darkhunt

Wednesday I scouted some public land and found a tree at the intersection of three deer trails. The tree had two trunks I could use my climber to get up. On closer inspection one of the trunks had rusted spikes going up to an old climbing stick. I placed a marker at the base of the tree and left. Thursday I returned with my hunting partner so he could find a suitable tree, someone had removed my marker. Would I be wrong to hunt out of this tree?

Jim_IV

That is a decision made by you, you can get all the advice you can handle, but at the end of the day it is all you. You know you can legally hunt there, but should you? That is a tough decision. There is not a stand there, just steps, right? So, you have scouted, and were there first for this season. But who knows, the guy hunting there could have been sitting in that same spot for years. Man, thats a tough call. I don't know what to tell you. Sorry I am not much help.

BowHunterJim

yeahdont, Be the better person because it seems he was there first. Did ur buddy find a tree?

bigbulls

If it is state land I'd be willing to bet that those screw in steps are not suppose to be there. In many states they are illegal. If they are I wouldn't worry too much about it and hunt there if i wanted to.

mcouey

Screw in steps are Illegal on Maryland Public land. I wouldn't want to be in that tree if a GW shows up.

Even if you are in a climber, I'll bet you they cite you for the spikes.

You could be a good citizen and report the law breaker who put them there.

darkhunt

Here in Maryland I believe the spikes aren't legal on public land. If someone used a tree that I had used previously it wouldn't bother me, I didn't plant that tree and the land is for everyone. I get the vibe (the guy removed my marker!) this guy believes he owns that spot!

GMMAT

I'm actually surprised more hunters aren't killed over spats like this, each year. I never imagined it got like this (and I'm not saying this instance is bad....but it could get that way sometimes, I'm sure).

You also have to worry about how clean other hunters are that are hunting near you......when you're not there....etc...

Sorry you have to deal with this. I hope your spot is fruitful, though.

hardcorehunter

You don't want to hunt at the intersection of these trails or on any trail for that matter. Place your stand 10-15 yds downwind of the trail. NEVER hunt directly on a trail.

Copper31

I guess you could always put yourself in the other guys shoes.

I know that public land is owned by no one person,but I would like to think we are better then that when it come to hunting. Respect is something that can be so easily given but few do. This guy may have hunted in the spot for some time. Hunting spots are really a sacred place where I am from. Even if you hunt public land it is just understood the you don't infringe on another hunter. Thats just my opinion though.

gutshot

Although it would be legal for you to hunt this spot you take the chance of being in the tree and the other guy shows up and messes up your hunt or worse becomes confrontational over you hunting "his" tree and I don't think that you want that. I would just pick a different spot to hunt.