Roksliders. I have learned so much from all of you. But I was not sure if I did the right thing when my wife, kids and I watched what we believe to be a poaching in California last year. Here is the story:
We were camping in a remote off roading campsite near a lake. The campers to our left were all setup when we got there and it was a Saturday. We were camped near the lakes edge and noticed some mule deer does and a buck nearby. We got back to our camp and did not notice how quiet the campsite next to us had become. The two male campers were gone. About 30 minutes later, right after sunset, we heard a very loud shot ring out. My significant experience in rifles told me they were about 200 yards from the campsite (this in itself was illegal).
They returned and broke camp in a very hurried matter. By the time they were finished, it was very dark. They drove away and that was when I realized that they might have conducted a poaching. So I spoke with the wife, told her to hang tight at the camp while I grabbed a sidearm and followed them on foot without a light. I was concerned since we only had one firearm and it was with me. (Since then, we always carry two). I heard them wrestling with the deer and by the time I reached them, I found they were already loading the deer. I stalked up to within 50 yards and saw that the vehicle had a dealer plate, so I was unable to ID them or their vehicle.
I was faced with a choice: Do I approach them and chat? Do I let it be? Do I try to get more information (maybe a VIN plate?)
In the end, I considered the safety of my family and decided to let it go. I am not law enforcement and really could not tell whether it was an actual poaching or not. I certainly did not see any tag on the deer when it was being loaded.
What would you guys/girls have done?
We were camping in a remote off roading campsite near a lake. The campers to our left were all setup when we got there and it was a Saturday. We were camped near the lakes edge and noticed some mule deer does and a buck nearby. We got back to our camp and did not notice how quiet the campsite next to us had become. The two male campers were gone. About 30 minutes later, right after sunset, we heard a very loud shot ring out. My significant experience in rifles told me they were about 200 yards from the campsite (this in itself was illegal).
They returned and broke camp in a very hurried matter. By the time they were finished, it was very dark. They drove away and that was when I realized that they might have conducted a poaching. So I spoke with the wife, told her to hang tight at the camp while I grabbed a sidearm and followed them on foot without a light. I was concerned since we only had one firearm and it was with me. (Since then, we always carry two). I heard them wrestling with the deer and by the time I reached them, I found they were already loading the deer. I stalked up to within 50 yards and saw that the vehicle had a dealer plate, so I was unable to ID them or their vehicle.
I was faced with a choice: Do I approach them and chat? Do I let it be? Do I try to get more information (maybe a VIN plate?)
In the end, I considered the safety of my family and decided to let it go. I am not law enforcement and really could not tell whether it was an actual poaching or not. I certainly did not see any tag on the deer when it was being loaded.
What would you guys/girls have done?