OK, who does this?

[Whitesheep]

Very good discussion. I have been on the good and bad end of these types of situations. Once in 21 on my 1st Javalina hunt many moons ago a bunch of loud music playing drunks set up their tent 30 yards from our camp in the middle of the side road leading to our camp. Maybe they didn't see us as we crashed early and they set up in the dark, When we walked by their tent before dawn, we made a few strong but not threatening comments about disturbing us and they were gone when we got back later that day. I specifically don't hunt Javalina in 21 anymore because there are so many tags there and generally stay away from the units right around Phoenix and Tucson.

 

On the other hand, hunting Elk in 5A in the PJ's years later I was walking the military crest of a ridge and literally walked right up to a blind with a father and son well hidden. I had no idea they were there until I about stepped on them, but I am sure they heard me approach. I apologized and continued on my way. What could I do? I have had several other close encounters, including shots going over my head, in 5A, but one time it resulted in a nice cow being pushed my way. That's public land hunting.

 

As others have rightly said, we are lucky to have these problems. I try to get away from people as much as possible, and in AZ we can still do that, thankfully, much of the time. I have "moved on" when finding someone beat me to my spot and would be disappointed if I wasn't treated the same. So I feel for ya Coach. In the end, however, I am glad I have the privilege of living and hunting in AZ and don't have to sit in a tree all day on the same 40 acres that has to be payed for as a hunting lease each year.

[D.F.M.]

I am a firm believer in .Sometimes it's best just not to say anything.

[willycib]

Sweet u have a post about me! I happen to be the "douchebagg" you wrote the letter to. First off awesome teaching your youth such great sportsman ship. So you know that I'm not just a a-hole I will give you my side. We actually spotted that deer moving up that canyon from 3/4-1 mile away. From time we spotted till our youth hunter let off her shot was about 2 hours. We were debating the parking close to you but that creek was the quickest way to get to the deer we spotted s hour earlier. So my apologies for having to park there unknowingly going after same deer.