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[email protected]

When you read other growers stories about thier tragedies with vandals, you always think that will never happen to you.

Wrong.

It happened today (or sometime since I put them to bed last night and today at 2 PM) which looks like someone took a claw hammer and hacked away at my two fruits in my patch (898 Knauss measuring in the 850 pound range and my 723 fruit measuring near 600).

The injuries didnt go into the cavity, which is nice, but they will never be the same. I would never do anything to anyone else in this fashion, cant think of any enemies, and right now am contemplating not doing this nerve wrecking hobby next year.

The police came, but could only ask basic questions, and say if anything else comes to mind, or happens, call them.

Oh well..

9/20/2004 9:06:49 PM

Mastic Beach, New York

that sucks Rock..i hope they hold up until weigh off... blowing them up is one thing , but when some one tries to take you out is another..

9/20/2004 9:25:51 PM

Kenyon, Mn.

Woodpeckers?? Can't think of any critter, other than the "pileated' woodpecker,who's mark looks like a chisel hack

9/20/2004 9:28:20 PM

Commack, NY

Rock, man that sucks. i hope they hold to the weighoff for you.
Scott

9/20/2004 9:34:25 PM

[email protected]

I just released the pictures & was horrified. Hammer damage for sure.

I'm sorry Rock. This sort of thing can't be justified. I too hope they hold.

9/20/2004 9:52:58 PM

Eugene, OR

Bummer man. It makes me sick just looking at it. I hope you catch the guys and show them what vandalism is all about!!

9/20/2004 10:32:14 PM

Www.extremepumpkinstore.com

Call me if ya find em, give em a good ass beating.

9/20/2004 11:15:00 PM

In the shade - PDX, OR

UGHH!!! We have enough challenges with Ma Nature!

I feel your pain.

9/21/2004 12:49:49 AM

Colorado Hail, CO. Elev. 5,900 FT

Rock;
Don't let some jerkass punk ruin your hobby and fun. I know how that feels, I had 10 plants stolen from my front doorstep, never found the culprit, and almost packed in my genetics patch plans. I had a horrible year weather wise, but I'll have to say, I'd rather deal with the horrors like these than not grow at all.
P.S. I suggest getting a rottie.... nobody comes near the door these days, not even the cops...

9/21/2004 12:56:48 AM

Sequim, WA

Hey Rocky, saw the pic's and feeling kind of queasy now. I've been in your shoes, but not to the same extent. It was several years ago and my pumpkins were smaller and the damage not as bad. Still, it's an awful feeling to have something like that happen. I don't know what to say. Do what your heart and gut tell you. Pay no attention to your head though, if we did that none of us would be growing these things. I hope they hold up and go heavy.
Chris

9/21/2004 1:37:37 AM

Ljubljana, Slovenia

No comment… or let me say one thing that I came up facing the pumpkin theft. It’s life. There are idiots, murders and all sorts of low-lives among us. We have to face this fact and learn to protect ourselves and our love ones (this includes pumpkins, LOL).
Still, I have a problem realizing that these Homo sapiens individuals are members of our society.
Do not let them win!

9/21/2004 2:16:36 AM

Rhode Island

ROCK
CHANCES ARE THERE ARE ONE OR TWO REASONS THINGS LIKE THIS HAPPENS
A VERY MEAN COWARD WITH A GRUDGE, OR SOME KID THAT HAS NO CLUE THE AMOUNT OF WORK INVOLVED WITH THIS HOBBY
A FRIEND OF MINE IN NY STATE HAD SOMEONE SPRAY " ROUNDUP " ALL OVER HIS PLANTS IN LATE JUNE ------ TALK ABOUT A COWARD WITH A GRUDGE
KEEP YOUR CHIN UP, IMPROVE YOUR SECURITY AND GIVE IT HELL NEXT SEASON

DICK

9/21/2004 5:16:00 AM

Ohio

Seriously empathize. I lost everything two years ago. Though not as big, still a PB. I felt like giving it up. So much work for someone (kids) to just ruin.

My wife tracked down neighborhood kids and with some type of wonder woman type power made the vandels admit their actions.

Now I have no trespassing signs everwhere and an electric fence that kids would have a hard time overcoming. 3500 volts baby!!!

Works so far. Do not give up!

9/21/2004 6:34:55 AM

Billerica,Massachusetts

arsewipes!!!!! sorry rock!! time to form a posse!

9/21/2004 8:44:37 AM

ENGLAND

ROCK
Just seen the Pictures. What ever SCUM did that needs eye for an eye type punnishment.Carry a 2Lb hammer with you and if you hear of anyone boasting about what they did to your pumpkins put large holes in their skulls !!! and i am not joking. Back in 1996 i heard some local youths talkin about coming to do damage to my 662 & 463 a week before weigh-in. I just let them know that they are welcome to come and try their luck and if they got thru the gates they would have their legs and arms busted. they never came near.
Regards
Mike

9/21/2004 9:08:31 AM

North Ga

Ban all hammers in the U.S.! That has to be the worst feeling Rock. I hope they catch the cowards that did that to you!! Looks to me that the targets were a little more formidable than the suspects anticipated. Hope they pull through ok.

9/21/2004 9:28:51 AM

North Ga

If they are caught they should be pointed to this thread to see what folks think of them.

9/21/2004 9:34:21 AM

Western NY

Hey Rocky. i'm hoping they make it to elmira for you. i hope they get the guys but even if they don't, you gotta keep growing. booby traps everywhere next year. can't let them win.

9/21/2004 9:35:20 AM

Hudsonville, Michigan ([email protected])

Rocky:
That's about as low as it gets. I'm presuming it's a few teenagers (at least two/maybe three different hammers involved, looking at the shape of the wounds) on a mission to smash the ultimate pumpkin in the area. I've had teens come and try to kick in my AG's on Halloween after dark, when they're carved on my front porch. But never while still in the field. That's a new low. Sorry to see it happen to you.
Frank

9/21/2004 10:12:55 AM

Edmonton, Canada

Hey Rock, what a bummer. You still did a geat job, and should be proud. I would contact the police. I've heard of things like this happening in the past, and the vandals got charged. Might be worth a try.

9/21/2004 10:16:10 AM

Wroclaw, Poland (51 N, 17 E)

That is realy bad. I couldn't look at those photos.. horrible... I hope thet will make t othe weightoff and you will win. DOn't give up growing pumpkins it is still fun.

9/21/2004 11:26:59 AM

Sancoins / Cher / FRANCE

Horrible and cowardly, if one day it shall arrive at me, I swear you that I shall make him a head as a pumpkin

9/21/2004 1:04:33 PM

Bountiful,Utah,USA

SORRY! What a terrible thing to happen.
This was my first year growing AGs and had some punk make a threat toward my pumpkins. Because I told him and his girlfiend they were tresspassing. I worried for a couple of weeks I would have to track him down. He never did anything though. But the worrying was bad enough. I can only imagine the feelings you are going through. I hope you dont let some punks, who's parents may have never taught them respect for others, ruin your hobby for you.

9/21/2004 1:21:22 PM

Joliet, IL

rock, sorry brother.
that sucks. humanity is not to be trusted and it sucks
when that reality shows its ugly head. most are good
by nature, but human beings do some horribly vicious things
to each other and each other's hard work and property.
after finding my first years effort lying split in the
middle of the road, i got a survelience camara hooked up to
a recorder. movement activates the camara to record in the
day and the flood lights and camara at night. i have a TV
monitor in my solarium room so people can see themselves as they approach the patch area and then also signs warning
of survelience and prosecution to the fullest extent.
it cost 500 bucks, but worth the peace of mind, especially
away on long weekends or vacations. most kids are good
by nature, but put 5 or more 14 year old boys together
and anything stupid can happen. i remember being young
and dumb and doing regretable things when the double
dog dare comes out. and my neighbor hood is filled with
idiot punks, so the only peace of mind was going high tech.
there are many good home security sites on line with
these easy to assemble survelience stuff. you can never
completely stop vandals, but at least you have evidence
to get revenge, justice, and retribution this way.

9/21/2004 1:54:50 PM

[email protected]

I just saw a security device in the most recent catalog of Northern Tool. I think it was motion detector operated. Day or night, the right motion detector can be tied into either lighting or an audible alarm or both. Since most thieves & vandals are cowards, any reasonable sort of security device effort usually pays off big.

9/21/2004 2:05:40 PM

Key West, FL

damn shame

9/21/2004 2:07:35 PM

Western Pa.

Rock,
Extremely sorry to hear the news. We have learned how to overcome problems with insects,rodents,deer, groundhogs,fungus, disease, fertilizer, stem problems, etc., etc., etc. Sadly, we are still plagued by BUTTWADS! (I'm holding back when I use that term, for I'm reprimanded here when I use stronger language!) For some odd reason, I read a "message" between the lines in what pap has written above. (I know exactly what he's referring to.) To the perpetrator: I have no pumpkins notable this season, but I WILL KILL YOU if I EVER find you in my patch! (And also,WHOEVER sent you!) Take note!

9/21/2004 2:16:31 PM

Northern Cambria, Pa.

Who ever did this was definitely at the very bottom of the gene pool. They may laugh but they are not happy. They may breathe but they are not living. They may exist but they are nothing. Anyone who would take away anothers hard work, pride and heart for no reason does not deserve to walk on this planet!

9/21/2004 3:23:03 PM

Vancouver, White Rock, Canada

@#$%&@ !! What kind of low life does this? Thats about 4-5 people on this website alone who have had to deal with theft / vandalism this year!? You almost need a razor wire fence around your patch nowadays. Brutal. With the reduced amount of vines and leaves on my plant, the pumpkin is now visible from the street, so it's only a matter of time before someone sneask in for a quick shot, I just hope I'm home when it happens...

9/21/2004 3:27:52 PM

Billerica,Massachusetts

there are all kinds of security devices available for somewhat cheap money, i recently purchased two cameras that are wire-less and will hook up to a tv or vcr other attachments are available that would turn the vcr on via a remote sensor also driveway detectors are under 100 bucks and use an infra-red beam to detect vehicles or people entering your property, if you have an old baby monitor that can also be used to detect sounds in the patch.
Glenn

9/21/2004 3:34:45 PM

Butler,PA([email protected])

Hey Rocky, I'm really sorry to hear the news and hope you still salvage a weigh-off out of them. With deeper hopes, it would be nice to catch the low lifes. No matter what though, hang in there. I would hate to see you give it up.
Hang tough, Chip

9/21/2004 3:53:01 PM

Massillon, Ohio

wow i read this post and then took a look at the pictures a little later. i really feel like crying for you man. something similar happened to my boyfriend his first year growing (but they actually completed the hole; to remove seeds?)...i had never seen the poor guy so heartbroken. i couldnt even imagine what you are going through.

9/21/2004 5:43:46 PM

Paradise Mountain, New York

Rocky, I know what your going through. I was kinda in your shoes in 2002 when some teenagers came and robbed the seeds out of my pumpkin. I feel bad for you. Some people just don't see how serious us growers are and what time and money we put into our pumpkins. I hope you find out who did it and you have them arrested like I did. But it doesn't heel the pain and suffering your dealing with now. Don't give up. Your a serious grow and life goes on. I hope you think it over good and hard and you grow some next year. I am sure you will, brian

9/21/2004 6:26:36 PM

canal winchester ohio

I feel for you Rock, you have always been a good guy to me & if you need any "help" solving the problem drop me a line. I got your back Hoss.............Paul

9/21/2004 6:30:10 PM

ontario

Rock I saw your pics you sent.........gives me a sick feeling in my stomach....your a great guy and I don't know what to say....the thought crosses my mind at times near Weigh-off time, will some vandals stroll by......Rock I hope you can put it behind you and come back next year and kick butt....wayne

9/21/2004 6:40:52 PM

San Luis Obispo Ca

I would find them and eat their face! That makes me so upset dude, I am sorry!

9/21/2004 9:46:26 PM

Vancouver, White Rock, Canada

Kind of a bizarre looking pumpkin attack. If an adult were to take a hammer to a pumpkin, you'd think the damage would be on the top of the pumpkin, not near the bottom on the sides... think about it, you'd probably swing down onto the pumpkin from above. To damage the sides like that you'd have to bend over and swing from the side, unless the person was crouched behind them hiding from view? Hmmmm... sorry, doing a little criminal profiling here...

9/22/2004 6:52:03 AM

Vancouver, White Rock, Canada

Oh ya, and if found, I too advocate the eating of the face thing. Don't give up.

9/22/2004 6:52:38 AM

Taber, Alberta

Hey Pumpkinbrat, you say you had seeds stolen. Did they ever find the culprits and what punishment did they get? Just curious.
Alan

9/22/2004 4:31:57 PM

[email protected]

Thanks for all the wonderful posts of support, the damage is done on the end because I had sunhuts over the fruits, and the vandal lifted up my blanket I had on the fruit, did thier damage then "recovered" the fruits. I walked by them 2 times before I finally took the blanket off the fruits that afternoon. Cant change what has happened, nowI am trying to move forward with what I have left. Best Buy Warehouse wanted a fruit for thier employees to guess the weight contest so I am letting them have the 723 bobier fruit for a week. I hope it holds up till then for them.

Again, you growers that are in bp.com are awesome. Nice to see the backing and outpouring of emotion in the posts. I do love the Hannibal Lecter quotes - "Ill eat thier face off"..

9/22/2004 4:39:15 PM

mcminnville oregon

I gave two local NURSERYMEN. ATLANTIC GIANTS. To grow in their employee garden? Its huge but they picked the far corners to avoid, temptation???? Yep thier 400lb pumpkins & Squash were snatched mid August.. One could only hope it feed the migrants til they shatt like a gackle of geese???? We feel your pain!

9/23/2004 1:35:46 AM

Colo.Spgs.CO. Pikes Peak Chapter @ [email protected]

I live in a military town and have had the pumpkin vandal/theft problems at my patch too, and now I have a sign that came from a military instalation ( that they were throwing away ) posted next to my patch that says... ARMED GUARD ON DUTY..And this sign also has a powerful motion sensor light on it and the patch if anyone dares to get close at late hours....Included in this little game is a mannequin head peeking out of a window toward the patch with a light on it, also whom looks like a hard core gang guy with a cigarette in his mouth, dark glasses, and a backwards baseball cap on....lol.This is my armed guard...lol.This setup seems to work well, as you have to think like the criminal to deter the criminal...... Get those guys next season Rock, or become the booby trap king doing it..lol

9/23/2004 4:13:34 AM

Warwood

Rocky,
Man I'm sorry to hear about those *^(*&^(*& destroying a fruit they have no idea of. It is a hard sport sometimes.
I had three major attacks by varmints, which left me thinking of Caddyshack and the golf course attendant, which destroyed most of my plants and then smiling as they're running out. I also lost two biguns the last two years to splits. There are so many factors that can happen. Those idiots will grow a little more mature by next year and karma will prey on them. "I would not only eat their face but make them eat their own brains as Hannibal did in the movie." Don

9/24/2004 8:01:24 PM

Akron, Ohio (Brimfield)

A look into Interdisciplinary Anthropology might reveal the true culprits: Bipedal Primates with EXTREMELY LOW Cranial Capacities! (Small Brains) Get a pumpkin patch protector, “Ruff Ruff” and get one that bites REAL HARD! If you catch them, you could “purée” them and feed them to the pumpkins, they have hearty appetites. Example: One evening if it was not for Jayden barking, I would have never known that three kids were standing at the corner of the fence peering into my patch. They meant no harm, but Jayden let me know they were there, and I went out and talked to them. They definitely did not want to mix it up with Jayden, but if Jayden would not have been there, who knows, one or two “dares” later I may have not had a patch. Ruff! Ruff! Come get some, I'm a DOBE!!!!

9/24/2004 9:21:45 PM