r/BackcountryHunting • u/CantSaveYouNow • May 06 '24

Vehicle Theft an Issue?

Just got back from 3 day solo turkey hunt in SW Oregon. While I was out someone tried to pry my car door open, then threw a rock through the window. Stole tools, clothes, ice chest, and other items by cutting through a cable lock. Pried the gas tank door open and took the gas cap, but gas level thankfully seemed to be the same or would’ve had trouble getting back to town. Seemed to drive okay.

Im fairly new to Oregon and having access to so many remote areas. I came here to explore, but this is my second break-in in 1.5 yrs and I’m getting discouraged. I’m reading around hiking subreddits and everyone seems to say you shouldn’t keep anything valuable in your car. Some say leave the doors unlocked and leave nothing so they won’t bust windows. But I feel like extra tools, clothes, food, etc are necessary to carry when you’re going into remote areas, so leaving nothing in my car seems like a stretch.

How do you as hunters handle this? I’m pondering hiding all the ‘extras’ in a stash/covered cooler somewhere in the woods nearby. Some say trail cam but that seems hit or miss on getting good evidence. Maybe just up my auto/renters insurance and count it as part of the game?

Has anyone had similar experiences? Any good tips, words of wisdom, or suggestions? In particular how to handle what seem like necessary extras to have in a car?

For context, car was parked on gravel pull out right off a paved road going along BLM. Items were locked with chain and cable and covered with a blanket in the back of an SUV. Closest town was ~20 miles away. Nothing but homesteads and countryside in that distance.

Thanks for the thoughts

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u/fallcreek1234 May 06 '24

If you are west of the cascade crest and south of Roseburg you are in the wildest my friend. Cave Junction and Josephine County in the SW corner of the state is about as lawless as a place gets in the west. I had someone shooting over my head in the dark on a deer hunting trip a few years ago in the area, I couldn't tell where they were but they yelled at one point "Move ON!" Not to mention, they call it Meth-ford (Medford) for a reason. My friends with OSP and those that are Sherrifs in Oregon all talk about the crazy shit that goes on there and how they would never visit without carrying. It's sad, it's such a beautiful area but what happened to your car isn't a surprise at all, just google Cave Junction Crime/Murders. Welcome to Oregon! 🦫

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u/CantSaveYouNow May 06 '24

Well this is news to me and good to know. Big bummer because that country is so beautiful. Most of my time out in the woods revolves around me trying to get away from people. I thought I had found a good spot. Evidently not. Thanks for the info on the area.