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SE Ohio
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# Posted: 19 Apr 2017 02:22pm
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Our cabin land adjoins the state forest. People are allowed to hunt in the state forest. I've got signs up stating "No Trespassing", etc, as well as the state forest's yellow blazes on the trees at the property line.
Well, at 3 AM we woke up to hounds baying in our backyard, just a few hundred feet away. They had a raccoon treed. Then I saw headlamps of several hunters crossing several other private properties before getting to ours. I could hear the guys talking as they were that close.
I yelled to them that they were on private property, and to leave. They ignored me. So I called the sheriff's office, and a deputy got out there fairly quickly.
I saw the deputy's car pull up, and sat out on the deck to await resolution. I heard the hunters shooting (at the raccoon?) small rounds, possibly .22 shorts, and heard one of them whir a few feet from me! Had my kids get back inside. I don't know it was a deflected or intentional shot. They didn't shoot at the deputy, and he got them to pack up the dogs and leave. The dispatcher called to let me know he asked them to leave and they were complying.
I told the dispatcher that I wanted them cited, as they had ignored my warning, not to mention the round that came my way. Dispatcher said she'd inform deputy.
Next day I followed up the sheriff's office. They did NOT cite the guys. Deputy claimed they weren't shooting while he was there. Deputy didn't write up a report. I did get their names in case it happens again. Not too impressed with how this was handled. I wonder what would have happened if people woke the sheriff at home at 3 am and wouldn't leave when he asked?
I could probably press charges on my own, but they know where my cabin is and have me at a bit of an advantage there. Thousands of acres of state land, and they have to hunt in my backyard. Sigh.
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paulz
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# Posted: 19 Apr 2017 02:38pm
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So you heard shots after the deputy arrived? And he was as close as you, heard them too but lied? Wow.
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SE Ohio
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# Posted: 19 Apr 2017 02:45pm
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Yep, shots after he arrived, but he MAY have been hard of hearing..
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Kudzu
Member
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# Posted: 19 Apr 2017 03:13pm
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How long have you owned your cabin and how many times has this happened? Most coon hunters I know are ethical law abiding
hunters, but they all will trespass to retrieve their dog.
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SE Ohio
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# Posted: 19 Apr 2017 04:20pm
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Second time For late night coon hunters while I was there over a 7 year span. First time they (identities unknown) left after I asked. These guys ignored my request and lingered to shoot at the coon, and didn't leave until deputy told them to.
I've had other hunters attempt a deer drive on my land while I was hunting, so I added prominent signage. They ignored that too.
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cspot
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# Posted: 19 Apr 2017 05:06pm
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If you have the names, I would followup with Ohio DNR. It is illegal in Ohio to tresspass when hunting. Also I don't believe raccoon is currently in season to shoot although it is legal to run the dogs.
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old243
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# Posted: 19 Apr 2017 05:40pm
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I coon hunted with dogs for many years. I agree the hunters should have retrieved their hounds as soon as possible. Coons and hounds do not know where your property lines are. The dogs will follow the coon to a tree. I really doubt that you were in any danger from the hunters. They were probably glad to grab their hounds and depart. I doubt if they will intentionally trespass again. I have had this happen a time or two, old243
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Smawgunner
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# Posted: 19 Apr 2017 08:07pm - Edited by: Smawgunner
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I wonder if these are the same guys! I had to chase him off three times. Caught them on my trail cam as well. I know the guys name. He drives a white Jeep Cherokee and it's from Guysville. Did some research on him and he has a wildlife violation for Deer so I'm assuming Poacher. Frustrating.
Ah...just remembered you're in Vinton. Thought you were in Athens for some reason. Never mind ;)
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