From other people's experiences along with my own, the trespassers in my neck of the woods have usually been teenagers or young adults. Often, it's a temporary thing, for they usually grow up and move on to bigger and better things in life.
If an older, serial trespasser IS encountered, that too is likely a temporary thing, because such a person is likely mentally inept, or too stupid to remain a free member of society.
I would also hazard a guess that the vast majority of vandalism perpetrated on vacant property is done so by teenagers .............. Especially drunken teenagers.
With 30 acres, once a full time resident along with a couple of good dogs is known to be onsite no one in their right mind is likely to trespass over a fence. There is no perfect solution for securing a vacant property, but getting to know some of the neighbors is a good start. Most landowners share the common interest of having their private property respected. If it appears that you're surrounded by idiots, sell immediately.
Generally for me, if kids are halfway polite in encountering them, we just talk and they are reminded no more warnings. If they show disrespect, the sheriff escorts them back home.
I feel you really aren't doing the kids any favors by ignoring poor behavior. Kids are also responsible for a lot of "innocent" accidents. Like starting a little bonfire and it getting out of control and having a forest fire. Yes.... it has happened. Bad kids like to try to come off as innocent kids and get away their stuff. How many kids are responsible for bucket stocking a pond innocently.
If they did ruin your stocking plan, costing you time and money, how do you feel then about controlling all trespassers? Since you quoted my post I'm assuming that the remark and question (which I marked in red letters) are directed at me.
My post concerns any absentee land owner who may be experiencing a trespasser on their property when they (the owner) are not at their property . I was merely suggesting that if the trespasser is a teenager it will most likely be a temporary, and not an ongoing problem.
I was in no way suggesting that one should neglect confronting a teenage trespasser should the circumstance arise. Perhaps I could have better worded my post so as to avoid any confusion, or maybe, I'm incorrectly interpreting your reply to my post. Either way, I apologize.
Now, in regards to the young lady lounging by your pond............ I just might have to let that type of trespasser slide.
