Public land bullies and thieves

Problems at camera #1 in the exodus experiment.
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[@SSMan-jo6tf]

It’s not a small matter,I walk by peoples set ups all the time and sometimes it’s really nice stuff but I never mess with it. We’re hunters and outdoorsman we should be better than that.

[@yankeehunter3466]

I don’t even touch old fucked up deer stands, I hunt by em though. Found one facing a finger of timber leading into crp, on both sides. I walked that finger one side is a deer trail the other is a rub line and full of beds everyone walks past that to go into the timber well that old stand and that old coot knew something no one else was looking at. Guess where I’m gonna throw a few sits at during the rut in Connecticut. Saw a big buck last year walking in and he went onto a spot right off public and passed through the entire public and was leaving at 7:30am broad day light walked where he came from and found a rub line numerous beds and another fucked up old deer stand.

[@danielbethanyweltzin1918]

Amen brother! I walked by 4-5 cams last year. How many did I steal? None. How many SD cards did I check? None. I called one guy in to the warden for illegally baiting. It’s simple; follow the rules and respect others. The thief in this video gives hunters a bad name.

[@_jurist]

I don’t mess with it per se, but if it’s a ladder stand or even if it’s something with climbing sticks I always take a couple of sticks or branches and stick them in there so they know someone was there. Because everybody likes to believe nobody knows where their spot is.

[@yknowiknow5937]

@@danielbethanyweltzin1918 who the F*CK steals trail cams and he, ONLY stole the SD cards, WTF??🤔🤣😂🤷

[@Dennisgoyette]

I always make a funny face/dance or something...NEVER take anything because that's fucked up and disgusting.

[@theobsession9017]

In texas camera theft is really bad! I put gps tags on my cameras all the time now! I got an alert just last season that my device was moving. Checked the gps app and sure enough it was walking out the woods. Called our local game warden, gave him my login information and he tracked the guy all the way to his house where he had 50+ stolen cameras that had been reported by other hunters. Got my camera back, guy went to jail for grand theft and his hunting license was revoked for life.

[@kevinflaherty7592]

I'm going to put gps tags on my cameras.i never knew about gps tags.glad you got your camera back,glad the thief was punished, thank you for the information on the tags

[@strikeforcek9149]

@@kevinflaherty7592 put em INSIDE the camera. Unscrew the camera, take the case apart, then put it back together after putting a tracker in them.

[@kevinflaherty7592]

Hey strike force I'm new to this whole idea, could you please tell me how I can get a tracker and how to set it up?

[@strikeforcek9149]

@@kevinflaherty7592 there's a few different models. Some large, some smaller, etc. The best thing to do, is to get a smaller model that provides REAL TIME tracking (which, cost around $10/mo for the satellite service) such as the GF-07 Mini Tracker. Then, open your camera to expose its internals, by disassembling its outer case carefully, via the screws that hold the outer case together. Then, insert the GPS tracker wherever/however it fits. Put the tracker on "passive standby mode" (so the tracker doesn't continuously run, which will make it run out of battery after a few days or week or two. In passive mode, the tracker will only come on once its physically moving/gets "woken up" by movement. This will allow you to not worry about the battery life of your tracker. It'll last all season or all year, as long as the camera isn't physically moving to trigger it to wake up.) Also, you don't have to worry about it staying on once moving. It'll get "woken up" once moving, but it'll go "back to sleep mode" once it stops moving. So, if you're getting no response from your tracker on your app, then it's at the last place on the map that it was "awake" at. (The app keeps a visual Google maps type view, of everywhere the tracker has been, the paths it took and etc, that is stored and you can search through by dates in the past and etc. It's not JUST real-time tracking, it also saves all routes and movement.) Once you have your tracker placed in the camera where you'd like it, just close the case back up, and make sure it's sealed like it's supposed to be so you do not get any water intrusion when it's out on the woods, and now you're good to go! 😀 If anyone steals your camera, you'll literally be able to watch their every move (every 5-seconds the tracker updates) so you'll know EXACTLY where the camera is and who stole it. The police will go retrieve it and charge whomever it was that stole it with AT THE VERY LEAST "receiving stolen property" (because we all know how every single their is a coward, and will just say "they bought it from so and so" instead of just owning their theiving bejavior in order to try and avoid going to jail for the theft. That's why "receiving stolen property" became a thing to begin with, because proving theft beyond a reasonable doubt is hard if there's no absolute proof of it - even though common sense shows that they're the thief.) Another really good way to avoid camera theft, is obviously using a climbing stick or small ladder, and put the camera around 9' or so off the ground and angle the camera slightly downward to get the view you want. It works just the same, you get an even larger view of the area, it stays hidden from weary mature bucks that have been shot at a time or two, and isn't usually spotted by shady assholes that like to steal (the best part). So, hopefully this helps some people.

[@kevinflaherty7592]

Thank you for the help strike force

[@nickborgman8105]

I've had treestands and climbing sticks stolen on both public and private land. I would never think about messing with someone else's stuff. Nothing worse than a thief!!!

[@nethanelmasters5170]

Had two potable treestands stolen. A week latter the guy tryed to sell them to my hunting partner who was at the time a sheriffs deputy because they found a total of 12 stands in his garage that had been stolen mine had my address and name scribed into them you can't see them if you don't know where to look.

[@adamtedder1012]

Ive had people destroy all my stuff. Leave trash all over my spot.

[@danielernst3685]

Here in KY we old school cut your hand off if catch you steeling

[@marcbowe4203]

I’ve walked by probably 100 tree stands and trail cameras and never once thought of stealing or messing with them. Anyone who does is no better than a poacher and should be prosecuted

[@JeremyFriebel]

Or shot...

[@rmvb619]

Ive debated taking down tree stands on public when they are left up after season. But cant be that guy

[@TeamHeapMI]

Idk how it is in other states but I'm Michigan the deadline to remove a tree stand by March 31st and can't set one back up until September 1st. Cpl years ago we had 2 22' ladder stands stolen. Deep in the woods 45 minute walk on trails that prohibit atv use. Along with camera tampering with. I'm taking the time to set up a camera and take one of my cheaper ones to set up adjecent to it up high in a tree pointing right at my other camera to see if I can catch the person doing it

[@OfficerChungus]

I hope the SOB sees this video and can't get any rest worrying about it from here on out. I admire your attitude and approach to this situation Dan.

[@Tbowie13]

I was thinking the same thing. He sees this and thinks, damn, all all people to rip off, I chose the HB! Lol. I hope he's caught and shunned from the hunting community from here on out!

[@ryandupont4104]

I would be putting a cell cam up high looking at his camera so you know when he checks it and will give you time to meet him at the parking lot.

[@thehuntingbeast]

Good idea.

[@tristanpetersen6011]

Now that is a good way of getting to him

[@1999mike]

That's how you'll get him👍

[@bucksniper65]

@@thehuntingbeast if this is a property that gets mostly local hunting pressure put the guys pic on a local Facebook page if there is one. Someone will know him.

[@frankspataro9714]

Camera trap him put that cell cam up one stick or so pointing at a retired junk camera right on a dandy licking branch in plain view I bet you catch a pile of people he is just the first to come by it just wait lol

[@Shooter308]

That guy should really be worried . Stealing from people out in the woods could be very dangerous . You never know how someone is going to react .

[@shawnsheckard7260]

HELL YES!! So glad you addressed this. Most of the hunters I know (including myself) are blue collar men and women who work hard for the gear that they are able to purchase. The thought of someone just taking it, like it belongs to them, makes me sick to my stomach. I’ve been in the military and then law enforcement my entire adult life and there’s nothing I hate more than a thief!!

[@scotttessier4021]

Amen !!!

[@gerst7736]

Dan, glad you’re pursuing this and standing your ground. I’ve had cards stolen and it’s extremely frustrating. I started carrying a climbing stick and setting my cameras up higher. Seems to be working so far.

[@davemi00]

That’s what I do …. No problems since.

[@cottonmouth71]

Same ......Ive been carrying a climbing stick & putting my camera's up high [10 feet] since I 1st started putting cameras out [on public land/late90s] simply becuase i already KNEW how SOME people are espeiclay on public land and Ive NEVER once had a camera/SD card stolen although I HAVE caught pics of a couple guys TRYING to get at the camera and to be honestthose sets of pics a bit comical !

[@btlietz]

Until everyone just starts carrying a stick lol

[@jackjohnson291]

@@btlietz Remember, thieves are lazy. That’s why they’re thieves. Make them work for it, and they usually give up before they even start. Of course, there are exceptions.

[@JeremyFriebel]

If he does not have his name or customer ID on that cam it is illegal. If he does, boom there is your name

[@bobamerican755]

Dan finally graduated to hunting humans lol

[@swostillwateroutdoors]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@75thshootist]

I would not want to have him hunting me in the woods.

[@weirdmood8102]

@@75thshootist he's the LAST person I would want hunting me in the woods. There may be better trackers out there, But I'm not sure anyone becomes more motivated and determined that Dan. I sure hope he bags this dickhead.

[@Dennisgoyette]

The ultimate game lol

[@blueridgeorc]

We all knew it was coming

[@markhall1169]

Happened to me several times. Guy wiped me out for 6 cameras down in this holler set of ladder sticks then ripped me for another set of ladder sticks within 200 yards. I'm really considering buying some of the apple air tags and setting the trap. Sucks Dan I genuinely hate a thief they are scummy

[@evsta100]

they sell cable locks for trail cams.

[@evsta100]

@Number 1 Western Fan Iheeya but who goes in with bolt cutters, better than nothing :-) People need to have respect sheesh

[@kolbykoppenhaver3005]

I really hope you catch him. If Every thief that was caught got a hand cut off their would be a lot less of this going on.

[@primer3458]

He didn’t steal from one but TWO cameras. I hope he gets charged for theft! This is why public land can be so frustrating for people!

[@ericwolbert3256]

I’m so tired of this I’ve dealt with this several times myself batteries taken out of camera cards taken or the whole camera taken I worked my ass off for my money just like the rest of you and I respect your stuff so please respect ours ! Dan I hope you prosecute him to the full force of the law this needs to stop! 🛑 please keep us informed. anyone who has had some property stolen from a thief likes to see them brought to justice! Good luck

[@willusionist]

In the several years I have hunted public land in New York, none of my cameras or cards have been stolen. In contrast, two years of getting permission on private land two cameras and a treestand was stolen. I even had a guy with crossbow on public stop and stare at the camera, but never touch it. I hope you can get the issue resolved Dan.

[@matthewtester3006]

I hope you find this guy and I hope he's embarrassed in the hunting community. I've had problems with other hunters on both public and private land and it's very frustrating. Good luck to all the ethical hunters this fall!

[@m01d64]

That’s too bad people have to be like that! I was hunting in a tree out of state & had a hunter accuse me of stealing his cameras once. I took his name & number, set my own cameras up & was able to capture his thief & turn it into the local police… guy got his cameras back!!! We are friends now & he welcomes me to hunt his property every time I go back to that state

[@danrobertson5422]

It's terrible other hunters do that to each other, I think we need to do better at patrolling our own ranks, we all work hard for the stuff we have and we should be able to enjoy our time in the outdoors without aholes ruining it!

[@robthomas5488]

Anybody that does this, please don't classify them as a "hunter" they are in fact a their. These types poach on private land, poach out of season, shoot at others , all things I've personally had happen (Calif) . Glad your pursuing, just be careful.

[@Intimidator82]

I've never understood why people do that. I've had this same problem on private land, they even went as far to steal the batteries I had. it takes a real low life to pull of a stunt like this. I am with you 100% Dan, these clowns need to be held accountable.

[@ronu6264]

Great advise from Chad at Exodus on hiding ur camera. “Ditch the strap…..Use a para cord. It limits the 360 degree profile” Straps are often more noticeable than the camera itself. I agree with this- straps are noticeable.

[@BS.-.-]

The paracord thing is real. So hard to see. Loose the strap and place the camera as high as you can reach.

[@redwolfmedia1276]

I liked Dan's attitude about it better. There's more of us and if we can shame them and confront them together. Seriously! If you ever want this to stop,there has to be consequences.

[@kevinflaherty7592]

I myself lost 2 climbing tree stands on private property in back to back years.i told the landowner about it and he talked to his neighbors and last year nothing happened to my tree stands.i put cameras out and no luck yet but if I catch this pig it's going to be personal.

[@whyguy3651]

Loved that Rick used his hunting skills to track down the guys camera!

[@calvinworrell139]

Several years ago I had a stand, sticks and camera stolen. Then just last year had a camera taken, and happened to find it on another tree with the thieves camera pointed another direction. I verified the serial number of my camera, found lots of pictures of the thief on it, and turned the evidence in to the game warden. He located the individual and let me know he was getting fined for theft, illegal baiting, and cutting TONS of tree branches down with a sawzall.

[@dominicjaquin4780]

I've been deer hunting for two years, mainly compound bow. The financial barrier can already be quite daunting. Well, here in upstate New York I've had both my cards stolen from my cameras, someone tried to also saw the cable lock off of one. Also someone set up illegal screws into the tree within 20 yards of my camera

[@echofoxtrot2.051]

That blows, especially if the NY DEC pegged you for their illegal screws. It's always the decent ones of us that get screwed (no pun intended) by the cheaters and thieves of the world. I live in NY too. Never really used trail cams but have been shot at by idiots who didn't care to check on what was walking towards them. I dove facefirst into the ground while yelling out "Don't shoot! I'm not a deer!!!!" I was fine but it scared the begeezus outta me

[@jasonpadgett8593]

The biggest problem I have is the person doesn't have a clue what the camera may mean to the owner. For instance, my 14 year old begged us for a cell camera. For his birthday we purchased one for him and a monthly plan. The camera was stolen in the first two weeks. He was completely devastated to the point he talked about NEVER hunting again. Sad world we live in...

[@MexicanMovie]

Wow that's terrible ! You should fix one up like the post above by "The Obsession" and install a tracking gps inside of it. The thief in that story above lost his hunting privileges for life for stealing, he had 50 other stolen trail cams at his house. Who takes pride in garbage like that ???

[@Diffidentone]

Was it GPS enabled, a lot of the newer ones are and if they ever turn that camera on it will ping it's location. I've bought 2 cell cameras this year, one GPS enabled and the other that is not, I hope neither get stolen but if one of them does I hope it is the GPS enabled one as I have a chance of recovering that one at least. One other tip, engrave your or your sons DNR or customer number into the camera (required here in Wisconsin on public) that way there is some way to prove it is yours if it is ever found. I know most of the cameras have a serial number on them but that serial number is usually on a sticker that can be easily removed. I wish your son well in his future hunting adventures and hope he does not take the actions of one to bring a negative view of the whole community.

[@danmerck7613]

Yeah Dan, I feel your pain. Last year I had 2 brand new cams stolen off of a piece of private land I hunt. I figured out who it was. Police got involved and basically nothing happened because the guy admitted he did it to me but not the police.

[@christophergolla775]

Years back, I helped some guys track a doe that was wounded and went past my stand. I was the last one out other than the hunters looking for their doe. I came back the following morning and my stand was gone. Nothing like helping people and then they take your stuff on top of it

[@lonniesmith6701]

Gave them help and they stole your stand, I don't think they can get any lower then that.

[@mknight6556]

Lol! You spent more time looking for their deer than they did. Same type of guys who track only 100 yards, lose blood, and call it off.

[@dougmorgan8646]

Sorry about your loss Dan. Lost 2 cameras last year. Got pictures of 2 guys going in and coming out Talked to the DA today. Said probably would not get property back. Still stings every time I think about it. Best of luck.

[@ShaneSimpsonHunting]

Hope you placed a cell camera overlooking that other fella's camera.

[@shawnbritcher9341]

Dan, I feel your frustration. 8 years ago we fulfilled a dream of owning a cabin. My family purchased a state lease cabin in the hardwoods of PA. We love going there to hunt, fish and hang out. All on public land. Unfortunately others don't like us being there. I have had deer guts placed on our lane gate, a memory card erased (not stolen), my ground stand crapped in and straps taken from my son's ladder stand. He needs to get a beast stand and learn to be more mobile. The absolute worst was when I believe someone shot an illegal deer in rifle season, they removed the back straps, quartered the deer, placed it in a garbage bag and tried to hide it behind a stump along our cabin lane. Unfortunately, nobody has ever been able to catch these guys in the act. It gets very frustrating.

[@kevinhoffman8214]

its someone close by I would bet

[@andrewk7195]

I’ve had a ladder stand stolen on public, not a good feeling. Glad to see you’re taking the time to show your experience with this situation, love the passion.

[@perryrusso3764]

Hi Dan...if there's enough evidence...you need to pursue the issue and press charges

[@richardcummings4374]

People…… I hope everything turns out for the best Dan. Tons of subscribers here, I’d say this guy is in trouble. I hang mine up high with a stick and lock mine with good luck. This year I have 2 cameras out on public without locks (cameras would take locks). My brother in law has had several stolen.

[@cjr4497]

I put my cam's no less than 8' high. You ain't getting them unless you use your climbing sticks. It sucks for taking pics, but I have yet to have one stolen. Most people don't even notice them. Last year I found one at ground level that looked really weathered in a location that floods. I opened the door to see if it was operable. The guy wrote on the inside "dont be trashy nd seal my cam. Jus tak SD crd. THKS". Man it made me smile and laugh. I closed it and gave the camera a thumbs up. I hate stealing. He wrote that because stealing camera's is like a sport out there. I have listened to people brag about how many they have taken. Thankfully, the trash has caught on that cell cams have gps on them so they won't take one if they see it.

[@maddoxcampbell2230]

I brought a new muddy climbing stand 3 years back. It was at the time the nicest stand I ever had. I took it about 2 miles deep on public land and left it in a good spot. Came back in I think 2 days later. It had snowed that night and I got on some man tracks and followed them right to the tree that my stand used to be in. I was so angry if I would have seen the guy that day I would have done a worse thing than he did Thankfully I never found him. But he taught me a good lesson and it revealed something to me that I needed to have more self control over my thought and intentions that I had because of a loss of something that I just had possessed. I didn’t have that stand a week before that and I can do without it now but the principal was the main part

[@HuntZoneAmerica]

Yes Dan I've had the same things happen! Get people on trail cam walking in growth over their heads fortunately didn't see my cam. But last year I went to retrieve my stand and it was gone. I decided at that point to get more mobile and hunt tree saddles this year. I'm 62 and in great shape I run 3 miles a day and have no problems climbing trees. I might need to get a couple of your 20" beast gear climbing sticks. I'm going old school and not leaving anything in the woods for those jerks to mess with or steal. I just love breaking out the guerrilla warfare deer hunting tactics fast-moving, small-scale actions. Here's to a successful 22-23 season.

[@Tbowie13]

Yes Sir, I did the same a few yrs ago, and couldn't be happier with my decision! I think you'll love saddle hunting, and I kill more deer because of it as I'm not patternable like before. There's alot to be said for being able to make adjustments on the fly, especially during archery and the rut!

[@HuntZoneAmerica]

@@Tbowie13 Couldn't have said it better! I'm sure it opens up a whole new world of possibilities! Thanks for the reply and best of luck this season. Tell us how you do!

[@Dean.F]

Behavior like this kept me out of a lot of public lands when I was starting out. Not only theft but others making you feel like you aren't allowed to hunt "their woods" even if you had no idea they were ever there. I hope you get to the bottom of it.

[@bryanroberts]

I know of a fool proof way to completely eliminate treestand theft!!! Buy a Hunting Beast setup so you can hang and hunt every set! Works everytime! 😉

[@mtpocketswoodenickle2637]

I've come across hundreds of game cameras over the years. It's been a laugh or two, knowing thousands of pics of my naked @zz and sack, have been dealt to so many card players and thieves!

[@tjdoherty9914]

I had 7 cameras stolen last season off one piece of public ground... Honestly, my wife is probably more upset about it than myself but at the end of the day it just shows us there will always be dirt bags in this world.

[@jamesbender1967]

Damn. Any locks on them?

[@tjdoherty9914]

I'm cheap and all but one were $28 Tascos. Either way it sucks. This season I have been locking them all up with cables.

[@sniffum35]

I had a couple cameras stolen off private land a couple years ago. Thieves just don't care. It's nice to see some manufacturers adding anti theft features. I'd even buy a dummy cam (that doesn't even take pictures) that is strictly a theft tracker.

[@chocolategravyandbiscuits8418]

Take an old or broken cam and throw an AirTag in it

[@rustycookievan1]

Glad to see you bring this up. 2nd time doing a sit on public ever last year i had a guy get mad i was in his area where he had a climber hiding in the bushes 40 yards from where i set up and started cussing at me. After that i avoided public for the rest of the year

[@Mid-MoDisabledhunter]

I absolutely can’t stand a thief!!! Low life loser!!! Hope you get him prosecuted Dan! Best of luck this season!

[@sotawild502]

7stands and 4 cameras in the last 3 years. I’ve started contemplating boobytrapped setups

[@toddcotterman8477]

It all has happened to me and every time it cuts me to the core. I hope y'all catch this POS.

[@timmorgan7670]

Most of the time my buddy and I never had an issue with people stealing our gear on public land in North East Indiana. I actually enjoyed pulling my card at time to see not only the deer but also other hunters. I have had hunters wave at my camera and even ones to hold both hands up as if signalling they were empty handed and had not gotten anything that day. But then the thieves must have entered that same area. All of our cams were either stolen completely or the SD cards and batteries stolen out of them. My buddies blind was stolen and they left his chair sitting there without the blind. I hope you get this guy but unfortunately there are many more out there that will always be looking for the easy way out and taking advantage of others. On the positive this got me looking into ways to become more of a mobile hunter and led me to various KZbin channels learning new techniques from saddle hunting and then to your channel Dan. Last year I began trying to put these new (for me) ways to hunt into practice. It has not paid off yet but hoping this year that I will be able to put the vast amount of knowledge that I have gained from you Dan together and get the nice buck I am looking for in the freezer and on the wall. Thanks for everything you do Dan and hope you get better soon. I look forward to any new content you put out daily and if there is none I watch older content over and over again.

[@danielleschmutzler4448]

Well said Dan, there should be consequences for people's wrong doing. 2 years ago I had put out a brand new ladder stand I just bought out on public land. I scouted this area prior and had seen no one hunting this spot. Opening morning of bow hunting, I walked out to the stand using my maps on my phone and saw no stand. I was absolutely positive this was the tree I had my stand on. Sure enough, I look up 20 feet in the tree and my bow hanger is still there. They had cut the cable lock and all to take the stand. I've had cameras and sd cards stolen as well in different locations. A lot of hard earned money and effort down the drain because people think they do whatever they want when no ones around. Appreciate the video, and hopefully it makes a difference in the hunting community.

[@justinl8279]

I stopped over looking issues. I now report every violation I see now. I give the wardens tips all the time now. From bait piles, mineral sites, poaching, ATV trails.

[@SPCRacing1]

Hypocrite!

[@InTheWoodsToday]

My very first trail camera ever was stolen within a week of me putting it on public land. Now i wont even put them up on our private land without being atleast one stick up and out of reach (7ft or taller). Seems to keep and honest man honest.

[@JaredHcontractor]

Keep us updated Dan. I have had multiple cameras stolen off public land even when locked and put up 2 sticks off the ground. Wish people would respect property.

[@Colemanade]

Thanks Dan for posting this video. I had one stolen last year and it made me tempted to put out some decoy cameras with SD cards that had viruses on them. I think once you get a couple of them floating around it’ll make people think twice about stealing

[@cryptidoutlaw8707]

With your following Dan , someone knows this thief and it is just a matter of time. I use a rearview mirror cam in my truck at the parking areas that rotates 360 and I have helped catch a guy vandalizing a truck with a video from that cam. They are cheep and use miniature SD cards. Very handy item to have when parking on public land.

[@davidmcdonald2514]

Dan - I had a trail camera on my own property near an old cabin. I stood on my wheeler to put it up and angled it down. I checked on it and the strap was broken and my card was stolen. Obviously, that person didn’t want to be caught trespassing.

[@johndyer9232]

I’m ticked off for you, Dan. I’ve had someone steal 2 different trail cams off of my own property. Literally behind the house. It sucks.

[@stevebutler8387]

I left a heavy 2 man ladder stand, chained around tree, for my son's youth hunt at dark for next morning. Came in next am in dark. Someone had sawed tree down to get it, sure missed that stand

[@sengx]

Man that sucks, I had 3 regular cams stolen from me a few years ago. Now I put my cell cams 10ft high angling down using cut branches from my backyard, and haven't had anyone steal them yet. Definitely have had several people that would've saw em if they were ground level. Anyways hope you find the guy!

[@johntaylor6340]

I’ve had a guy steal my cellular trail camera off of private land. The batteries died 2 days before, which is why I was coming out to change them and found that it had been stolen. Farmer said he saw 4 wheeler tracks in he didn’t recognize. Never found the guy.

[@jeanniebuchholz9923]

Seeing this, the words of my dad come back to me; "if it's not your's, then leave it alone". Good luck and God bless.

[@thediscipledsportsman3114]

I’ve had two tree stands stolen, one ground blind stolen, and I have had hunters come walking through my spot while I was hunting and I watched them trespass through private property to get back to where I was. I’ve also been hunter harassed on public. I reported some guys putting out bait illegally on public to a game warden. He told me that I was cleared to hunt in there, but to stay well clear of the bait. The law breakers noticed my truck parked by the parcel and they went into the public and blew air horns to scare all the deer off. People can be complete idiots unfortunately.

[@toddlemasters]

Dan I feel the same as you. I never mess with another hunters stuff. I always just go by and wave. I’ve had guys check my cards but fortunately no theft so far. Hope people can be better

[@Greg-pl9wr]

Dan, I love the I Shearted tee-shirt....reminds me of a buddy of mine who shearted on our way to the woods for a special hunt. His seat was cloth and we couldn't get away from the smell! That is when we learned the real value in Scent Away spray.

[@OfficerChungus]

Lol! Man, I couldn't figure it out. Thanks!

[@Pwrcritter]

I thought it meant "is loved", lol.

[@jonathangainey4868]

Me and my brother in law had two cameras and a treestand stolen in one area several years ago. It still gets me fired up to this day. Can't stand a thief 😒

[@dougcounts3383]

Before I started hunting a mobile stand; I once set up my treestand only to come back opening morning to find another stand 25 yards away from my own! Luckily guy wasn't hunting that morning. I hunted a couple hours and immediately took down my stand. (I felt like spray painting his stand hot pink) But I didn't. I've given up many good spots only cause it was discovered by another person. This is only a fraction of some of the problems I've had hunting public land. Turkey season can really be crazy. Don't get me started. All I say is you don't want to hunt around everybody else. So why do most people do just that?? Gotta think outside the box.

[@johnbrewer1768]

Hey Dan, I've been using a couple cameras for a few years and knock on wood never messed with. I'm always on edge though waiting for it to happen. I've also seen other cameras when scouting and I find a different area. I guess it's always gonna be a gamble.

[@shaneshonda]

He's gonna end up caught like the coyote hunters on Dave's farm.the beast has his sights set on him

[@bradkiley3411]

Dan I have leased alot of land over the years and there is always trespassing because know one cares. I put lots of time and money in on the land to make it good for us to hunt. But in the end it doesn't matter. It's just spending money. People do what they want with no respect! Years ago I found a setup with stand, camera and dripper hung up. All right in my pinch point where my setup was, they just didn't care. He was 100 yds. In private from state land. Just unreal. I always use onyx and know where I'm supposed to be or ask. Love your stuff and always watching.

[@johnthomas1970]

I had a poacher problem on our eastern NC farm. Our farm was by a good size river where poachers would come up either of the two creeks that that emptied into the river. One time I found a brand new 12 ft ladder stand that was in a marshy deer bedding area a couple of hundred yards from a creek. I disassembled the stand, left it with my dad who lived at the farm, and left a note tacked on the ladder's tree that the ladder could be retrieved by calling my my phone number arranging for pick up. Strangely, I never got any phone calls for the ladder?? Nice ladder stand, though!

[@bowhunter9288]

In Minnesota I gotta say, it is very rare that I ever run into anyone in the woods bowhunting. Also, all my cameras go two sticks high in a tree. I've never had anything stolen.

[@jessethomas3220]

Not that I agree with it, but it s illegal here to use trail cams on most public hunting areas. How is that any different than stealing someones gear?

[@bowhunter9288]

@@jessethomas3220 The law is far from the same as ethics.

[@buckfever1216]

Dealing with the same stuff Dan! I had someone cut my trail camera straps off…an my camera sat in the snow all winter.

[@illinoispublicland4680]

I’m running 30 cams a season on multiple public pieces. It is crazy how one site will have people messing with cams from stealing cards, batteries, snapping antennas off etc. And then another site 10 minutes down the road no cams get messed with at all. I think a lot of it is coming from people getting big buck crazy. Not saying I don’t love hunting giants but you’ll see it turn people. It’s the same thing that drives people to poaching them they HAVE to be the one to harvest the deer and if you’re in the way of that this is usually the result. I’ve literally watched a guy from a stand walk 30 yards from me see a camera and go “sh*t he must know” then loosten the strap and let the camera fall to the ground and walk off. It is crazy that people let others people presence in an area they want to hunt get the best of them and drive them to the extreme of tampering and stealing. But we’ve all been there where we’re excited about an area and seeing lots of sign then find a camera or a set up for a stand and been disappointed. My advice is usually use that guys presence to your advantage. 1) maybe leave your phone number on a piece of paper to try and share info on deer if they’re willing which most usually are! Or type it on your cell phone saying “TEXT ME IF YOU WANT followed by your number) 2) if you don’t want to leave your number just give the old thumbs up which I usually take as a sign of okay this guy acknowledges I’m in here to and is saying hey man sweet spot and good luck I didn’t mess with anything 3) go further around the area and find a spot where if that guy comes in and spooks deer entering or while hunting deer could be pushed to you. Great video guys as always can’t let the bad eggs spoil the fun of public land

[@johnstancato8785]

I completely agree with you last time I went hunting on public land somebody tried to cut the converter off my truck luckily they didn't get it and I had to weld up some cuts but it's the principal and the point

[@chriswilliams3269]

I’ll make a long story short. Lol found a spot on public ground I’d been hunting about 3 years. Ran into a guy that seemed very nice and he offered to exchange numbers in case one or the other got in a bind. We struck up a casual/ occasional text. I knew where him and his buddy hunted and had a spot I had been hunting a couple years that was 4-5 hundred yards. I made a point to never go in there while they where hunting cause I didn’t want to disturb there hunting. But if I knew they where not there I would go hunt my little spot. I told them about a big 7 point I videod out of range and sent them videos. They had same deer on camera. At this point things changed fast. That actively harrased me via text messages and Facebook ridiculing my young deer I should have let walked, cameras and stands stole. I ignored them and found somewhere else to hunt. I don’t like confrontation and can kill deer elsewhere. I still hunted down the same trail but went about two miles deep as to never be around them but had to park my wheeler within feet of theres. I reported it to wardens but nothing was ever done. A couple game wardens even acknowledged they had prior issues with these guys bullying folks. Fast forward two seasons my hunt buddie decided to go hunt our old spot. The same guy walked up on him while he was field dressing a doe and basically threatened to beat him up. Needless to say he didn’t realize he was barking up the wrong tree. He tried to basically whoop my friend and got beat up pretty bad. I don’t really condone this type of stuff but he hasn’t bothered a soul again. Sad it come to that. Ever since then I’ve become pretty reclusive about talking with folks out in the woods. That really isn’t the way I am. None of those deer are mine, it’s public land if you kill the one I’m after awesome for you!! He isn’t the only one out there. That’s part of the challenge. If you want to hunt your deer, buy some land then u can name your pet deer and run people off. Other wise you just got to deal with people. It’s part of the game.

[@tarrsik]

Well said!

[@maxpinson5002]

Hunters aren't the only thing that can kill a deer. Diseases, parasites, predators of all kinds, they fight and kill each other, get run over on the roads, poached, etc. etc. Anybody hunting on LF land is genuinely lucky to see the same deer year after year

[@warrenthomas4687]

Hope your feelin better soon Dan. if i ever feel a camera of mine is in danger , I'll set/hide another one to watch it. But I only use the cheapest camera's...had enough sniped on Public. These thieves have stolen both occasionally. I've had plenty of ethical hunters walk by some and never mess or steal them.

[@HappyHermitt]

Thieves are everywhere. I've had a climbing stand stolen from a 50 acre tract of private land that I had access to and permission to hunt.

[@jeffreyyoung4104]

Adding a dash cam with a parking mode is a good idea for your hunting vehicles. Get a medium quality unit around $200 if you want to get good quality video, and research them before you buy. I don't hunt public land anymore due to other reasons such as health and stamina, but when I did, it was when I removed everything when I left, as it would be gone if I left anything behind. However, disguising the cameras with large chunks of tree bark with holes for the lens and lights, helps alot as well as having GPS tracking tags inside the camera.

[@karlcole9539]

I've had my cards stolen on private multiple times, never on public. Probably because they were caught on camera and didn't want to be. Now I usually put my stuff up high, if they want it they can work for it. Big antlers and entitlement have a way of making people forget morals and ethics.

[@HuntingFlorida]

Dan buy some tile tracking devices take the cameras apart and install them internal. Won't stop sd card theif but the camera will be able to be tracked. We need cameras with no SD cards. I know there's one out there.

[@basicinfo.9315]

That's what I've done this year. Took them apart and put Apple air buds or air buds, I dont recall the name but they are made by apple. The app shows they are still there lol. I have 2 on public right now. Might sound weird but I kinda want someone to take one.

[@kestrel6245]

When I first started using cameras I had three stolen in a public area. Since then I've been camouflaging my cameras using hot glue and bark and moss that matches the tree that I'm putting it in. I even use small bungee cords to affix them to the tree and I camouflage those also never use a strap and put them up high angled down. Have never had one stolen since. Probably going to void the warranty but it to me it's better than a stolen camera.

[@masonsanders2859]

I've have multiple trail cams,treestand,blinds and even a climber treestand that I left for 30-45 minutes to grab a bite to eat and a coffee at the truck to warm up. Have had some pretty intense conversations with other hunters and tree huggers waiting for me at my vehicle in the public land parking. All I have to say if they needed it bad enough to steal it they must need it more than I do I'll give the shirt off my back to a complete stranger that's just the guy I am helping people get set up drag deer out and not getting the hunt in that I set out to do but I believe in karma for good and bad. Good luck to all of you this season have safe and memorable times spent in god's beauty we call the outdoors!

[@edblaskowski81]

I’ve never had an issue, but my brother had all 4 of his new truck tires slashed in the parking lot while he was out hunting on public.

[@milanf6926]

Happens to all of us. But at least you have a following that actually might be able to catch this guy. I hope you get em!

[@mikerhodes3563]

Thanks for the tips-fixing to put out my first trail camera on public land in Louisiana-have had stands stolen even ladders-I think Louisiana is the worst for this-apparently there is an industry in selling stolen climbers-what manufactures need to do is put a serial number on them-I even saw one guy traveling down the highway with a 20 ft open trailer loaded with what i think was stolen stands after the season closes-apparently what they do is take them off the tree and hide them until after the season closes then recover them all at once and then off to E-Bay

[@steveming2197]

I feel your frustration. I ran 6 cams in different pieces of public last year and almost felt lucky to only have one of them stolen. On a more positive note, one of my cameras had 4 guys on it during the season. Two looked at the cam and 2 didn't. Of the two that looked, one waved and the other gave a thumbs up. Both moved on quickly and didn't mess with the setup. Most public land hunters are good, but the bad ones really hurt the honest hunter or make us look bad...whether it's the illegal baiter or the guy that leaves a ton of trash in the woods. We just need to keep sticking up for proper woodsmanship and respect for the land.

[@richbruno9926]

Hello Dan I watch you all the time and learn a lot because I hunt public land also.I have had a tree stand and a ground blind stolen.I think it’s crap that a hunter would steel from another hunter but it does happen.I try not to leave anything in the woods anymore.I use cameras but I try to hide them the best I can.

[@chanceyfuller3695]

Sorry to hear that Dan, last year I drove 2 hrs and camped on the river in august, rode my horses and mules 20 miles that weekend scouting and hung 7 cameras that week down. Came back November 6 for youth rifle season with my 12 year old daughter to hunt and check cameras and my SIM card was stolen out of this 1 camera on a huge community scrape that was tore up with fresh sign, all excited to check these cameras with my daughter to be disappointed. I thought oh well maybe it took his pic and he didn’t want me to know who it was so I gave him the benefit of the doubt, I put another SIM card in that camera and came back 5 days later for opening weekend of rifle season and made it to that same camera a couple days after arriving which was 3 miles from the closest road. The new SIM card was stolen again and camera was turned off for the second time in a week. Now I was pissed. I rode and walked passed 9-10 other cameras in that national forrest from other hunters and just smiled and waved. It’s really sad some hunters just can’t keep there sticky fingers off another person stuff. Nothing worse than a thief. Hope you catch this guy

[@bobamerican755]

Might have been a squatch that didn’t want his picture taken!

[@chanceyfuller3695]

Lol could of been, that was the first time in 6 years there I ever had any trouble. I thought about burring a bear trap in the ground below the camera and putting another SIM card in it and let the ol boy crawl out 3 miles with a broke leg

[@robertgrimley6801]

Hi Dan, I feel your pain and agree. There is no room for these lowlifes in the woods where we are at peace thinking we are far away from tat type of individual. I had a locked chain on treestand and locked 16' climbing stick stolen ON PRIVATE LAND a few years ago. Learned alot from your videos please keep them up. Good luck finding and prosecuting this guy!!

[@chadmiller1120]

I’ve had plates stolen off my truck. People on land near by stand dump full mags into their woods while I’m hunting opening morning in mine. Never confronted those involved. Just made sure they saw the deer I harvested to see the burn that it was what they where after. Eventually they gave up the horse scat!

[@voiceforthevoicelesstruth5480]

Sucks that happened but he’s in the right area he must have learned the BEAST tactics and then got caught by the Beast. He probably went home and loaded them cards into a computer and about had a heart attack when Dans face popped up! I bet he returns them cards! If he smart he could hold them for Ransom for a Beast stand and sticks. Get well Dan!

[@truefact4439]

No doubt

[@kylen1922]

I have had this happen to me so many times. Always on private land but it is so frustrating. I have lost dozens of stands and cameras over the years.

[@jamesevans4302]

Watch you and hunting public .love the information...sucks this happens to anyone in our love of the outdoors!!!

[@karissaann32]

Just watched this video. I hunt Michigan Public Lands and have since I was very young. Year one hunting by myself my dad bought me a nice ladder stand. Set it up the day before bow opener. Stand was locked with a heavy chain. Next morning I’m pumped for the season, my stand was gone. Since then we have had numerous cameras, blinds and other items taken. This is part of the reason I chose a career in law enforcement. This needs to stop.

[@hellpig4309]

I've actually had worse issues on private. Hope you nail him!

[@MD-xl4xb]

I've had cameras, sd cards and stands stolen. Python locks have really deterred that. I know it's not absolute but I've had good luck so far with nothing stolen since using them.

[@joemichael9072]

Ya definitely experienced this. Several cards stolen, and a few cams and tree stands stolen. Very frustrating. I hope this episode is a step towards preventing others from committing these disgraceful acts!

[@robertstaniszewski223]

Years ago I was going to hunt my brothers stand on state land. He had removable steps that hung on lag bolts (was legal at the time) anyway, came in the the morning dark to hunt. Started to hang steps on and noticed the stand was gone. It was 25’ up the tree with 1/2” motorcycle cable with a huge master lock, it was all gone. That was before battery powered tools, if someone wants it bad enough, it will be gone. If I even find another hunter close to me now, I’m out of there! I’m hunting to find peace, not deal with bullshit. Hope you get em Dan! Bob

[@tristanpetersen6011]

I watched a man trespass his way around beaver pond (clearly marked ) that I had crossed the legal way ( like any real hunter would ) to access the back side of a public ground. I then return to my car to find it had been pelted by gravel by the man leaving

[@812archer4life]

Put a Exodus camera about 15 for high aimed at his camera. When he checks his camera yours will tell you he's there. Then just drive to the parking lot with a Sheriff and wait for his return.

[@cervus-venator]

Well my dealings with thieves on privately leased land deals with trespass, poaching and stolen stands. A group to the north of me coming in from out of state took it upon themselves to just access about 100 acres on my northern section of leased property. They drove through freshly planted pines and made themselves a food plot in front of one of my stands. After the game warden caught them and ticketed them they then stole my stand. I got the sheriff involved and found out that the property to the immediate north of me is private and they trespassed, stole stands and cameras off of it too. I never got my stand back by the way. The following year I found they had put a climbing stand over 300 yards into my property. I got me a new game warden that year that lives only a few miles from the property. He was tenacious in catching these guys. After that, he was able to secure the right to the northern private property to ticket these guys so he sent a ticket in the mail to one he had previously caught on that property. So here is the kicker. The game warden had a camera out and got some really nice buck pictures and was excited in telling me about them. He's now helping pay for the lease and will be hunting there this coming season. I look forward to seeing that the trespassers and thieves want to do now.

[@elliott5184]

I’ve had atleast 5 cams stolen and countless cards plucked. I live in NY and it’s so common here, we have to aim 1 cam where we hope to capture deer and then another cam faced at the other cam to hopefully catch the person trying to steal it. Surprising that I normally think about us hunters as hard working, middle class, law abiding people and it’s become such a massive problem across the country