Hunting can be a good time, but every once in a while there’s that hunter that ruins it all. It’s not always clear when you are being one of those unfavorable hunters, it’s just important we attempt not to be.
For new hunters this column can help you remain neighborly to your neighbor, but even the experienced may learn or be refreshed as to what hunter ethics is all about. Border disputes are common and avoiding them will surely help maintain neighborly relations. Wounded deer crossing a fence line and being pursued on to the neighbor’s property is also another common issue. Both of these are easy to handle, but there are total yahoos out there that defy all logic. Knowing how to deal with these folks can be most helpful and prevent future issues.
The problem with borders is deer like to use them to travel from place to place. This can put hunters nearly on top of each other, attempting to intercept deer moving along their line. This often creates tension and can even endanger one or both hunters. The solution to this problem is some simple communication. Instead of butting heads put them together and formulate a game plan that benefits both hunters. It’s often possible to set up a few hundred yards apart on either side of the fence and benefit each other, but by sitting in someone else’s lap you decrease your chances by at least 50%. Being the wind freak that I am, I will always be thinking of ways to avoid being scented and sneaky routes into stand sites. Sometimes the only good way in is on the other side of the fence, so if you are friendly with your neighbor, they may allow you to get in that way or even join you. Remember when your side of the fence has a bad wind, theirs likely doesn’t. Work as a team and enter from both ends of the line on the same side and set up. You will often push deer back and forth between each other, just walking in or on the shot.
Tracking a hit deer is a task better left to the experienced hunter. There is just so much that can go wrong, and information needed to properly do it most of the time, that I recommend the inexperienced hunter get help. Blood looks all the same to a beginner, but to an old pro, it tells a story. The color of the blood can indicate where the deer was hit. The sight of bubbles in the puddles may mean little to the new guy, but indicates a lung hit to those in the know. This knowledge will dictate whether you should continue tracking, or just back out. After the trigger is pulled you have to make the decision to wait or track. I always say, “When in doubt, back out!” I believe at least 50% of wounded game would have been recovered by a good tracker, or if the hunter simply just waited six hours before attempting the track job. Wounded deer tend to go only a short distance before bedding down and will rarely move more than 100 yards from the first bed. If it’s going to expire from the injury you will find the deer in its bed. They sometimes get up several times, and with less blood flowing, may leave little or no trail to follow. If you have waited the allotted time and don’t find the deer in the first bed, attempt tracking. If that doesn’t work, start making tight circles around it and expanding as you go. You will likely almost trip over it pretty close to the first bed.
The big deal with tracking and neighbors is walking onto someone else’s property unannounced. This is another instance where a simple phone call or stop by the house can prevent conflict or injury. I recommend attempting to get the neighbors’ phone numbers before season, so you may call and ask if you need to cross the line. Often the neighbor will want you to chase one to them, or even help you find it. If the land owner doesn’t hunt, don’t assume no one is in there. Go to the house and ask because they may have let family on the property that you could ruin a hunt on or endanger. Either way, continuity between adjoining land owners remains intact and everyone is safe.
How do you deal with a yahoo neighbor? I say as little as possible. I have heard many stories of people having constant problems with disrespectful hunting neighbors. The best advice I can give you is make an attempt to educate, or help the person, but in most cases it will be futile. If this is the situation, have the game warden on speed dial, you will likely need it. People that don’t respect their neighbors typically don’t respect the law either. The chances are they will mess up at some point and you will be able to assist Johnny Law at teaching them a lesson on ethics.
Please do all you can to make this Saturday a happy and safe first day of gun season. Be respectful of others, offer a helping hand whenever possible and do all you can to recover a hit animal. These are all the tools you need to be a respectful and safe hunter, I highly recommend you employ them. Well, all but ORANGE, ORANGE, ORANGE and a little more ORANGE. Be seen, be safe, people, and bag the buck of your lifetime.
Good wishes and respect your fellow man, the wildlife, and the land we dedicate our lives to.