Trespassers 3

Subject: Re: Chronic trespassers
Date: 2002-04-08 14:47:00 PST

I apologize for finding the need to say this again, but it is
reprehensible to shoot, threaten to shoot, or make an armed
show of force (warning shots or pointing guns at people) aginst,
people who have committed no other crime than trespassing.

This sort of thing is not acceptable in rural America and never
has been. I don't think it's acceptable anywhere else, either.

"Walter Daniels" <fbngraph@earthlink.net> wrote
> You won't like this suggestion, because you've already expressed an
> opinion against self protection, but. . . Except in a *very* few
> states, if you are walking in *your* woods, and confront an *armed*
> trespasser, you have the right to "defend yourself." Armed trespass,
> in most states, is a *very* serious offense. Usually equivalent to
> armed burglary.

Well, I've read through everything I can find on trespass law
in Minnesota, and though I am not an attorney, I sure can't find
anything about "armed trespass." Trespass is either a petty
misdemeanor or a misdemeanor depending on the circumstances,
where open areas are involved. Posession of guns while trespassing
doesn't change that.

There are some exceptions for the insides of buildings and for
construction sites.

> Whether you even need to warn the trespasser, when spotted, is up to
> state law. Personally, I would. I would also let the word get out at
> the local hangouts that I "walk the woods on occasion, in an armed and
> ready to defend myself, condition."

This sort of "show of force" attitude is probably tolerated in the
rural West even though it shouldn't be. You really want to kill
someone without warning them first, because they are walking
in your woods, Walter? If not then just what is it you're trying
to say?

> One option even the non willing to shoot, might use, is this. Make
> signs saying, "This is MY land. You are here without permission, in a
> state of armed trespass. I know: where you hunt; approximately when
> you hunt, and may be entitled to shoot first." Put the signs on the
> seats of trespassing hunting stands. No threats, notning they can take
> action over, just a clear warning.

"Shoot first" isn't a threat?!

> You could also set salt/feeding sites in clear view of such
> "stands." Then, contact Fish and Wildlife, who *love* to catch
> "baiters." In _Indiana_, the penalty is loss of weapon, *and* the
> vehicle they came in. Some "nimrod" loses a fancy gun and pickup
> truck, see how fast word travels. :-)

Uh huh. They have to see the hunter hunting over bait before
they'll do anything. Maybe they'll take your pickup instead for
trying to frame someone.

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