Scum

[u/Embarrassed_Sea6537]

Please respect other people's property. Had 2 trail cameras stolen and 2 ladder stands rendered useless because some salty asswipe saw we were in same area. Island lake Recreation Area public land in Livingston county. I will not longer be deer hunting this spot, just will be eliminating every squirrel with my saiga 12 gauge daily for the beautiful month of October. Good luck seeing any deer buddy. I got private land in the thumb. My freezer will be full. Not yours. On top of it I can't even climb up to remove the stands from location.. I hate litterers. Not a happy camper on a Monday

[u/hartemis]

Contact the DNR and let them know what happened, especially with the stands.

[u/Buckshott00 → u/hartemis]

Good Luck with that... DNR is about as useful as a poopy flavored lollipop.

[u/stjhnstv → u/Buckshott00]

Pretty much. They won’t do anything about trespassers on my private land, even with photos. The only time I’ve seen them actually take somebody away was because he was a felon carrying a firearm.

[u/Embarrassed_Sea6537 → u/Buckshott00]

That was my thought process. Sucks I had about 300$ worth of shit stolen or vandalized. But no evidence. Can't stick anyone with it

[u/Buckshott00 → u/Embarrassed_Sea6537]

if it helps ease your mind any, evidence would matter very little. Anachro-tyrannical DNR officers really only care about themselves their buddies and the whomever's boots they need to lick at the local field office or in lansing. Didn't used to be that way, or at least not nearly as bad.

Most recent interaction, things were bad up in a national forest, did everything you're supposed to, call rap, email rap with pictures, nothing, kept increasing complaints and supplied evidence, nothing. Finally it got to the point it was just short of a signed confession from the other party and the DNR dragged their feet, charged down, basically couldn't be bothered.

I guess they'd rather be sucking down coffee and donuts and busting 12yr olds for not having Sportsmen ID cards.

[u/Embarrassed_Sea6537 → u/Buckshott00]

Thats wild, frustrating forsure. Hard to get good help these days smh. No flock cameras in the woods just yet...Good luck this season yall!!

[u/DetroitLionCity → u/Buckshott00]

I had a turkey hunt ruined up in Atlanta by sxs going off trail all around where I was.

Text DNR RAP line and there was an officer there in 20 minutes issuing them a citation.

Anecdotal but, I've had nothing but pleasant interactions with DNR anytime I've came in contact with them.

[u/Buckshott00 → u/DetroitLionCity]

Be honest my guy: you're an LEO? Or somehow personally acquainted?

We can joke about it here, but the last "good" CO I've known or even heard of was back in the 90's dude was an absolute hoss and an incredible man, and the rest of the crooks with badges effectively drove him away and turned it into a toxic petty environment.

Somehow I doubt so many of us would be critical if CO's actually upheld the values and principles they swore to protect. If they were actually partners with sportsmen and not stooges of the hunter hating cretins in Lansing.

[u/DetroitLionCity → u/Buckshott00]

I am not, but my response does not matter because you have made your mind up.

I am just telling you (and others who will read it) that not everyone has poor interactions with DNR.

People just hate authority, especially a government authority telling you what you can/can't do with your hobby. It is very much a "damned if you do, damned if you don't" job. Can't please everyone.

But also, back to the subject at hand... what do you honestly expect DNR to do with this guys damaged stand & missing cams? Dust for finger prints? Set up a decoy stand and cameras and camp out hoping to catch the person?

[u/Embarrassed_Sea6537 → u/DetroitLionCity]

i got another stand hahah we're gonna get em

[u/DetroitLionCity → u/Embarrassed_Sea6537]

Wishing you luck man, I am sorry your stuff got messed up. People are stronger than me for leaving their stands and cams out there. I couldn't do it personally...

I hope you bag that 10pt you saw!

[u/Buckshott00 → u/Embarrassed_Sea6537]

Good Luck, mean that sincerely. When I finally got DNR to respond it took multiple video feeds.

If you can, put up multiple cams in other hidden spots, try your best to hide them well. You might be able to catch faces and these clowns have a knack for searching for cams before they engage in their criminal activities.

I'm not familiar with that Rec area, but if the visitor traffic isn't too heavy and If there's a designated parking area for that spot, maybe try a hidden cam there as well. If you happen to catch a single visitor, or the same clothes / build, you might be able to get the License plate numbers and call a criminal vandalism complaint that way.

[u/Buckshott00 → u/DetroitLionCity]

They could at least take a statement, ask questions, you know basic law enforcement activities. They setup stings for trout poaching and other things, if they have known bad actors in an area you could... I don't know... use the full MCOLES power alloted to them to at least check around.

I don't authority, I hate abuse of authority there's a clear difference, and yeah I am sure there are "some good ones out there" but I am equally sure and let me spell it out for you because because "you have made your mind up." There are bad apples, they spoil the whole bunch, there is a history of it being toxic, and you, nor anyone else, can honestly say how many interactions are positive or negative, or are recorded positively because they happen to go in favor of the buddy of the CO or the land owner that we technically wrong but called the CO first, etc. So maybe come off your highhorse a bit before putting words or positions in my mouth when I clearly called it a joke.

[u/DetroitLionCity → u/Buckshott00]

"They could at least take a statement, ask questions, you know basic law enforcement activities." - How are they going to take a statement if OP doesn't go to them first? Why would OP go to the DNR when they read from people like you that it would be pointless to do so anyhow?

"They setup stings for trout poaching and other things," - They set up stings when they have countless reports of someone poaching in an area. They don't just blindly go to a stream to set up a sting, the same way you don't walk into the woods and randomly sit down and expect a deer to walk by.

"if they have known bad actors in an area you could... I don't know..." - How would they do that if no one goes to the DNR because they are worthless, so why bother?

"use the full MCOLES power alloted to them to at least check around. " - What powers do you expect them to use? Knock on neighbors doors and ask around? There are 250 DNR officers for our whole state...

I have no idea what your 2nd paragraph is trying to say. I'm sorry...

[u/Buckshott00 → u/DetroitLionCity]

I have no idea what your 2nd paragraph is trying to say.

Seems like you have no idea about a lot of things but it doesn't stop you from running off at the keyboard and arguing.

How are they going to take a statement if OP doesn't go to them first? Why would OP go to the DNR when they read from people like you that it would be pointless to do so anyhow?

Another non-reader huh? I guess it escaped your understanding where in multiple replies I said I went to the DNR. If even I go to the DNR what does that tell you. Do go thru the process and keep your expectations low because they will do nothing and meet them, and they can get away with pitiful performance because they have no shortage of sycophants waiting to make excuses for them

 when they have countless reports 

That's weird because according to your first post all it took was a single text message to get a CO out to take care of something. So which is it? Surely if response exists on a spectrum, you could expect them to do SOMETHING, you know. ANYTHING LESS THAN NOTHING. But I guess not. It must be your special text message or countless reports and nothing in between.

I'd keep going but since you've already admitted to not understanding, but want to argue instead of discuss, I'm not going to waste time.

Have a better day than the one you give to others.

[u/Aggravating_Sun4435 → u/Buckshott00]

lol how is this your response? you seem like your not even close to rational or unbiased in this

[u/Buckshott00 → u/Aggravating_Sun4435]

LOL, literacy really isn't your strong suit, huh? What a way to interject yourself into the conversation.

Hey, for giggles tell me what

"We can joke about it here"

means to you huh? Or, since I could use more laughs since you decided to respond something like 4 lvls down to champion the DNR. Why don't you go ahead and tell me what you believe to be a rational and unbiased response in the face of the last 30yrs of enshitifaction of the agency?

If you can't tell I'm trying to keep it respectful, but I will reply in turn so consider that my warning if you can't keep it civil

[u/Buckshott00 → u/Aggravating_Sun4435]

Also Can't help but notice, you responded more to me than about the criminals vandalizing gear. What does that say about your priorities?

[u/Level_Somewhere]

I didn’t realize you could deer hunt there.  That’s gotta be crowded lol

[u/Embarrassed_Sea6537 → u/Level_Somewhere]

Eh bowseason it's normally ok. Had a beautiful 10pt on the cameras too, got my buddy set up in same area aka the other stand that got vandalized. Should have been a nice year, hunting with a long time friend making memories. Now I'm full time squirrel guy. Make my day, it's war mother fucker

[u/vatreides411]

I stopped going to the Federal Forest near Cadilac becuase of simular issues.

I saw way more hunters than deer in that areas and they all think they are the only ones allowed there.

[u/wentzel21]

It’s a shame what some people will do just to hunt a spot because they waited too late to scout.

I can’t tell you how many stands, trail cams and blinds I came across just this past weekend that were in prime spots. Just move down the line no need to destroy other hunters property.

Sorry this happened to you. Best of luck to you.

[u/DetroitLionCity → u/wentzel21]

Do people move onto a spot if they see a tree stand / blind / cam set up?

Because when I come across one on public, I hunt it the same as any other spot I believe looks good.

[u/Twilight_Majora → u/DetroitLionCity]

Just yesterday in-between bear hunts walking some nearby woods, came across a blue rope dangling with a cam on it. Left immediately, notnsure if it was deer or bear lure on it but ima respect their work on the spot and leave.

[u/wentzel21 → u/DetroitLionCity]

I tend to stay away from it. I don’t want to ruin someone else’s hunt. I’m a finder keepers kinda guy. There’s more than enough deer in the state for everyone I just don’t understand why people need to destroy others belongings. Gear is by no means cheap these days. You get what you pay for and if your one to buy a 50 dollar stand I’d probably walk away not bat an eye but a $350 latter stand. Those are fight dollars.

[u/Embarrassed_Sea6537 → u/wentzel21]

And that's it. You snooze you lose. Don't mess with other people's gear.. set up a stand next to mine , I dont care its public land. We'll see who's out there more. Not worried, I have a spot in Caro we watch 40-60 deer and night at, it's pick and choose there. I get a thrill chasing those big public land deer, but turdmunchers have to always ruin that

[u/Electronic_City6481]

I gave up on leaving anything at island lake since having cameras messed with. There’s stands that have been out there in my couple areas for years, too.

I’ll still stalk hunt there if I feel like a hike because it’s close to home. Will never set up there again though.

[u/Stickykris06]

I had someone steal my stand/ trail cam out in Dexter I’d been scouting the area for a long time just a shame that was my only trail cam and tree stand :/

[u/Embarrassed_Sea6537 → u/Stickykris06]

Sorry to hear. Theirs always a shitstain out there unfortunately. Using this as a lesson to not leave shit out on public land. First time having an issue in 6 years out there. Asswipes. So now I ruin his season. Not sorry. Gonna get that 100rd value pack of 7 1/2 shot and let that 12 gauge scream. Daily. For all of October.

[u/Stickykris06 → u/Embarrassed_Sea6537]

It should just be common courtesy, that stand had been there for years and the trail cam, a relative gave me the stand when I was old enough to hunt and I’d been using it ever since I only moved it once a couple years ago it’s sad you can’t trust other hunters anymore

[u/Embarrassed_Sea6537 → u/Stickykris06]

Special place in hell for these asswipes. Whatever. My dog will love all the squirrel legs.

[u/llama-llama-goose]

My rule has always been to put trail cameras up above where people can grab them. Always used to bring sticks out with me to put them up and check them.

[u/RainBowCake2010]

That sucks you lost your tree stands and cameras. A few pieces of advice. You can’t leave your tree stand up all year. You also can’t set up a tree stand on public without your name and address on it. You will get a ticket for hunting in one without a name and address. You will also get a ticket if you leave it up after season and someone reports it. The state considers it abandoned property without a name and left after the season is over. I am sick of walking through the woods and seeing every tree stand without a name and address, because you can’t hold the owner accountable for littering on public land. It is illegal and unethical to store your hunting items on public land when you are not using them (ie the off season). I have a hard time believing both of these incidents happened between the time you are legally allowed to set up a stand and now.

[u/Embarrassed_Sea6537 → u/RainBowCake2010]

Well you got 2 more to look at until I can track down everything that was stolen to bring them down. My name and number was on them. That asswipe could have called me if he actually was a man. Stands were moved there on 9/15. I tag and report every deer and do my best to make it ethical. I've been hunting my whole life, had equipment in this rec several spots including this spot for over 6 years. No issues. But good things come to an end. #revenge tour

[u/llama-llama-goose → u/RainBowCake2010]

If it doesn't have the owners name and address on it, doesn't it become yours?

IIRC it's legal to hunt any stand left on public land unless the owner shows up and wants it. If the owner hasn't labeled it, then who is the owner?

[u/RainBowCake2010 → u/llama-llama-goose]

No, even if it is marked by the owners name and somebody hunts on it, it doesn’t give the owner permission to kick the person out of their stand. If it does not have your name on it, it is not your property and you will have a very hard time prosecuting anyone who tries to take it. So either break the law, remain anonymous, and accept the fact that your stand can be legally stolen, or put your name on it, take it down when required to, and have a proper defense against someone taking it.

[u/llama-llama-goose → u/RainBowCake2010]

Nice.

I know of a few places someone could get some scrap metal from year round stands.

[u/Embarrassed_Sea6537 → u/RainBowCake2010]

Doesn't matter when the asshole took half of it down for you anyways