Worry about theft?

[Titaneq]

Will be in Colorado for 8 days next week and our plan is to pack in for most of it. Wondering if we should worry about our vehicle sitting there all week w our bow cases etc…Thoughts?

 

[Huntinmechanic]

Theft should always be a concern. There are a lot of low character people in the world and unfortunately, many of them inhabit the same areas as hunters. Personally, I do not leave anything valuable in the truck and I leave the doors unlocked. I'd rather not have broken window when I get back to my rig after a multi-day hunt. A dirtbag is going to get into the truck one way or another. May as well make it easy for them and easier for you in the long run. I would leave the bow cases in the truck, empty. Maybe cover them as inconspicuously as possible with a blanket. Out of sight, out of mind.

 

[TaperPin]

Will be in Colorado for 8 days next week and our plan is to pack in for most of it. Wondering if we should worry about our vehicle sitting there all week w our bow cases etc…Thoughts?

If windows are broken for only a pair of sun glasses at trailheads, anything that looks valuable is fair game for opportunistic knuckleheads. There are plenty of guys who don’t get it and seem to advertise they have valuable stuff inside with product stickers, bumper stickers, piles of expensive stuff out in the open, and a total lack of covering anything from view. Just park next to them.

Construction guys cover valuables in vehicles with old ratty looking drop cloths and that works pretty well.

 

[Chris in TN]

Tagged. I know we'll have to leave certain things at our vehicle and I pretty much know how I want to handle it but I'm still interested in hearing how others have handled it or what experiences they've had

 

[midwestcowboy]

Yeah I'm always concerned even though nothing has happened (yet). I cover items with an old quilt. I always keep my shotgun in my truck during Elk season for Grouse, along with other gear. When I'm away from the vehicle for multiple days I'll cover up the gun case or pelican case full of gear with a shitty looking blanket or quilt.

Don't be the guy who leaves a key to the vehicle inside the gas cap or under the wheel well, that is asking to get stolen.
If you're worried about losing your key during hunting - get a carabiner and attach it to the inside of your pack behind a zipper. Otherwise go pick a tree nearby, bury it, and mark it using OnX.

If you have a spare trail camera, set it up facing your vehicle.

 

[Predator_SD]

In CO? Yes absolutely there are tons of thieving losers prowling backcountry mountain roads there! Personally i never leave anything i couldn’t live with being parted with.

 

[Chris in TN]

I can share one pretty simple tip if you're bringing an ATV with you: After you unload it, lay your ramps on the ground and drive the tow vehicle up on top of them. Makes them hard to steal.

 

[sndmn11]

No

 

[Huntinmechanic]

In the past, If I felt leery about leaving something in my truck for a day or two, I would find an obscure spot near my truck and stash it. Obviously there are a ton of variables that could prevent this from being a reasonable option. It's worth considering though.

 

[Titaneq]

In the past, If I felt leery about leaving something in my truck for a day or two, I would find an obscure spot near my truck and stash it. Obviously there are a ton of variables that could prevent this from being a reasonable option. It's worth considering though.

Yea this idea crossed my mind as being an option. Might see if it’s feasible based on where we park.

 

[Steve300xcw]

what state is the plate from?

 

[S.Clancy]

My solution, drive an old POS vehicle. They know there's nothing to steal in an old wreck

 

[repins05]

Well hate to be a pessimist. But based on personal experience and knowing people who have had their vehicles broke into.....I would be concerned. I would not leave anything in my vehicle. I have never had a problem my whole life while hunting until last year. Short version of story....came back to my vehicle and found a person who was actively trying to break into my truck. Had to draw my pistol.

In college I parked my car at a trail head for fishing (30 years ago) and came back to my window busted out. I left my wallet under my seat with cash. Pushed it deep under the seat and stuffed garbage and trash bags into it. Thief pulled it all out and found wallet. Anyway......I didn't let this change my thought process of leaving my truck parked for an extended amount of time. However because of what happened last year and the frequency of hearing other experiences, I am making sure to take everything with me. Unfortunately I think thieves are targeting these situations now.

 

[repins05]

I have stashed items in the woods away from my truck when there is enough cover. I also try to leave a note on it saying I will be back. My thought is if a hunter finds it he will leave it alone. I still have faith most guys in the woods are decent humans.

Side note .... I left my RRS tripod, pack, and optics to go gut an animal 500 yards away and watched hunters come across my stuff and just move on. Have had this happen a few times actually. I did have my rifle with me and it did cross my mind that if they starting grabbing stuff to let a shot off. It also crossed my mind that I will be the one going to jail. Lol.

 

[IrkedCitizen]

Could always make a base camp and make it look like someone is there.

 

[hunthikecamp]

You could call the local ranger station or police station and see if there have been any recent reports of break ins. They often cant do much about it but most folks will still report it. I assume if they get enough reports they would start being more proactive.

Maybe leave your bow case open so its clear there's nothing inside of it worth stealing. I do this with my pistol case and have never had issues.

 

[Serrano]

I have stashed items in the woods away from my truck when there is enough cover. I also try to leave a note on it saying I will be back. My thought is if a hunter finds it he will leave it alone. I still have faith most guys in the woods are decent humans.

Side note .... I left my RRS tripod, pack, and optics to go gut an animal 500 yards away and watched hunters come across my stuff and just move on. Have had this happen a few times actually. I did have my rifle with me and it did cross my mind that if they starting grabbing stuff to let a shot off. It also crossed my mind that I will be the one going to jail. Lol.

I had to return to get my stuff I had stashed.
Extra 20 miles of driving for me that day.