OK a little off from boats and fishing but this is the best group I think to give me sound advice on how to "dispose" of a problem! As you all know I am a NY licensed guide. After fishing season I turn to birds, upland in particular. I do however hunt deer for my own enjoyment. Over the past several years, I have had several encounters with poachers and turn them in. When I find bait piles, a urination cleansing process follows, also any salt licks found are disposed of. Spot lighters turned in. This has resulted in me being less than popular by the locals that choose to hunt illegally. I have had a tree stand stolen, land that I was hunting posted improperly to keep me out, until I confirmed that the signs were not supposed to be there and I then destroyed them as instructed by the real land owner. Most all of the events have involved about a half dozen of the same people. Folks that are jealous because despite their valant attempts and breaking the law and harvesting a nice buck illegally, I always bag something admirable and with integrity.
WELL boys and girls this year they took it too far. A word was spread and got back to me via my taxidermist that my 9 point was the 2nd or 3rd buck I shot this year and that last year I took 6. Well apparently I am a much better hunter than I thought since I never even bought a tag last year or took my rifle out because I was too busy guiding for birds. This bum info has finally begun to impact my local business. I contacted DEC, since they know me for turning in poachers, and that I am DEC licensed. They insured me that no investigation was pending and that they are sure that it is the same people just blowing smoke. Should I be fortunate enough to prove where the rumors came from, I have full intentions to sue for slander. However since no official report was made DEC can do nothing. They also informed me that had there actually been a complaint, it would be confidential and no info could have been released. That is bogus! It is small town, and I am liked more than not, so I am sure that the source's identity will eventually make it's way back to me. What would you do? I thinking of asking the go fishing and hold my anchor! LOL Only kidding, don't need to be accused of attempted murder now too!
Rob
WELL boys and girls this year they took it too far. A word was spread and got back to me via my taxidermist that my 9 point was the 2nd or 3rd buck I shot this year and that last year I took 6. Well apparently I am a much better hunter than I thought since I never even bought a tag last year or took my rifle out because I was too busy guiding for birds. This bum info has finally begun to impact my local business. I contacted DEC, since they know me for turning in poachers, and that I am DEC licensed. They insured me that no investigation was pending and that they are sure that it is the same people just blowing smoke. Should I be fortunate enough to prove where the rumors came from, I have full intentions to sue for slander. However since no official report was made DEC can do nothing. They also informed me that had there actually been a complaint, it would be confidential and no info could have been released. That is bogus! It is small town, and I am liked more than not, so I am sure that the source's identity will eventually make it's way back to me. What would you do? I thinking of asking the go fishing and hold my anchor! LOL Only kidding, don't need to be accused of attempted murder now too!
Rob