Poachers

[scootergmc]

You can't be serious!!

I wouldn't think twice about some target practice on my own land, assuming a safe backdrop.

 

[1948CaseVAI]

A few years ago we had a neighbor to some land that is away from the farm who kept trespassing, hunting, kids riding 4 wheelers and dirt bikes and so on. We had pictures of them and their vehicles on game cams. We knew exactly who it was, but we couldn't read the license numbers. The game warden and sheriff deputy said thay couldn't positively identify them but agreed we had the right people. They took the pictures we sent them and said they were going to have a talk with the trespassers. We haven't seen any signs of them on our land since then.

That is typically all that it takrs to end the problem, but that solution is not dramatic enough for some folks who think a tresspass is a nuclear breach.

 

[ss55]

No way. Pond is a big part of the net worth of the property.

Alternatives? Better fence, hire a private security firm to patrol the area? What has law enforcement told you to do?

 

[Texasmark]

Yes I would consider anyone with a mailing address that the pond has as “you”.
Your son that gets married and moves to town technically now needs a license to come fish on the weekend but you would have to be one $$$ hole of an officer to write that ticket.

Above and beyond the license part.
If you dam a stream to make a pond and said pond can be reached by a boat in that stream the pond becomes public domain and can be fished by anyone without your permission.
The only way a pond or lake stays private is if you have to cross private land (walk) to get to it.
If multiple owners own land around the lake then each owner has the same rights to the entire lake even if the land under that spot belongs to you.

I live near the top of a hill. Most of the farm is above the pond so it gets water off that. A next-farm neighbor has as I have but part of his runoff comes under our fence and into my pond. Outlet of the dam goes down under my fence to the road ditch and makes its way to a creek half a mile away all down hill and seasonally regulated flow.

 

[Texasmark]

Alternatives? Better fence, hire a private security firm to patrol the area? What has law enforcement told you to do?

Just currently pondering options and potential consequences. I could blow it off as have-nots wanting to enjoy what I enjoy......probably will do that......really not that big of a deal!

 

[scootergmc]

Just currently pondering options and potential consequences. I could blow it off as have-nots wanting to enjoy what I enjoy......probably will do that......really not that big of a deal!

It's a big deal when they're destroying your fence to trespass. Don't be a pushover. If you want to give people access, then do it. But don't let folks trample your livelihood. If you want to run a charity, that's up to you, but you're looking for a solution because you know it's a problem.

 

[NDIHC]

The fact that it starts at a neighbor's pond, runs to the next pond, there is a dam involved which has an outlet that makes its way to a ditch and eventually into a creek makes me wonder what rules apply. It almost sounds like it is part of a creek system. It would depend on state laws.

 

[john in la]

The fact that it starts at a neighbor's pond, runs to the next pond, there is a dam involved which has an outlet that makes its way to a ditch and eventually into a creek makes me wonder what rules apply. It almost sounds like it is part of a creek system. It would depend on state laws.

I didn’t read it that way.

It sounds like his pond is filled with land runoff and he lives in hilly land.
The pond is at the bottom of the hill and by the time you reach the top of the hill you have crossed the property line onto the neighbors land.

 

[rockcreek4630]

Crime scene tape and red die with an out line might do.

 

[urbancase]

when the daughter turned 16 i wanted to do the same thing on the front porch, wife would not let me.

 

[Phill Tibbetts]

You can't be serious!!

I'm pretty serious when it comes to my property.

 

[Texasmark]

I didn’t read it that way.

It sounds like his pond is filled with land runoff and he lives in hilly land.
The pond is at the bottom of the hill and by the time you reach the top of the hill you have crossed the property line onto the neighbors land.

NO my land goes OVER the top of the hill. You guys have beat this to death.....find something else to concentrate on!!!!!

 

[Richard G.]

NO my land goes OVER the top of the hill. You guys have beat this to death.....find something else to concentrate on!!!!!

I agree.

 

[scootergmc]

NO my land goes OVER the top of the hill. You guys have beat this to death.....find something else to concentrate on!!!!!

One more thing to consider should you take the indifferent route- you may want to talk to your insurance agent regarding liability when it comes to allowing random folks onto your property without express authorization.

 

[flying belgian]

NO my land goes OVER the top of the hill. You guys have beat this to death.....find something else to concentrate on!!!!!

"Interested in any inputs from you folks as to how you handle situations like this.......Is the right thing to do is to do nothing?????"
These are your words, not ours.

 

[Buckhammer]

Seems that a pond on my property has become free domain for poachers. Not only do they steal my fish but they tear up my fence between the road where they park and the pond. In Texas I have satisfied the requirements for a $2,000 fine for encroachment. They only come at night.

I have a lot of farm equipment that they can screw up big time if they are of a mind to. That has deterred me from doing any more than fix the fence that they tear up.

Interested in any inputs from you folks as to how you handle situations like this.......Is the right thing to do is to do nothing?????

I had a friend that had such a problem and got into it with the poachers.....since he had no equipment on that parcel of land, they just ROTENOINED, or how ever you spell it, his pond and killed all his fish....besides the loss the stink was unbearable.
Appreciate comments.

Have you ever watched the episode of Yellowstone where the bikers come back to torch the field? If you haven't watched it, then do, cause that there is the answer to your problem.

 

[joeysmith]

 

[da.bees]

Reading through this thread tells us something about character, judgement and common sense of various individuals. To consider whether trespassers have fishing license is comical.
As for firearms and shooting at or near a trespasser , that's a good way for property owner to wind up in penitentiary, not just jail , penitentiary. Unlike what some would like you to believe, Texas isn't nor has ever been wild west since 19th century. Texas has long been friendly toward use of firearms for self protection but at same time harder on those who abuse firearms than states that think citizens shouldn't own guns. Let's say a trespasser has permit to carry and has a weapon on him. If he doesn't have permit but brings a shotgun to kill snakes, same rules/laws apply. As trespasser is illegally fishing, landowner fires shot(s). Trespasser fears for injury or death for himself and/or fellow trespassers, pulls his weapon and puts lead in landowner. Both shooters will be arrested. Trespasser will likely be out of jail next day after investigation but if landowner lives he's going before the grand jury. Trespasser and other trespassers will pay fines for trespass with no other charges filed. From the first day and for months to come landowner will spend $$$$ on bail and lawyers. Whether landowner goes to pen or on probation, he will spend at least $400k to $500k.
Do you cowboys still plan to "skeer them" with your gun if someone makes you made while you are in Texas? I think not, at least I hope not and that you were only blowing smoke about how little it takes before you start filling the air with smoke and lead.

 

[scootergmc]

That scenario itself makes so many assumptions, it too is comical.

 

[john in la]

You guys have beat this to death.....find something else to concentrate on!!!!!

I'll wait for you to call on me teacher before I speak again.