Free: Contests & Raffles.
maybe go tag the deer first before going to retrieve your gear.
They were able to gut and pack your deer out before you got to it? I don't think they stole it, I bet they thought someone left it or didn't track it and they were not going to let it go to waste.
I am guessing they watched you shoot and leave and figured you were like many others out there who don't follow up on their shots. They probably thought they were doing a good thing by tagging a "wasted" deer.
..............those darn unethical hunters at it again.
I am still contending they probably thought they were doing a good thing. If they witnessed him walking away as he did. They probably burned one of their tags. Heck we have a thread on here for someone reporting to the WDFW a skeleton with two gunshot shoulders left behind.
I thought the first thing the law asks is immediately after harvest, tag animal after filling it out. Next time keep your pack where it belongs. On your back. Sorry man, but common sense.
I would bet that somewhere there is a guy posting about some Dick that shot a buck and then turned around and walked away... go tag your deer or elk as soon as you shoot it... its the law! and don't take it so seriously hell it just a deer.