Update - Hunting Equipment Stolen

Having all your equipment stolen and trying to replace it is a lot of work!

Besides making a comprehensive list of each item stolen I then had to go find those items in catelogs or stores (taking pictures of them) documenting partnumbers and prices to create a comprehensive list of everything missing and what it will cost to replace it.    I'm sure I have 40 hours of work into that piece of the project so far.

In addition I had to produce proof of purchase for as many of the items as possible.  I'm not real good on receipt keeping leaving me to use alternative methods as proof of ownership such as pictures of owners manuals and empty original boxes etc.   As you may have seen on FaceBook I've taken a few pictures of myself up in the tree stand or modeling my hunting suits (at home) so I was able to use those in some cases.    Some items will just have to be accepted on my word alone as I can't find supportive documentation for everything.   The bigger ticket items I have documentation of one kind or another on.

One of the sticking points was not having the serial number for my crossbow when reported to the police.   I contacted TenPoint who manufactured the bow and sure enough - I never did send in the warranty card so they couldn't help me.    After searching through many hundreds of digital photos I found a accidental camera shot that clearly displays the crossbow serial number when it was sitting on the front of my ATV in 2005 while I was attempting a front rack mounting/carrying system.  That attempt was abandoned for the side rack welded bracket that many of you have seen.   An accidental and worthless picture - all but for the serial number.  Lucky break.   Although, TenPoint uses a sticker type serial number that can be easily removed.    I contacted TenPoint and inquired why the SN wasn't more permanently engraved in the metal bolt slide or molded into the composite stock and their response was that thieves would find a way around the SN so it didn't really matter.    I don't agree.   Buying a gun or crossbow with the SN ground of it is a dead giveaway that its stolen and I doubt many people want to buy something that obvious to law enforcement.  I know I wouldn't.

After getting a non-official uncommitted sort-of-green light from my homeowners insurance (AAA Minnesota) I started to replace my gear.    I managed to talk Gail into letting me use a credit card for now - hoping the insurance company will reimburse us for what was stolen before the bill arrives.  I have my new crossbow which is nearly identical to my 2005 bow.  It's sighted in real well after a trip to Gander Mountain in Forest Lake, and I've replaced many of the other items.   Currently thinking I need to be careful as insurance has a $1000 deductible which I can't afford to replace right now.  Total loss is going to come in around $4900'ish leaving $3900 after deductible for replacement gear.   I think my total purchases so far are already $3600 so I'm going to hold off on any additional spending until I see a check from AAA.

The Nikon 600 range finder sent to me was DOA and had to be returned.  I don't want to hunt without it but if its not here by December 26 - then I'll go it using estimated yardage.   There will be 5 days left to archery season after Christmas and I don't want to miss my opportunity to score a nice deer from right here in my area versus driving 200 miles to hunt somewhere 'better?"   

Truth is,  there are deer prints in the roads right along side my house.   I shouldn't have to waste the time, expense and hassle to go way up north or down south to get a deer when I have plenty of public land to hunt within 40 miles of where I live.


More updates as the saga unfolds...  

Merry Christmas Everyone and God Bless all of us.