Ryan Barnes for SPLIT REED
Just this past season, there were multiple scenarios around the country of anti-hunting groups getting together to try to block roads, scare away ducks, and even slashing the tires on trucks of hunters that were out trying to harvest their birds. One such event happened in my beloved state of Utah when a group of animal rights activists took to a very common waterfowling destination on opening day with picket signs and pots and pans to bang together to alert the birds of possible danger. One thing the activists didn’t realize is that showing up by 6:00 AM is way too late to stop the hunters from gaining access to their favorite duck spots, especially on opening day. Another thing they didn’t take into consideration, is that interfering with someone’s ability to legally hunt is a crime! A class 2 misdemeanor in most states.
Hunter harassment can manifest itself in many different ways. From someone blocking boat ramps, to making noise to scare the birds away from your decoys. The legal definition of the law states “it is illegal to interfere with a person while in a hunting area to intentionally interfere with, prevent, or disrupt the lawful taking of wildlife”.
For some people, they may never have to deal with hunter harassment, for others, they might have to deal with it every single time they go out to try to enjoy a hunt. In one conversation with a County Sheriff, he states that the best thing to do is pull out your phone and get video. “If you can get a video of them in the act, that’s really all you need, just be careful, some states require mutual consent to be videoed. Without video, it just kinda turns into a he-said-she-said type of deal. But if you can get a video, and ask a baited question to get them to state their intent, you’re set”. Another Game Warden gave the advice to keep your composure. “The worst thing you could do is get into an altercation. Then all of a sudden they’re being charged with a misdemeanor, and you’re getting sued for millions. Just hold yourself together, call the local sheriff and your local Game Warden and let them come handle the situation.”
Because neither the writer nor the editor have photos of hunter harassment on hand, here’s a photo of some black angus cattle harassing a goose spread.
An example was given of what not to do in these instances. One of the men shared an experience that happened to a group of hunters when some local bird watchers came and started disrupting their hunt by throwing snowballs and rocks at the hunters and into the decoys. “There were some verbal exchanges, then one of the hunters fired a shot in the air to try to scare them off. It’s like, c’mon now, think about what you’re about to do! Someone might interpret that as attempted murder and drag you to court if they wanted to.” Needless to say the local officers arrived on the scene after one of the bird watchers made the call saying they had been shot at, and instead of the bird watchers being at fault for hunter harassment and even assault, the hunter who fired his shotgun had to be dealt with for his actions. “Remember, when this happens, you’re the victim of a crime here. Don’t try to be all macho about it and fight everyone, then it just becomes an allegation story. Defend yourself if you really need to, but let the local law enforcement do their job. You stay calm and enjoy your hunt once the problem has been dealt with.”
Unfortunately, there’s one fact that was brought to the surface and it’s that most hunter harassment cases aren’t anti-hunters going out and ruining days afield for hunters. It’s the opposite. It’s hunters ruining days afield for other hunters. “Just because you’re a hunter doesn’t mean you can’t be convicted of hunter harassment. In fact, most calls we get are hunters harassing other hunters”. Says the Game Warden before mentioned.
We see or hear about this all too often. A scenario like, for instance, group A set up in group B’s “secret spot” on public land, and now group B is doing everything they can to disrupt group A’s hunt. That is hunter harassment, and multiple other scenarios similar to it. So what do you do if you’re being harassed by another group of hunters? “Well first try to handle it like sportsmen. Go and talk it out. We’re supposed to support each other and the activities we enjoy so much, not fight over them. If that doesn’t work, the way to handle it is much the same way to how you would if it wasn’t a group of hunters. Video it, try to get them to state intent and call the local authorities.
Just don’t try to be a hero! You’ve got guns involved, you’ve sometimes got alcohol involved. Sometimes it’s just best to know when to leave the scene altogether.” says the Game Warden. Remember, if you find yourself in a scenario like this, and things start to become dangerous, get to your vehicle and go home. There are better things waiting for you there. Hunter harassment has been a problem for years. Whether it’s your typical tree-hugger yuppies out there trying to block you from getting out into your desired blind, or another group of hunters shooting into your decoys every time you have birds working your spread. The key for us as hunters is to know our rights, know the laws, and don’t be the ones harassing others.
Again, not a photo of humans harassing hunters, but the wind on this hunt was harassingly crappy.
Interesting read, something we talk about a good bit on the Dr Duck podcast. According to the game wardens we have discussed the second situation with, public is exactly that and no one can tell anyone else to “leave or not hunt in a spot you may have been first to”. Best situation is to invite them to hunt with you and while that doesn’t always work, keeping your composure is certainly key, as you mentioned here. At end of day, you nailed it, in either case, better days are certain to follow. Especially if all hunters realize we are on same team and just start working together as such. Appreciate the article! #enjoythejourney @thefowlhunter