Whadya do?

Dead is dead! Not much you can do about the buck now.

If he's a good friend make him take you to your favourite steakhouse and fill you up on good steak and expensive whiskey. No sense ending a "good friendship" over "coulda been" or "lots of potential"...
 
You were mistaken unfortunately. He wasn't a good friend but an acquaintance who used what you considered friendship to screw you over.

The buck was the price you paid to learn the guy could not be trusted.
 
Yeah that'll ruin your day. I know what it is to pass up a smaller buck for the purpose of maybe getting a chance on him next year. I haven't lost any good ones yet but honestly, every time anyone but me kills a deer in my hunting area, i feel a tinge of regret. Just selfish, I know.
 
Cinch said:
Dead is dead! Not much you can do about the buck now.

If he's a good friend make him take you to your favourite steakhouse and fill you up on good steak and expensive whiskey. No sense ending a "good friendship" over "coulda been" or "lots of potential"...
Click to expand...

Good advice.It was just a deer get a laugh out of it and carry on.
 
sjemac said:
When you previously discussed the fact that you both agree not to shoot that buck you can be surprised. Anyway you are right. I opened the door, he closed it. He said that he couldn't help himself when he saw the deer. I guess I better make sure he isn't tempted again.
Click to expand...
Refusing him access sends a pretty clear message that is not likely to be 'misunderstood' no matter what - unlike your initial agreement.

That being said, why is it (with some people) you need to be really f'n clear in what you mean - like have them repeat what you're telling him to be sure they heard and understood you? Like you're talking to a gawdamn 10 year old?

If he was a good friend, I'd find a way to blow it off.
 
Thanks, I will take CInch and FallGuy's advice. A stupid deer isn't worth losing a friend over.

However, when the topic of hunting the property comes up again I will simply and gently tell him that since my oldest turns 12 before next season that the property will be exclusively reserved for family so that he (the boy) has a safe and productive place to hunt. This may cause hard feelings since his daughter turns 12 at the same time and he's already talked about taking her here next year but unless he wants to start chipping in on the mortgage ....................
 
You don't have to anything. Your friend has already decided that a stupid 4 point is worth more than your friendship, so why would you think you have a decision to make? The size of the deer isn't important, your friend knew how you felt and chose to ignore it.
 
sjemac said:
Thanks, I will take CInch and FallGuy's advice. A stupid deer isn't worth losing a friend over.

However, when the topic of hunting the property comes up again I will simply and gently tell him that since my oldest turns 12 before next season that the property will be exclusively reserved for family so that he (the boy) has a safe and productive place to hunt. This may cause hard feelings since his daughter turns 12 at the same time and he's already talked about taking her here next year but unless he wants to start chipping in on the mortgage ....................
Click to expand...

When you reach 1/2 century plus, the friends will be way more important than the deer. Your are the one who has to make the call.
 
My take on this is that you were clear with him & he chose to break that agreement wrt the buck...

It's your property, YOUR son is of age next year, keep YOUR property for you two AND GOOD friends & family!

I'd also ask him straight up "why" he shot that buck...

Cheers
Jay
P.S. I used to hunt a property in NB, the owner did NOT want a piebald buck that lived on his property shot. I respected that & although I did not see that buck, I would NOT have shot it if I did BECAUSE I knew it would "burn that bridge" & he was & still is, a good buddy. Sadly, that buck got hit on the road... But that's beside the point... Your buddy did wrong...
 
Look at it another way...

"Hey, can I borrow your car to go get groceries?"

"Sure, but have it back by 5."

"Sorry I was late. The demolition derby I entered it it ran a bit late. But on the plus side, I got send place!"
 
Devil's advocates turn.

While you own the land, you do NOT own the deer. You have no say legally in what particular animal gets taken after permission is granted.
 
Dogleg said:
You don't have to anything. Your friend has already decided that a stupid 4 point is worth more than your friendship, so why would you think you have a decision to make? The size of the deer isn't important, your friend knew how you felt and chose to ignore it.
Click to expand...

Yeah he probably thought "stupid ########## isnt telling me what to do" just before he shot it. Whats next he steals tools from your shed?

Ignorant people are just that. You did they guy a decent favour and he returned it with bull####. Says alot about how he values your friendship.
 
As long as you truly told him then you have an issue. Ask him about it. If he's a friend you should be able to do that. But in the end, it's a deer, it's a friend. Depending on his answer you get to choose which one you'd like to have around you for the next 40 years.
 
While, of course, it's up to you, I'd be most inclined to tell your "buddy" that his daughter can hunt there next year, he can't.

Then the 2012 season will be a separate issue, let's see how "forgiving" this friend can be when the shoe is on the other foot.
 
Not much of a friend is he. Totally disregarded to not shoot that buck if he saw him. The family has taken a vote as to what has happened. Now no access to anyone except family members.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom