I've seen that exact sign all over the place. As a property owner, if you caught someone trespassing on your property, would you press charges?
!BBH
!WINE
Sort: Trending
Out here... I would likely have a conversation with them over a shotgun....
Odds are if someone is walking around on land that doesn't belong to them out here they will be armed too.
I would warn them and meet them. See why they are there. If they are trying to feed their family, then I would have to consider letting them hunt.
Very kind response. I would hope people could find better ways of taking care of their family other than hunting on private land, but I understand things can sometimes get desperate.
I ask since when down south in the Ozarks (with my family), I followed google maps on to a road, which was not a road at all, but a two-track on private land. I didn't realize it at the time, but it was posted "no trespassing". Trying to get back on the road, I turned and approached a home, which almost led to a confrontation with (presumably) the land owner. I got scared and drove off, but I felt very guilty about it, since it made me look pretty shady. I have no idea if he was armed (probably was), I was just waiting to hear the shotgun going off behind me as I drove off.
Looking back, it would have been better explaining my situation with the man, but it was my first time down south and I saw too many horror films as a child about crazy "redneck" with shotguns. But as my experience broadened, I learned people down south, especially property owners, are the kindest and most reasonable people, far more compassionate (in many cases) than up north in the cities and suburbs.
I always try to approach folks trespassing as if they are lost or in need of help first. Usually, they are neither but it gives them an easy way out of the scenario.
Depending on what they are up to (armed trespassing, hunting, stealing) determines my next move. Some folks are just desperate and need food or firewood (akin to what the OP stated) so I base things off that and what kind of folks they seem to be.
Having dealt with thousands of trespassers over the decades being a caretaker on other folks land (and enforcing their specific rules) has definitely affected my sentiments... but the lone trespasser that I had on my place (since owning my own land) I just kindly told them that they could not be doing what they were trying to do and suggested that they leave. Which they did.
it gives them an easy way out of the scenario.
Good to offer a peaceful resolution, assuming the best. Better than an aggressive negotiation.
thousands of trespassers
Wow, that's a lot of confrontations. And a lot of experience. Thank you for sharing.
Lots of working at outdoor event venues, festival sites and private retreats.