Thanks for all the great replies! This is a common issue, I guess, especially for those who don't live on their pond.
If the intruders were younger kids, I'd feel a lot more inclined to work out a deal. Problem is, they are 19 and 24 (neighbors know them well). If I can work a visit by the game warden, or the police, that would likely help, along with watchful neighbors and game cameras. My son & grandson plan to hunt deer there -- we have lots of them, drawn to the water-- so maybe would help install some quality game cameras. After all, there are deer poachers to watch for, as well.
My most eagle-eyed, watchful neighbor is a lady I've seen but never met. RAH made the great suggestion of allowing fishing to someone trustworthy who will watch the place while I'm gone. However, I'm told she loves to catch & eat catfish, which I don't have & don't want. Almost certainly that means she uses live worms which get deeply swallowed, which is something I don't want my larger BG, LMB, or even HSB to experience.
So now I'm thinking about the little forage pond, maybe 1/8 acre. It already has some CNBG in it, but I could easily stock CC as well. Set up a feeder, and maybe it would be perfect for her! She's quite honest, according to the folks who've known her for years, so would probably keep with my rules. Who knows, maybe she'd share a filet or two!
Dunno if this arrangement would work, but seems worth a try. I do have good liability insurance, by the way. Any thoughts on this?
