Is It That Common

[Ronquillo08]

Throughout the years I have been hearing stories from Elk hunters that mostly have the same ring to them. Either they walk up on an Elk they downed and somebody else is dressing it or they have a gun shoved in their face telling them to leave. I am not saying that this never happens, but is it really that common that this happens on a regular basis? Just want to hear your thoughts and quite frankly these stories has kind of kept me away from Elk hunting.

[dilleytech]

I have never heard of this actually happening. Pretty silly thing to be so afraid of you don’t elk hunt. Some saying about excuses..

[pianoman9701]

I believe there have been a couple of stories on here over the years. If it's common at all, I would think it would be more modern than ML or Archery. 

[jrebel]

Wouldn’t let the one off stories keep me from hunting.   I have heard stories but always take them with a grain of salt.   Remember your only hearing one side of the story and it is likely exaggerated a bit. 

Also….assume it happens to you, just walk away….no elk is worth confrontation that involves weapons.   Call the cops / gamies and let them sort it out.   Really simple

[Ronquillo08]

 

I have never heard of this actually happening. Pretty silly thing to be so afraid of you don’t elk hunt. Some saying about excuses..

1. I never said I was afraid, I had more than my life's worth of guns pointed at me. 2. If the stories I hear are a common occurrence why would I want to put myself and my son in that kind of situation. 3. I only lived in Washington for a few years and rely on advice from people like you. Hence why I am asking. 

[KP-Skagit]

Not common but also not specific to elk hunting, I have heard more stories like this about deer hunting than elk.

Had a friend a few years ago shoot a nice 4x4 mulie with a wounded front leg. It was a fresh wound and there was snow on the ground making tracking easy. Sure enough, here comes the other hunter and a shouting match broke out. My buddy basically said told the guy his shot was nonlethal, it was public land and if he didn't like it to shoot better next time. Finally the guy tossed up his hands and left.

Later in a local bar another friend heard what must have been the same hunter retelling how he had had a buck stolen from him he had been tracking for a mile and he only let the guy have the animal when a gun got pulled on him. The gun part was fiction, but the guy probably wanted to save face in front of his buddies.

[kselkhunter]

I've never heard of it happening from anybody I know.   If it happens, it's not common.  And I wouldn't think such incidents would be specific to elk, if they happen. 


Go enjoy your hunt and time in the woods with your son. 

[KFhunter]

Wouldn’t let the one off stories keep me from hunting.   I have heard stories but always take them with a grain of salt.   Remember your only hearing one side of the story and it is likely exaggerated a bit. 

Also….assume it happens to you, just walk away….no elk is worth confrontation that involves weapons.   Call the cops / gamies and let them sort it out.   Really simple

Gamie honors the first tag to be attached to the carcass, regardless of shooter.

[KFhunter]

If you're worried about this, hunt deeper!


The types of people who do this need quick access to a downed elk, which means roads. 


I could easily see situations where an elk has been shot (or shot at) by multiple people, and two people arrive at the same time, each thinking the other is attempting to take "their" elk.

[theleo]

I've only ever red stories of it happening on the internet. I've never had it happen to me or anyone I know.

[7mmfan]

Yeah, like others have said. Does it happen? Maybe it happens every once in awhile, but I've never experienced it nor anyone that I know or hunt with. It's a real rarity. Go hunt with your son, the value of that time in the woods far outweighs any negative that MIGHT happen.

[Ronquillo08]

If you're worried about this, hunt deeper!


The types of people who do this need quick access to a downed elk, which means roads. 


I could easily see situations where an elk has been shot (or shot at) by multiple people, and two people arrive at the same time, each thinking the other is attempting to take "their" elk.

Yeah, That's what I was thinking.  I did that for deer last season, didn't run into any hunters but i ran into a guy talking into and listening to a coke can like a phone. Thanks for the advice .

[jrebel]

Wouldn’t let the one off stories keep me from hunting.   I have heard stories but always take them with a grain of salt.   Remember your only hearing one side of the story and it is likely exaggerated a bit. 

Also….assume it happens to you, just walk away….no elk is worth confrontation that involves weapons.   Call the cops / gamies and let them sort it out.   Really simple

Gamie honors the first tag to be attached to the carcass, regardless of shooter.

That may be the case...but they will deal with firearms being pointed at peoples faces and threats to others lives.  That is a criminal offense that will land those people in jail.  Especially if you have witnesses or video. 

[BD1]

Throughout the years I have been hearing stories from Elk hunters that mostly have the same ring to them. Either they walk up on an Elk they downed and somebody else is dressing it or they have a gun shoved in their face telling them to leave. I am not saying that this never happens, but is it really that common that this happens on a regular basis? Just want to hear your thoughts and quite frankly these stories has kind of kept me away from Elk hunting.

Vey legit question and far from an "excuse". I don't elk hunt so I can comment on that specifically. However there are a few pheasant release sites that I don't take my dog and son to on weekends because of seeing past fights both human and dog over a silly bird.  That is not an excuse just looking out for the family I love. BTW...welcome to Hunt WA...most of the people are really nice and provide useful information/answers/conversation...most but not all 

[Tinmaniac]

It has happened twice to me,once during rifle season and once during archery.Also a group of guys I used to hunt with were held at gun point by Elk poachers in the late 90's.There are definitely plenty of sketchy people out in the woods at any given time.

[Ronquillo08]

Vey legit question and far from an "excuse". I don't elk hunt so I can comment on that specifically. However there are a few pheasant release sites that I don't take my dog and son to on weekends because of seeing past fights both human and dog over a silly bird.  That is not an excuse just looking out for the family I love. BTW...welcome to Hunt WA...most of the people are really nice and provide useful information/answers/conversation...most but not all 

Thanks BD1, I appreciate both the advice and the welcome.

[KFhunter]

Wouldn’t let the one off stories keep me from hunting.   I have heard stories but always take them with a grain of salt.   Remember your only hearing one side of the story and it is likely exaggerated a bit. 

Also….assume it happens to you, just walk away….no elk is worth confrontation that involves weapons.   Call the cops / gamies and let them sort it out.   Really simple

Gamie honors the first tag to be attached to the carcass, regardless of shooter.

That may be the case...but they will deal with firearms being pointed at peoples faces and threats to others lives.  That is a criminal offense that will land those people in jail.  Especially if you have witnesses or video.

Oh ya, 100%

Bring your gopro 

[Bob33]

I would say it is not common in Washington. I have seen instances where one hunter cripples an animal, another hunter shoots it and it dies. In these instances there could be some disagreement over who the dead animal rightfully belongs to.

The term “reduced to possession” is part of some state’s hunting laws but not Washington’s.

Here’s an interesting article from 1954: https://www.atg.wa.gov/ago-opinions/game-animals-hunting-legal-right-hunters-tag-animals-shot-other-hunters-crimes-larceny

[pd]

I would say it is not common in Washington. I have seen instances where one hunter cripples an animal, another hunter shoots it and it dies. In these instances there could be some disagreement over who the dead animal rightfully belongs to.

The term “reduced to possession” is part of some state’s hunting laws but not Washington’s.

Here’s an interesting article from 1954: https://www.atg.wa.gov/ago-opinions/game-animals-hunting-legal-right-hunters-tag-animals-shot-other-hunters-crimes-larceny

Bob: That's a great find!  I had "known" this most of my life, but I had never seen a legal opinion.  Thank you for sharing.

[CedarPants]

Had it happen once while hunting with a buddy that shot a nice buck (we walked away instead of getting into a gunfight), but have never heard of it happening on an elk.  Friend of mine and I came across a downed cow that had just been shot fairly close to us.  We waited until we could hear the hunter getting closer and then hollered to let him know where we and his elk were at.  Then we helped him and his group haul it out, and they gave us a few beers to say thank you.

That's how it should be 

[Ronquillo08]

Had it happen once while hunting with a buddy that shot a nice buck (we walked away instead of getting into a gunfight), but have never heard of it happening on an elk.  Friend of mine and I came across a downed cow that had just been shot fairly close to us.  We waited until we could hear the hunter getting closer and then hollered to let him know where we and his elk were at.  Then we helped him and his group haul it out, and they gave us a few beers to say thank you.

That's how it should be 

I 100% agree.

[Ronquillo08]

 

I would say it is not common in Washington. I have seen instances where one hunter cripples an animal, another hunter shoots it and it dies. In these instances there could be some disagreement over who the dead animal rightfully belongs to.

The term “reduced to possession” is part of some state’s hunting laws but not Washington’s.

Here’s an interesting article from 1954: https://www.atg.wa.gov/ago-opinions/game-animals-hunting-legal-right-hunters-tag-animals-shot-other-hunters-crimes-larceny

Bob: That's a great find!  I had "known" this most of my life, but I had never seen a legal opinion.  Thank you for sharing.

Thank you for sharing.

[Screaminreelz]

Rare exceptions I would say no days considering the use of cameras and cell phones.
I know of guy who was a local regular to an area that would fly his buddies and friends in from the east coast and one year a nasty group of guys took his bull at gun point. Unfortunately this guy from the east coast had his first bull taken at not only knife point, but gun point as well. Would be a horrible first experience.
The guy got him on a really nice bull for w.washington and put the kill shot in him and it went down. They hiked up to it and as they were standing over the bull celebrating a couple guys come out from the brush claiming it to be theirs resulting in the lead guy pulling his knife and the guy behind him jacking a shell and pointing it at them.
They left and hiked to the their vehicles to call the gammies and whatever support they could get from the LEO's. Once they authorities arrived they took them back to the kill site only to find the gut pile and blood. All the could do was provide descriptions but nothing of any value.

I also know of a handful of instances guns and knives being pulled on kills up out of Kidd Valley back in the 90s where LEO's would be called in on, a few occasions there were some injuries where coming out the 19 mile gate there would be an ambulance or two loading someone up.

Sad but it has and probably will continue to happen so as long as lazy, worthless, no good people are in the woods.

Help a fellow hunter take care of the animal and have some pride in the sport we love. Who knows, you might meet your next hunting partner!

[huntnfmly]

Welcome to hunt wa
Nothing wrong with that question.Take your son out and enjoy the time in the woods

[elkrack]

A guy I used to work with was dressing out his bull in the white river back when it had a general season and was held at gun point by a few hill billies. I definitely believe his story his blood pressure was going through the roof as he was telling me and it’s been like 15 years prior that it had happened

[trophyhunt]

My wife was hunting in wilkeson w her dad when she was just a kid, he’d shot a 4 point Blacktail. While he was gutting it out they had 2 guys walk up and point their rifle in his direction and say that’s our deer. He just picked up his stuff grabbed his daughter and got out of there.  Well, her  dads brother was Terry Hoffer, a local warden.  Well, Ron got his deer back!! I have the antlers on the wall today. 

[Twispriver]

I saw a few scuffles break out when they used to have the shooting gallery late cow hunts in the Wenas but the place was crawling with wardens so it all got worked out. I only saw one guy get marched off with the bracelets on.

[MADMAX]

Winston in the 90s
Had a cousin who flew out from back East to elk hunt
Took him down there camped at kid valley
Drove up near camp 9 hunted all morning
He got a shot on a spike bull,( legal back then)
Told him if shoots one and it’s a good shot
Give it a few minutes and then blood track it
He did
Found it as the OP described
Guy dressing and quartering it
He said hey that’s my elk
Guy never even looked up just kept cutting on it
He said hey did you hear me
Guy never looked up
Finally my cousin just walked away
Meats not worth dying over 🔫

[Igor]

It happened to me in the Umtanum unit, about 22-23 years ago.  The WDFW used to issue late cow tags for that unit for the whole month of December. 

I had seen a bunch of elk in a draw the evening before, and was there before shooting hours the next morning.  Sure enough, at first light there they were, about 130-140 yards away.  I used my pack as a rest, and hammered a big cow.  By the time I picked up my pack, hiked down into the draw and up the other side, there were three guys standing by my elk.  There was only one shot that morning........mine.  However, these three guys were quite adamant that it was their elk, so I just hiked back to my truck.

The bummer was that it snowed 2' over the next week in that unit, so my season was done.

[huntandjeep]

I was with my brother when he killed his first buck . When we got to the deer it was gone . Found it over a small ridge with a guy gutting it . I damn near beat the hell out of the guy . Brother said let him have it , not worth it . Another time I shot a deer ( high shoulder on his right side ) across a canyon and he dropped in his tracks . Watched him for 20ish minutes before I made my way to the deer , never moved an inch . Took about 45 minutes to get to the deer and about 30 minutes into the hike I hear 3 shots . Find the deer and someone gutting it out . I walk up all nonchalantly and asked where did you shoot it . He responded 1st was a little far back , second missed and 3rd was lungs . I pointed out my bullet entrance , the  ONLY hole in the deer  . Called him a POS lier and walked away.
 
 

[bkaech]

In decades of hunting deer and elk I've never had anything close to these stories happen to me or my extended hunting group. Whenever we have encountered other hunters that we didn't know around a kill it has always been celebratory and congratulating each other. Most of these stories are from a wide range of years, so yes over the past 60 years these things have happened occasional and get retold many times because they are rare and interesting. Also they are more likely to be on hunts with hunters all around. If I see other hunters around I tend to move off and find other spots.

[JimmyHoffa]

Throughout the years I have been hearing stories from Elk hunters that mostly have the same ring to them. Either they walk up on an Elk they downed and somebody else is dressing it or they have a gun shoved in their face telling them to leave. I am not saying that this never happens, but is it really that common that this happens on a regular basis? Just want to hear your thoughts and quite frankly these stories has kind of kept me away from Elk hunting.

More of a different era.  I think it really quieted down in the late 80's.  It got pretty bad for a while (from what I was told) and many guys switched methods or gave up elk hunting altogether.  But back in the 70's and 80's all kinds of other things contributed to making it that wild.  The guys in camp that talk about it, also mention how many bars used to be in the area, how there were always a bunch of new hunters everywhere that had just moved to the area for logging jobs, elk camps all over--dotting every ridge and valley, etc.  Lots of other things were a bit crazier/more common back just a couple decades back.

[hunter399]

Maybe I'm just old or something.
Only have heard one story ,two hunters shooting the same spike buck and splitting the deer.

But will say ,I always have it on my mind,really bad if it's a decent buck. Some hunters are so desperate ,steal it for meat or antler . Many times I have draged a buck more than a few miles so another hunter couldn't take claim or throw my tag in the bush and take my deer.
I'm not exactly sure what I would do for any given situation.
But giving up a deer or Elk that I shot and killed, would be a last resort for me.

[Dan-o]

This absolutely happened to my dad in Utah when I was growing up.
Guessing mid-late 1970's.
He walked up to a buck he shot and was threatened by two guys with rifles.

Personally, I've had hundreds of encounters with other hunters.   The vast majority have been positive.   Nothing nearly this negative.

[Caseknife]

Could it happen? Yes.  Is it a common occurrence? No.  Never had it happen in over 40 years of hunting, but the saying was if you were hunting the Colockum in the 70's, you better have your track shoes on.  Probably more likely to happen in the crowded areas and the more open country of which the Colockum was at the time.

[goosegunner]

  I've never personally had anything like that happen to me or anyone in my hunting camps ever, but just this archery season a guy who camps in the same area that we do. He had killed a cow late on Monday evening, quartered  and hung it in a tree in the creek bottom. when he came back the next morning to start packing it out there was a guy strapping a quarter on to his pack frame. He ask the the guy what the F^&* he was doing, the guy said it was his buddies elk and he was helping pack it out. The guy who shot the elk said i dont think so pal as he made it known he was packing a sidearm and the guy unstrapped the quarter and left.

[Ronquillo08]

I would like to thank everyone one for their advice and stories, believe me it helps.

[cavemann]

Hunted for 30+ years..  ran across a lot of hunters and game wardens and in multiple states.  Never had anything like this..  understandably I've run across guys deep in a spot that seems frustrated someone else was there but never had a confrontation....  I have had countless encounters of guys offering help, offering help to guys, talking to guys at gas stations or trail heads and at local restaurants all sharing stories, tips and good lucks..

Overall the best part of hunting is the experience with who I hunt with and the ones I cross paths with.  I love it and always have

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