A Lesson from Last Season

[BritChaser]

Five of us were taking a line through some walk-in CRP when two pickups pulled up on the road beside us. Three hunters, all strangers, got out and got into our line, just like that. The other two went to the end and blocked. I was nearest the road and the strangers so I signaled my party to move over to make room. Ordinarily, such "claim jumping" would annoy me, but when I am bird hunting I am in such a good mood I am almost unannoyable. We had nearly a mile to go so I had some time to think about the situation. 1. In a big CRP field, more hunters may be better. 2. It was a walk-in field, not private, although strangers jumping in my line was a first for me. 3. The two blockers and a fielded dog were enhancing our hunt. 4. They were true hunters: they were quiet, safe, and one of them bagged a cock from the line. At the end we grouped up and chatted. The vibes were all good. Lesson learned: sharing a field with strangers can be good; better than a confrontation over field "rights."

 

[BrowningCitori]

Wow!

I am a patient person by nature but not sure I could handled that situation. I do remind myself when elk hunting in Montana on public land and I see another hunter that they are there for the same reason I am. It is amazing how rarely it happens, seriously. Most other "elk hunters" are just driving the roads.

 

[BritChaser]

I am a patient person by nature but not sure I could handled that situation. I do remind myself when elk hunting in Montana on public land and I see another hunter that they are there for the same reason I am. It is amazing how rarely it happens, seriously. Most other "elk hunters" are just driving the roads.

"Wow" is right, just what I initially thought.

 

[Labman]

We were hunting in Western Minnesota a couple years ago, and there was a large section of public land. There was 1 guy and his dog hunting the end section, and there was land between us that was un-huntable. He had a large section to himself, and we had our section that we had claimed probably 300 yards from him with the land nobody could hunt in between us. Next thing I know, the guy comes walking towards us, cussing and yelling at us saying it was his area to hunt. It was a large area, definately too big for him to claim on his own. I was shocked that he was such a jerk, I yelled back at him and told him to go back to where he was. It all worked well then, not sure what the guys problem was. Probably lucky the guy didn't shoot at us or something.

In your situation, I would have thought that was very odd, and unsure what I would have been thinking if guys just jumped in like that. Sounds like you did a great job handling yourself.

 

[Bird-man]

Shared land

Friend of mine was elk hunting. He was sitting on a hillside watching a broad valley. A big bull edged out into the field and stood. It was about a 350 yard shot. My friend watched and the bull started walking the edge of the field in his direction. Looked like it would come within about 150 yards....BOOM!!!

Another guy, sitting on the opposite hillside probably 400 yards off dropped the bull with one shot. Gary almost sh*t his drawers. He was so intent on watching the bull he never thought there would be anyone else even close.

He was p*ssed! But, fair game, fair shot. The bull was probably less than 300 yards from his position, but what can you do.

And I agree, not sure what I would have done in that situation. Kinda wish the other guys would have said something, like "hey, it's a big field, mind if we push this side?"

Oh, well. I too am in far too good a mood when hunting or fishing to let anyone get under my skin.

Good hunting!

 

[Shadow]

I have three Britt's that will easly cover a 1/4 mile section-

nope- other hunters come into a field- I'm calling the Britt's in and we leave

you have to be real brave if you have decent running pointing dogs and others who you don't know are in the same section- or same mile

 

[hunter94]

only an asshole would invite himself into your group.......if you are a stranger, i do not trust you......done.

 

[Lazlo]

WOW! I would never do that or had that happen to me.....You DAh Man!! If we ever meet I will buy you one!

 

[keskam]

Last year opening day in Colorado me and my son started hunting the field and stayed within 100 yards of the road we walked about 200 yards and a group of A$$holes drove up 100yards ahead of us got out and cut right in front of us,,, there dad stayed there and blocked and got the a$$ chewing when i got up there......not only is it stupid but highly unsafe, as i let 4 roosters go because i would have peppered them idiots.........

 

[Shadow]

Last year opening day in Colorado me and my son started hunting the field and stayed within 100 yards of the road we walked about 200 yards and a group of A$$holes drove up 100yards ahead of us got out and cut right in front of us,,, there dad stayed there and blocked and got the a$$ chewing when i got up there......not only is it stupid but highly unsafe, as i let 4 roosters go because i would have peppered them idiots.........

public land right- you should see it here opening weeend

I have never hunted public land opening weekend- but I have parked and watched some real crazy stuff

course- I can sit right here and watch all the crazies anyone who has the heart to see the goofballs opening weekend- kind of not worth calling the authorities- it's so goofy, funny, illegal- where does one start

 

[SetterNut]

I don't think I would let someone I don't know hunt with me and my dog. They may be good safe hunters, but I would be questioning someones judgement if they just invited themselfs to hunt in the middle of a field.