the way the whole country is acting these days. Sad times.

 

[Old Hawkeye]

I'd kill and field dress a deer right next to his property line!

What will that prove or accomplish?

 

[11Bravo]

Does your property run down to his tree stand? If it does just put a shed on your property within 500 feet of his stand. Use the NYS DEC law to your favor. Then he would need your permission to shoot at all.

 

[Old Hawkeye]

Does your property run down to his tree stand? If it does just put a shed on your property within 500 feet of his stand. Use the NYS DEC law to your favor. Then he would need your permission to shoot at all.

Then he puts a shed next to the OP & neither of them can hunt. Now everyone is more angry. That's a brilliant solution!

 

[Brokennock]

It is disheartening to me to see that out of the 50 some posts on this thread nearly all are calling for the OP to escalate the situation & telling him to "retaliate" in some fashion. This is not a war & fighting is not a solution. Maybe the OP should send him a letter explaining his view & his right to do what he wants on his own property & that he respects his neighbor's right to do the same. Offer to sit down with him & come to terms so you can both hunt without further "issues". This can't be that hard for crying out loud!! All it takes is offering your hand in peace sometimes. Can't hurt to try. Fighting & threatening will only make matters worse for everyone, but this seems to be the way the whole country is acting these days. Sad times.

Really. Can you count them up and display this?
There are a couple that seen to call for escalating things in a disturbing way.
But, it seems to me (without counting) that most seem to call for documentation and discussion, with or without law enforcement involvement.

 

[Hiddeninsmoke]

He seems to have had great expectations regarding land he purchased but the actual outcome has been disappointing. He is looking for someone, other than himself, to blame for his disappointment. Under those circumstances, the best thing you can do it ignore him.