I've had two occasions where I pointed a loaded gun at someone. Both times it was in self defense and the people were convinced to retreat. I hope to avoid such confrontations in the future.
I don't expect that I will have much trouble with poachers here. Maybe it's because we're surrounded by neighbors who's families have been here for generations. Those people will be welcome to fish our ponds and I think they would also help watch for trespassers.
If I did see someone on our property I would probably grab my camera with the 12X zoom and photograph them from a safe distance. I'd make sure they saw me do it. I would have already taken a pic of their vehicle if it was around. I've been told by police that a photo is good enough evidence to charge someone with whatever crime they were committing at the time. Then I would trade the camera for a rifle and a cell phone. If they were still there when I got back I would ask them to leave. The firearm would only be for self defense and if they didn't leave I would simply call 911 and explain the situation to the dispatcher. My goal would be not to display any anger during the process in an effort to avoid escalation.
I also think that poachers will be deterred by the excessive woody structure that I'll be putting in the pond. I imagine that every other cast will result in a snag. If that doesn't stop them maybe they'll just get tired of catching Warmouth.
