Gaznazdiak wrote:I know it sounds anal Tas, because I'm pretty isolated here, but except when I'm shooting from or around the house, even when I'm several kms into the property, I operate on range type rules.
Bolt only goes in once I'm positioned, ammo only goes in when I've ID'd a target, bolt out first as soon it's time to move and I carry the 6.5kg beasty with me and never leave it alone, the only time any are left unattended is when they're in the safe.
You're quite entitled to feel you were in the right, because you were, but mate, people are cvnts, look away for 2 seconds they'll have the kidneys out of you.
My advice, if your interested, is this.
You were in the right.
You were on your property.
You went straight to the police.
They were on unregistered vehicles, knowingly and willfully trespassing on land bearing signage warning them off and they endangered themselves by their trespassing, the fact that they then threatened you makes it, unless I'm mistaken( perhaps we have an ambulance chaser in our ranks who could clarify) aggravated criminal trespass.
Perhaps, and it's ridiculous that you should need to do so, but perhaps, some new signage stating that the area is seeded with infrared trailcams and any trespassers will be prosecuted might help.
One thing though, if the land is enclosed by a fence and locked gate, how did they get the bikes in? Did they damage any infrastructure like the fence or the gate?
If so, pictures and back to the cops.
Good advice - absolutely.
When I am sighting in and / or testing - I generally leave the table, cradle, rest and everything as is - with bolt removed and ammo taken away. The gun could not be fired...but these guys would not have known that.
The property is not fenced - its a bit strange in that a main forestry road splits the acreage which effectively means if I were to attempt to fence it, the length of fencing is doubled due to the road...making it something like 12klms of fence...which I cannot afford.
The property backs onto state forest and as previous - there are tracks everywhere...I've come across trail bike riders previously and they have been great - I've even told a few that they are on private property but if they let me finish what I'm doing, as long as the respect the place and don't rubbish, they can do as they please - but it's all about the attitude.
I suspect as someone else has stated - these guys felt threatened / challenged and reacted accordingly.
I do know of others whom upon taking a shot, leave their rifle in their vehicle whilst they walk to their quarry...I am going to have to rethink this.
Cheers.