Sometime between Friday evening and early this morning my deer stand was set on fire. I went to put more corn out for some friends coming to hog hunt this week and when I got to my stand I only found the lower 2/3 of it, only ashes remained of the top (you know, the important part where I sit, have my office chair, sandbags, rests, roof to keep rain out, mirrors).

Got some suspicions of who did it but no proof. Picture of it in my 7mm-08 album.

Absolutely disgusted.

That is ridiculous. Certainly hope you discover who did the deed.

I agree. What is wrong with people these days. No respect for the property of others. Evil...Just plain down right evil.


Did you report it to your local law enforcement ?
If not you need to. Let them investigate it and if the suspects are found let justice prevail.

Given the amount of malicious damage that seems to happen these days, quite a few people I know will setup a hidden game cam. That way there's some evidence to identify the lowlifes responsible.

I did report it. Unfortunately there's not a lot to go on. My 'buddies' could have approached from land or water which doesn't help much either. In the end I'll have about 4 pounds of deck screws, 2 pounds of nails and some scrap lumber to clean up before I rebuild.

We own the land and there is resentment form the club next to ours. There is also a lot of lurking that goes on in the form of 4-wheeler riding/beer drinking. There is the trespassing coon and hog hunters but they usually try not to draw attention to themselves and then there are the bored youth who have little respect for others. I'm not ruling out some of our own....

I know there is most likely little to go on but.....Filing a report is the best course of action. That way down the road if someone talks or more evidence is found then then the suspects will be held accountable. Justice will have its' day.

Trail cams do work. We use them occasionally up here for investigations.

I spoke with the treasurer this morning and got the go-ahead to buy two new cameras. He agreed it was a good investment to protect our resources; first burning a stand and next our timber or camps. We have a caretaker but he's never been very proactive.

I spent 19 years as a game warden (25 years with the commission)here in Arkansas so rest assured I'm dotting I's and crossing T's. We made great cases with those back in the day.

Nice.....As for being a game warden and with that said you by far know the drill. Kudos to you sir.

Sure those cameras will pay off for your club in the future.
Camo them up well


10+ years and counting for me as a LEO.

Brother watch your 6! Still love the badge but it was a good time for a move and a good thing for my family too. I had acquired the 1000 yard stare to start with and then they made it easy for me to leave.

Know this, I pray for you guys every day. I still have brothers across the state and country. Going to spend a few days with some of them in March.

Always on condition yellow my friend. Always.
I know that stare. Had it a time or two myself.
Only thing that saved my 6 was I am behind a desk more than on the beat.
But like you.....Thinking of moving on and back to the norm.

And away from this six months of winter........

Stay safe

Man, that sucks. Hope you find out who did it.

Hope you git 'em.

Could it have been lightning?

Of that I'm positive, no. There is a heavy tree canopy covering it. No burns or blow outs on the ground.

That's a bummer. I've had trail cameras stolen on property my family owns and it stinks. I gated off the property and put up signs and so far no repeats. People are jerks.