OK, so this is the first time that I have experienced this issue and wants to know from you guys, what is the ethical thing to do here and is what they are doing ok?

I wanted to be sure that we were on our spot - Public land, obviously. So we were out there at 9pm and slept on the boats to make sure no one else was on our spot.

We went into one area and it looked like there was a boat but wasn't sure. I hollered out and no answer. I didn't want to go right up to them, so we just bugged out and went on.

Once we were setup and anchored down, another couple of guys approached us as they were heading back to the ramp. Nice guys, by the way, so this isn't a knock on them.

Anyway, we wanted to be sure that we weren’t close to them so we asked about their area, and they said, no they were way on down and we were fine. Then they said that they set out some decoys and a lantern to mark their spot.

This is when I realized that the area where we thought there was a boat, this is what they did. They set up a lantern to mark their spot. It worked, so brilliant plan on their part.

Here’s my dilemma – we slept on the boats to mark our spot, they set up a lantern and slept in beds or tents, I don’t know which, but they weren’t out in the cold on a cold a$$ boat deck. So, is this ok? Can you mark your spot just by setting up the night before?

I don’t want to have a fight at 4 in the morning, so I won’t be the guy to take it away from anybody because they aren’t physically there to claim it, but still. So, if I don’t have to sleep outside, is this an honorable way to mark your territory?

Thoughts? And has anyone else ever run into this before?

It's a douchy move, and would serve them right if somebody would have collected their decoys, placed them on the bank, and set up in that spot.

I don't see anything wrong with it, they did the basically same thing you did, they just did t smarter.

After this thread I can also see it happening quite a bit more often.

"Oh hey man, just thought I'd keep an eye on your spot. No need to thank me, I'll just sit here and hunt with you." BOOM....new hunting buddy (in a perfect world)

On Texas APH land it is not legal, new restrictions added this year. You can not leave property "unattended".
Same thing happened to us Saturday morning when we pulled up to the ramp, guys were sleeping in the truck, they got out and talked with us at 3:00am, they were nice, we gave them a pass, they set up on the lake and planned to spend the night but got too cold and came back to the ramp.

They will lose all their gear and their spot. It might have worked this time but someone will come along and ditch their gear and keep the spot. I have used a lantern many times but I was always sleeping right under it to keep my spot.

There is a Guide on Lake Texoma that does the same thing. He runs a Duck season taxi service. Marks with lanterns four of five of the best spots. Runs hunters out to each spot before shooting time.

I have 4 lanterns in my shop and I didnt buy any of them.

I'm so glad I don't have to hunt public land.

This^^^^

That is not an ethical issue that is misdemeanor theft.

I don't see anything wrong with it... but don't see anything wrong with relocating all their stuff about 300 yards down just to have a little fun

They're lucky their anchor held the boat or the lake didn't rise enough to float it out across the lake.

No kidding glad someone finally pointed out that stealing is stealing no matter where or what you are taking

No doubt stealing is wrong, I don't condone it. A fact is a fact, if you leave it someone will take it.

LOL we camped out friday night it was pretty chilly.few 18 packs of silver bullets betwen five Grown men.I dont kno If we would ever go as far as to put decoys out the night before, But definetly hang a light to detour a boat or incoming walk in traffic.But i just dont kno who would really have the balls to remove someones stuff.I can blow a gaskit just untangling my texas rigs,muchless if someone else did it. Theres some badasses here on the enet but on the bank or lake I think there might be some serious Tails between their Legs issues...I would definetly hunt an unattended light. but removing someones shiznit is sketchy....

Without a second thought!

Unless its coot decoys... then ill just cut the strings

sounds like public areas are a tough go come try my duck hole

No they are just tough to ask about

Left unattended = litter. Fine the guide for littering.

You do realize that you condoned an illegal act up at the top of this thread right?

What if you're fishing and notice a lure on a tree limb and you're able to get it and put it in your tackle box. Is that misdemeanor theft too?

I was walking the shoreline not long ago and stole a like new Zara Spook someone left.

Well you are just a thief mister.