Dumb Thief Loses Chainsaw to Tree While Attempting to Steal Tree Stand
Authorities in central Minnesota are investigating a bizarre crime involving a tree stand, a damaged hardwood, and a thief who’s dumber than the average vandal. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reported this incident on Nov. 14.
Based on the evidence at the scene, conservation officers believe that the suspect was trying to steal a tree stand that was set up on public land in Crow Wing County. Unable to unlock the stand, the suspect resorted to using a chainsaw to try and take the whole setup. However, as they cut into the trunk, the falling tree’s weight caused the chainsaw bar to become firmly trapped. The suspect was forced to abandon their chainsaw in the tree, where it was later discovered by the stand’s owner.
The DNR reports that “the morning hunt was ruined for the tree stand owner,” and the county sheriff’s office is now investigating the attempted theft.
The Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to comments, and the status of their investigation remains unclear. It is also unknown whether there is any photographic or video evidence of the incident. Although trail cameras are legal on public land in Minnesota, it is unlikely that any were pointed towards the tree stand location.
If the suspect responsible for attempting to cut down the tree stand is identified, they could face charges of attempted theft and hunter harassment. In Minnesota, hunter harassment is a misdemeanor punishable by a $375 fine.
However, the fine seems inadequate in this case, as tampering with a tree stand can have severe, even deadly consequences. Moreover, the thief could have purchased a new gas-powered chainsaw for less than the fine and still had money left over for felling wedges, which would have prevented the chainsaw from getting stuck in the first place.
The fact that the hunter had gone through the trouble of locking the stand to the tree suggests that stealing and sabotaging tree stands has become increasingly common in hunting areas. Reports from various media outlets confirm this, and multiple hunting forums have dedicated threads discussing such incidents.
Regrettably, this recent incident serves as another reminder that there are plenty of dishonest and unintelligent thieves out there.
A skilled hunter, dedicated conservationist, and advocate for ethical practices. Respected in the hunting community, he balances human activity with environmental preservation.