Post by: Washington Wapiti on September 08, 2017, 11:48:59 AM
Long-time lurker and finally decided to join up. I feel like I know a lot of you in that, from-a-far-through-a telephoto-lens-creeper, sort-of-way. :drool:
Anyhow, I wish my immediate reasons for joining were on a positive note. But, I've had yet another trail cam stolen from one of my areas . . . second year in a row. Seven years without incident before that. After a whole summer of starting to feel good about the spot again, and thinking it was just a fluke last year; it happened again yesterday morning. I've just copied and posted what I posted on FB. Last year I reached out to jtrammel when my stuff went missing about the same time that his epic video was posted. Thought it might be the same jackwagons after talking with him and some other people. Anyway, please see below. Any info would be helpful if you know him. I know this seems to be a growing trend and it's becoming par-for-the-course anymore. Doesn't make it any less ridiculous and infuriating. :bash: Cheers and good luck to everyone this season.
From Facebook:
Anyone know this dirtbag? He stole my $250 trail camera this morning. And hopefully not my treestand set-up that's in the same area. I won't know until tomorrow. Unfortunately for him, he is too obtuse to realize this is a cell camera and transmits pics to my phone every few hours. I adjusted it from my app to take a pic manually...and he was apparently looking right at it, at the same time. Too bad for him...I gotcha! And this photo is going right to the sheriff's office in Pierce county. I had a regular trail camera stolen from the same area last year as well as my treestand. Could be the same guy, maybe not. Simply ripped the cams free from the python cable lock that was securing them to the tree. I'm boiling over pissed. Can't even trust in some of my fellow hunters. Assuming he is one. He could just be some random bearded ninny, traipsing through the woods. Please share this...you know what they say about 6 degrees of separation. Someone knows this clown. Edit: Adding another couple of photos of him and his buddy.
Post by: Blacktail Sniper on September 08, 2017, 11:59:45 AM
Nothing worse than a thief!
As for the pictures, they may be too big for the system. Resize down to 800x600 (or sometimes alittle bigger will work also), should load without any problems.
Post by: Washington Wapiti on September 08, 2017, 12:01:28 PM
Post by: JohnD on September 08, 2017, 12:36:07 PM
Post by: huntingfool7 on September 08, 2017, 12:36:42 PM
Post by: bobcat on September 08, 2017, 12:40:56 PM
Post by: SeatoSummit88 on September 08, 2017, 12:45:56 PM
Share it on Social Media and you will find him. Somewhere there is a stay at home mom who facebook stalks for a living and will point him out in about .5 seconds.
Sorry about the theft. Welcome to the site.
Happy Hunting
Post by: Special T on September 08, 2017, 12:56:55 PM
Post by: Special T on September 08, 2017, 12:58:08 PM
Post by: skeeter 20i on September 08, 2017, 01:21:15 PM
Post by: hunter399 on September 08, 2017, 01:25:48 PM
Post by: bowhunterforever on September 08, 2017, 03:18:55 PM
It's too funny that the thief doesn't even know he's having his picture taken, that's awesome I hope you catch him. Sorry about your troubles though.:yeah: I hate thiefs
Post by: Washington Wapiti on September 08, 2017, 03:54:24 PM
Post by: Elkcollector82 on September 08, 2017, 04:12:32 PM
Thanks guys for all your replies. Sorry, I'm enroute to the site now and just stopped for a break. I'll try to reply more from the field when I get there. Mashel unit! Guess we'll see how the treestand fared lol
You just use the cable lock or do you secure it with a box also? How far from a road or trail? Guy might fallow you and come back when he knows your not around. Is it close to private property or possibly on private property?
Post by: Washington Wapiti on September 09, 2017, 12:07:13 AM
Post by: Elkcollector82 on September 09, 2017, 04:49:48 AM
I'm sitting here in shock. My faith in humanity has been restored...a little. :chuckle: When we got here to the site, both cameras and my whole treestand rig were gone. Sitting here totally bummed for a couple hours, a couple young guys brought everything back, along with a note and money. A big misunderstanding. They were total stand-up guys and made it right. All is forgiven. Thank you everyone for your input. I'll write more on it later, gotta get camp set up and get to bed for tomorrow's opener. Coming quick!
Glad you got your stuff back. :tup:
Post by: dreamunelk on September 09, 2017, 05:51:26 AM
Post by: Elkcollector82 on September 09, 2017, 06:16:16 AM
Did they see the pictures? That may be the reason they returned.
Must have. Not sure the misunderstanding when it's locked with a cable and they don't have the key :dunno:
Post by: fishngamereaper on September 09, 2017, 07:06:15 AM
Did they see the pictures? That may be the reason they returned.
Must have. Not sure the misunderstanding when it's locked with a cable and they don't have the key :dunno:
:yeah:Not sure I would of bought off on their "explanation" of why they took everything. Its odd but when people are generally caught doing something wrong they lie about it.
Post by: Bill W on September 09, 2017, 07:58:06 AM
Post by: jackelope on September 09, 2017, 08:39:14 AM
:drool:
Post by: Elkcollector82 on September 09, 2017, 08:39:25 AM
Did they see the pictures? That may be the reason they returned.
Must have. Not sure the misunderstanding when it's locked with a cable and they don't have the key :dunno:
:yeah:Not sure I would of bought off on their "explanation" of why they took everything. Its odd but when people are generally caught doing something wrong they lie about it.
Plus they show up with a note and money. Sounds like they bought themselves a get out of jail card :dunno:
Post by: Mark Brenckle on September 09, 2017, 08:42:21 AM
:yeah: and he took down the guys mug shot in his living room...Did they see the pictures? That may be the reason they returned.
Must have. Not sure the misunderstanding when it's locked with a cable and they don't have the key :dunno:
:yeah:Not sure I would of bought off on their "explanation" of why they took everything. Its odd but when people are generally caught doing something wrong they lie about it.
Plus they show up with a note and money. Sounds like they bought themselves a get out of jail card :dunno:
Post by: Special T on September 09, 2017, 08:44:50 AM
Post by: Elkcollector82 on September 09, 2017, 08:46:46 AM
Post by: h20hunter on September 09, 2017, 08:53:17 AM
Post by: Washington Wapiti on September 09, 2017, 08:57:37 AM
Can't wait to hear the finale of what might be the weirdest/craziest/most bizarre stolen trail camera thread in the history of Huntwa.
:drool:
Did they see the pictures? That may be the reason they returned.
This was my thought also...but I can't be sure. Seems likely, since it was rather immediate. My bro and I were sitting in camp when we heard a bunch of clanging coming down the way. At 9:30 or so at night it seemed a little strange. So we kicked our headlamps off and sat in the dark, while they walked on by. Then 10 minutes later, we heard the clanging coming back towards us. "What the...if these are the guys with my stuff, they haven't been gone long enough to take it back to the site." They were hanging around for a bit...more confusion on our part. So my brother stood up and turned his headlamp back on, and we hear one of them say, "There's a light over there!" They started walking; we started walking, only our headlamps visible to each other. "Who's that?" one asked. "We're hunters," my bro says, agitated. Who are YOU?" We both ask together, irritation growing. "I'm me." As we approached each other, one asked, "Are you the guys with the treestand?" "YES!!!" I said. "We brought back your stuff and we want to apologize. We were mistaken and we feel really bad. We thought you were baiting and that it was illegal. We decided to take matters into our own hands. Then a friend told us that it's only illegal for bear." I had thrown out some salt in the area, over the summer for good measure. They thought it was an illegal bait station and went Rugged Justice vigilante. "WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT!?" My brother started in lol. I chime in sarcastically, "That's usually not a good idea." My brother starts going into the laws in-place for this kind of behavior, and what's allowed... God-bless him. Inside I'm cracking up. We're both fathers and I have a stepdaughter as young as these guys. It felt like we were scolding one of our own. :chuckle: Man, they really had the tail between the legs look on their faces. We let up and I shook both their hands, and said, "Hey, it it took a lot to come here tonight, hike in a couple miles, and bring my stuff back. I really appreciate it. Thanks for making it right." The one said, "Sorry we couldn't make it completely right." "We all learned a good lesson here tonight," I said. "No worries." And they were on their way.
Whatever the reason, I'm just glad to have my stuff back. In return, I'll pull the photos down. Typed all this in between cold-call set ups lol. Obviously a slow opening morning. :tup:
Post by: Washington Wapiti on September 09, 2017, 09:00:02 AM
Can't wait to hear the finale of what might be the weirdest/craziest/most bizarre stolen trail camera thread in the history of Huntwa.
:drool:
Glad I could bring it! Lol...just crazy
Post by: Elkcollector82 on September 09, 2017, 09:02:38 AM
Can't wait to hear the finale of what might be the weirdest/craziest/most bizarre stolen trail camera thread in the history of Huntwa.
:drool:Did they see the pictures? That may be the reason they returned.
This was my thought also...but I can't be sure. Seems likely, since it was rather immediate. My bro and I were sitting in camp when we heard a bunch of clanging coming down the way. At 9:30 or so at night it seemed a little strange. So we kicked our headlamps off and sat in the dark, while they walked on by. Then 10 minutes later, we heard the clanging coming back towards us. "What the...if these are the guys with my stuff, they haven't been gone long enough to take it back to the site." They were hanging around for a bit...more confusion on our part. So my brother stood up and turned his headlamp back on, and we hear one of them say, "There's a light over there!" They started walking; we started walking, only our headlamps visible to each other. "Who's that?" one asked. "We're hunters," my bro says, agitated. Who are YOU?" We both ask together, irritation growing. "I'm me." As we approached each other, one asked, "Are you the guys with the treestand?" "YES!!!" I said. "We brought back your stuff and we want to apologize. We were mistaken and we feel really bad. We thought you were baiting and that it was illegal. We decided to take matters into our own hands. Then a friend told us that it's only illegal for bear." I had thrown out some salt in the area, over the summer for good measure. They thought it was an illegal bait station and went Rugged Justice vigilante. "WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT!?" My brother started in lol. I chime in sarcastically, "That's usually not a good idea." My brother starts going into the laws in-place for this kind of behavior, and what's allowed... God-bless him. Inside I'm cracking up. We're both fathers and I have a stepdaughter as young as these guys. It felt like we were scolding one of our own. :chuckle: Man, they really had the tail between the legs look on their faces. We let up and I shook both their hands, and said, "Hey, it it took a lot to come here tonight, hike in a couple miles, and bring my stuff back. I really appreciate it. Thanks for making it right." The one said, "Sorry we couldn't make it completely right." "We all learned a good lesson here tonight," I said. "No worries." And they were on their way.
Whatever the reason, I'm just glad to have my stuff back. In return, I'll pull the photos down. Typed all this in between cold-call set ups lol. Obviously a slow opening morning. :tup:
Where does the note and money come into play?
Post by: Mark Brenckle on September 09, 2017, 09:03:23 AM
Post by: Elkcollector82 on September 09, 2017, 09:06:02 AM
Glad it got resolved and hopefully the youngsters learned a valuable lesson. I agree, it took a lot of courage to come back and make it right with you.
The dude looked 40 in the mugshot. :dunno:
Post by: Mark Brenckle on September 09, 2017, 09:08:55 AM
:dunno: maybe 40 y.o. made his 20 y.o. kids take it back?Glad it got resolved and hopefully the youngsters learned a valuable lesson. I agree, it took a lot of courage to come back and make it right with you.
The dude looked 40 in the mugshot. :dunno:
Post by: fishngamereaper on September 09, 2017, 09:09:46 AM
Glad you got your stuff back but those guys are thieves, plain and simple.
Post by: Elkcollector82 on September 09, 2017, 09:13:49 AM
Returned or not they stole your stuff. Got caught and panicked, trying to return it after dark.. Wasn't their first time won't be thei last.
Glad you got your stuff back but those guys are thieves, plain and simple.
Only a thief if you can't afford the $8 round of cold ones, I guess. :dunno: plus if it was a mistake. They would of contacted you and returned it at your home. Not hiking it back miles in the dark :dunno:
Post by: Washington Wapiti on September 09, 2017, 09:22:36 AM
Thanks guys for all your replies. Sorry, I'm enroute to the site now and just stopped for a break. I'll try to reply more from the field when I get there. Mashel unit! Guess we'll see how the treestand fared lol
You just use the cable lock or do you secure it with a box also? How far from a road or trail? Guy might fallow you and come back when he knows your not around. Is it close to private property or possibly on private property?
Yep just cable lock on the cams and treestand. No box. 2.5 miles in, off a trail through an overgrown spur
Post by: Washington Wapiti on September 09, 2017, 09:37:49 AM
Welcome. Sorry to hear about your camera, but fortunately you got a really clear picture of the thief. Good that you got his dog also, that could help to identify him as well.
Thanks Bobcat! I'm wondering if maybe he was Dad. Lol. Just don't even know...it's all too weird.
Post by: Washington Wapiti on September 09, 2017, 09:40:22 AM
That pic of his face looks like he is at home on his couch. If it were me I'd contact the camera company and find out the cell tower that transmitted the photo, you may even be able to triangulate or ping the camera. 2c
Good advice. Will remember if it ever happens again! :tup:
Post by: Washington Wapiti on September 09, 2017, 09:42:42 AM
Did they see the pictures? That may be the reason they returned.
Must have. Not sure the misunderstanding when it's locked with a cable and they don't have the key :dunno:
Lol...true, maybe misunderstanding wasn't the right word
Post by: Washington Wapiti on September 09, 2017, 09:44:00 AM
A few rounds at The Whitehorse Tavern....so about $8.00? :dunno: :chuckle: ;)
:chuckle:
Post by: Washington Wapiti on September 09, 2017, 09:59:21 AM
What's the going rate for a "get out of jail card" up in Arlinghood???
Can't wait to hear the finale of what might be the weirdest/craziest/most bizarre stolen trail camera thread in the history of Huntwa.
:drool:Did they see the pictures? That may be the reason they returned.
This was my thought also...but I can't be sure. Seems likely, since it was rather immediate. My bro and I were sitting in camp when we heard a bunch of clanging coming down the way. At 9:30 or so at night it seemed a little strange. So we kicked our headlamps off and sat in the dark, while they walked on by. Then 10 minutes later, we heard the clanging coming back towards us. "What the...if these are the guys with my stuff, they haven't been gone long enough to take it back to the site." They were hanging around for a bit...more confusion on our part. So my brother stood up and turned his headlamp back on, and we hear one of them say, "There's a light over there!" They started walking; we started walking, only our headlamps visible to each other. "Who's that?" one asked. "We're hunters," my bro says, agitated. Who are YOU?" We both ask together, irritation growing. "I'm me." As we approached each other, one asked, "Are you the guys with the treestand?" "YES!!!" I said. "We brought back your stuff and we want to apologize. We were mistaken and we feel really bad. We thought you were baiting and that it was illegal. We decided to take matters into our own hands. Then a friend told us that it's only illegal for bear." I had thrown out some salt in the area, over the summer for good measure. They thought it was an illegal bait station and went Rugged Justice vigilante. "WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT!?" My brother started in lol. I chime in sarcastically, "That's usually not a good idea." My brother starts going into the laws in-place for this kind of behavior, and what's allowed... God-bless him. Inside I'm cracking up. We're both fathers and I have a stepdaughter as young as these guys. It felt like we were scolding one of our own. :chuckle: Man, they really had the tail between the legs look on their faces. We let up and I shook both their hands, and said, "Hey, it it took a lot to come here tonight, hike in a couple miles, and bring my stuff back. I really appreciate it. Thanks for making it right." The one said, "Sorry we couldn't make it completely right." "We all learned a good lesson here tonight," I said. "No worries." And they were on their way.
Whatever the reason, I'm just glad to have my stuff back. In return, I'll pull the photos down. Typed all this in between cold-call set ups lol. Obviously a slow opening morning. :tup:
Where does the note and money come into play?
Tried posting a pic of it, but it wouldn't go. The note and money were put inside the spypoint cam. $200 and a note with an apology. I'll try to post it again.
Post by: Washington Wapiti on September 09, 2017, 10:01:58 AM
Glad it got resolved and hopefully the youngsters learned a valuable lesson. I agree, it took a lot of courage to come back and make it right with you.
Thanks Mark, sure hope so.
Post by: Washington Wapiti on September 09, 2017, 10:04:38 AM
What's the going rate for a "get out of jail card" up in Arlinghood???
About $200 :chuckle:
Post by: Washington Wapiti on September 09, 2017, 10:08:15 AM
Glad it got resolved and hopefully the youngsters learned a valuable lesson. I agree, it took a lot of courage to come back and make it right with you.
The dude looked 40 in the mugshot. :dunno:
Yeah, I forgot to mention that guy was not present last night. The two last night looked like brothers, but not sure.
Post by: Washington Wapiti on September 09, 2017, 10:13:42 AM
:dunno: maybe 40 y.o. made his 20 y.o. kids take it back?Glad it got resolved and hopefully the youngsters learned a valuable lesson. I agree, it took a lot of courage to come back and make it right with you.
The dude looked 40 in the mugshot. :dunno:
That was my thought.
Post by: Washington Wapiti on September 09, 2017, 10:21:03 AM
Returned or not they stole your stuff. Got caught and panicked, trying to return it after dark.. Wasn't their first time won't be thei last.
Glad you got your stuff back but those guys are thieves, plain and simple.
You may be right. Time wil tell I suppose...
Post by: carpsniperg2 on September 09, 2017, 10:57:26 AM
Thanks guys for all your replies. Sorry, I'm enroute to the site now and just stopped for a break. I'll try to reply more from the field when I get there. Mashel unit! Guess we'll see how the treestand fared lol
You just use the cable lock or do you secure it with a box also? How far from a road or trail? Guy might fallow you and come back when he knows your not around. Is it close to private property or possibly on private property?
Yep just cable lock on the cams and treestand. No box. 2.5 miles in, off a trail through an overgrown spur
If they thought it was illegal they should have called the wdfw and reported it.
Funny they want to act like they know the hunting laws but are blind to a simple law of theft :bash:
Post by: Elkcollector82 on September 09, 2017, 11:16:27 AM
Thanks guys for all your replies. Sorry, I'm enroute to the site now and just stopped for a break. I'll try to reply more from the field when I get there. Mashel unit! Guess we'll see how the treestand fared lol
You just use the cable lock or do you secure it with a box also? How far from a road or trail? Guy might fallow you and come back when he knows your not around. Is it close to private property or possibly on private property?
Yep just cable lock on the cams and treestand. No box. 2.5 miles in, off a trail through an overgrown spur
If they thought it was illegal they should have called the wdfw and reported it.
Funny they want to act like they know the hunting laws but are blind to a simple law of theft :bash:
Just youngsters being youngsters. $200 and a sorry note. It's all good.
Meanwhile two miles away another guys stuff is ripped off and he wasn't as lucky to get a mugshot. :bash: :bash: :bash:
Post by: carpsniperg2 on September 09, 2017, 11:44:04 AM
Post by: luckyman on September 09, 2017, 12:38:17 PM
Post by: fishngamereaper on September 09, 2017, 01:03:28 PM
Glad you got it all back. I used the python cable locks maybe 15 years ago till I discovered I could release it at anytime with no tools needed. They're for looks only. They have a weak design.:yeah:
I use small diameter bike locks or simple cable with a keyed lock.
Post by: Washington Wapiti on September 10, 2017, 10:30:03 AM
Thanks guys for all your replies. Sorry, I'm enroute to the site now and just stopped for a break. I'll try to reply more from the field when I get there. Mashel unit! Guess we'll see how the treestand fared lol
You just use the cable lock or do you secure it with a box also? How far from a road or trail? Guy might fallow you and come back when he knows your not around. Is it close to private property or possibly on private property?
Yep just cable lock on the cams and treestand. No box. 2.5 miles in, off a trail through an overgrown spur
If they thought it was illegal they should have called the wdfw and reported it.
Funny they want to act like they know the hunting laws but are blind to a simple law of theft :bash:
Agreed. They're locals I'm pretty sure, and it's public land. Nothing they did was logical or appropriate.
Post by: Washington Wapiti on September 10, 2017, 10:58:12 AM
Thanks guys for all your replies. Sorry, I'm enroute to the site now and just stopped for a break. I'll try to reply more from the field when I get there. Mashel unit! Guess we'll see how the treestand fared lol
You just use the cable lock or do you secure it with a box also? How far from a road or trail? Guy might fallow you and come back when he knows your not around. Is it close to private property or possibly on private property?
Yep just cable lock on the cams and treestand. No box. 2.5 miles in, off a trail through an overgrown spur
If they thought it was illegal they should have called the wdfw and reported it.
Funny they want to act like they know the hunting laws but are blind to a simple law of theft :bash:
Just youngsters being youngsters. $200 and a sorry note. It's all good.
Meanwhile two miles away another guys stuff is ripped off and he wasn't as lucky to get a mugshot. :bash: :bash: :bash:
It doesn't make it "all good." Am I'm letting it slide for now? Yes. Because they brought my crap back. In that sense, it would seem posting here about it, was a success. I'm not being cavalier about the whole thing. There won't be any second chances. The $200 was for damages to the gear. Not some pay-off like it seems like you are suggesting.
Post by: Machias on September 14, 2017, 04:20:35 PM
Post by: bowhunterforever on September 15, 2017, 02:43:37 AM
Glad you got your stuff back.:yeah:
Post by: Washington Wapiti on September 16, 2017, 09:28:43 AM
Glad you got your stuff back.
Thanks man!