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Tree Stand Murders
This true story splashed all over the news on November 21, 2004. A deer hunter shot eight and killed six other deer hunters including a young woman. In the Blue Hills east of Rice Lake, Wisconsin, Chai Soua Vang―caught trespassing on private property and occupying another hunter's tree stand―became infuriated and exploded into a rampage after being tongue-lashed by the property owner. Anguished over marital and financial woes, exhausted by working two full-time jobs, and possessed of a quick temper, Vang carried a heavy load of anger―he was walking dynamite. Because the shooter was Hmong and the victims were white, the media reported this as racial. In actuality, race played a minor role. Cultural differences, private property rights, and a personality clash created a gripping drama. Containing information not previously known to the public, the book illuminates, in easy-to-read story format, the backgrounds of those involved, the anger-filled and heart-wrenching incident, the exemplary trial―and answers the critical question of who shot first.
- GenresTrue Crime
204 pages, Paperback
First published January 17, 2015
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43 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
May 12, 2020
I grabbed this book randomly when quarantine was about to happen and I had 1 hour before library close. This book is about a huge murder case that happened in 2004. Being young and sheltered I didn't fully understand what was going on. It was interesting to read this book and have everything explained to me. I felt the author did a good job at trying to be logical and statistical and not bias.
While reading this book all of sudden I read my uncle and cousin's name. I had no idea that my uncle was the person that Vang ran into after killing six, and asked my uncle for directions out of the area. Just crazy! I contacted my cousin's wife and she informed me that my uncle and his son were called to testify in the case. I had no idea.
"This true story splashed all over the news on November 21, 2004. A deer hunter shot eight and killed six other deer hunters including a young woman. In the Blue Hills east of Rice Lake, Wisconsin, Chai Soua Vang caught trespassing on private property and occupying another hunter's tree stand became infuriated and exploded into a rampage after being tongue-lashed by the property owner. Anguished over marital and financial woes, exhausted by working two full-time jobs, and possessed of a quick temper, Vang carried a heavy load of anger he was walking dynamite. Because the shooter was Hmong and the victims were white, the media reported this as racial. In actuality, race played a minor role. Cultural differences, private property rights, and a personality clash created a gripping drama. Containing information not previously known to the public, the book illuminates, in easy-to-read story format, the backgrounds of those involved, the anger-filled and heart-wrenching incident, the exemplary trial and answers the critical question of who shot first."
While reading this book all of sudden I read my uncle and cousin's name. I had no idea that my uncle was the person that Vang ran into after killing six, and asked my uncle for directions out of the area. Just crazy! I contacted my cousin's wife and she informed me that my uncle and his son were called to testify in the case. I had no idea.
"This true story splashed all over the news on November 21, 2004. A deer hunter shot eight and killed six other deer hunters including a young woman. In the Blue Hills east of Rice Lake, Wisconsin, Chai Soua Vang caught trespassing on private property and occupying another hunter's tree stand became infuriated and exploded into a rampage after being tongue-lashed by the property owner. Anguished over marital and financial woes, exhausted by working two full-time jobs, and possessed of a quick temper, Vang carried a heavy load of anger he was walking dynamite. Because the shooter was Hmong and the victims were white, the media reported this as racial. In actuality, race played a minor role. Cultural differences, private property rights, and a personality clash created a gripping drama. Containing information not previously known to the public, the book illuminates, in easy-to-read story format, the backgrounds of those involved, the anger-filled and heart-wrenching incident, the exemplary trial and answers the critical question of who shot first."
February 14, 2025
I have participated in the Wisconsin Deer rifle season for nearly 20 years, every one of those years near Sawyer county.
When the Chai Vang murders took place during the 2004 season, I was 13 years old. We heard it on the radio and I remember thinking, "Who would do this? Why is someone stalking the woods wearing camouflage shooting and killing hunters?"
What I didn't know was that it was an isolated incident that was taking place close to our own hunting grounds.
My family has a similar deer hunting tradition that the victims had. Reading the reconstruction of the events, I could imagine my own Dad telling me to hide in our cabin and then riding into the woods to heed cries for help from my cousins, brothers and uncles. I cannot fathom a reality where they were being gunned down senselessly during what should be a joyous tradition of camaraderie. Having 6 members of my family deleted in a violent instant is unimaginable.
I felt this book did very well explaining the events and the cultural and historical backgrounds. I am glad that it was written using logical conclusions based on evidence and likelihood of how it transpired. Even all these years later it is difficult to make sense of the absolute brutality and ruthlessness of the murders perpetrated by Chai Vang.
I learned a great deal about the contribution and sacrifice that the Hmong people made in Laos to try to stop the Domino Effect of Communism. When they were left to fend for themselves after things went south in Vietnam, the survivors were given an escape hatch: America. The U.S.A gave many Hmong people a home and new opportunity to prosper, but under the condition that they would live under the rule of law, just as any other U.S. Citizen must.
Chai Vang was an angry, desperate man who clung to his need to prove himself and who refused to be insulted or demeaned after knowingly trespassing on someone's land.
The fact is: Vang shot 8 people who were wearing blaze orange, mostly in their backs, killing 6. In his own words during the trial, 4 of 6 of the victims "deserved it". Vang made himself judge juror and executioner, the rule of law apparently meant nothing to him.
No matter what words were said to him in those woods, nobody deserved to be shot in the back in cold blood.
When the Chai Vang murders took place during the 2004 season, I was 13 years old. We heard it on the radio and I remember thinking, "Who would do this? Why is someone stalking the woods wearing camouflage shooting and killing hunters?"
What I didn't know was that it was an isolated incident that was taking place close to our own hunting grounds.
My family has a similar deer hunting tradition that the victims had. Reading the reconstruction of the events, I could imagine my own Dad telling me to hide in our cabin and then riding into the woods to heed cries for help from my cousins, brothers and uncles. I cannot fathom a reality where they were being gunned down senselessly during what should be a joyous tradition of camaraderie. Having 6 members of my family deleted in a violent instant is unimaginable.
I felt this book did very well explaining the events and the cultural and historical backgrounds. I am glad that it was written using logical conclusions based on evidence and likelihood of how it transpired. Even all these years later it is difficult to make sense of the absolute brutality and ruthlessness of the murders perpetrated by Chai Vang.
I learned a great deal about the contribution and sacrifice that the Hmong people made in Laos to try to stop the Domino Effect of Communism. When they were left to fend for themselves after things went south in Vietnam, the survivors were given an escape hatch: America. The U.S.A gave many Hmong people a home and new opportunity to prosper, but under the condition that they would live under the rule of law, just as any other U.S. Citizen must.
Chai Vang was an angry, desperate man who clung to his need to prove himself and who refused to be insulted or demeaned after knowingly trespassing on someone's land.
The fact is: Vang shot 8 people who were wearing blaze orange, mostly in their backs, killing 6. In his own words during the trial, 4 of 6 of the victims "deserved it". Vang made himself judge juror and executioner, the rule of law apparently meant nothing to him.
No matter what words were said to him in those woods, nobody deserved to be shot in the back in cold blood.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 6, 2015
Wow. I discovered this book while trying to find a book that takes place in the area that I live in for one of the categories in a book reading challenge. I am surprised that I hadn't heard about this book earlier. I also thought this was a good time of the year to read this one since it happened 11 years ago this November. I think that the author did a very good job of presenting the facts and keeping it non biased. When this event happened the Media jumped on it as a racial incident and after reading his story I really don't think that it was. He also did a good job of helping us see where the Hmong come from and their story along with the background and story of the victims. Very good presentation of a very difficult event. It made me sad all around though, for both sides.
March 22, 2020
Good book
This book hit close to home for me as my family has a summer cabin north of Rice Lake. While I do not know 2 of the victims (Laski and Drew) personally, I know of Laski as he did built our garage at our lake place. Denny Drew is a cousin of a lifetime friend. As a teenager, I got to work in the racing pit for the Drews and while I am sure I met them, I do not remember them. Well written but word of warning, this is not a book to read at bedtime! Good read!!
This book hit close to home for me as my family has a summer cabin north of Rice Lake. While I do not know 2 of the victims (Laski and Drew) personally, I know of Laski as he did built our garage at our lake place. Denny Drew is a cousin of a lifetime friend. As a teenager, I got to work in the racing pit for the Drews and while I am sure I met them, I do not remember them. Well written but word of warning, this is not a book to read at bedtime! Good read!!
April 7, 2022
This was a very interesting book. It gave background on the Hmong people, their role in the Vietnam war and background on Chai Souza Vang. It also gave background on all of the victims. Such a tragic avoidable situation! If the redneck hunter wouldn’t have gone off on his racist rant Vang would have walked away! Not saying they deserved to be shot but certainly escalated the situation. Vang was a hot mess. A tragic collision course of tempers!
March 19, 2021
This some BS bias book I ever read.
Written by a white person who don’t even know their stuff.
Took the opportunity to release a book proving how white supremacist is real.
Realize how all the reader are some 50 year old white people who are racist.
Written by a white person who don’t even know their stuff.
Took the opportunity to release a book proving how white supremacist is real.
Realize how all the reader are some 50 year old white people who are racist.
July 25, 2017
Riveting story of conflict between cultures during Wisconsin's deer hunting season.
July 23, 2019
Great read. Every hunter should read this.
January 31, 2016
Picked up this book for my husband, but I ended up reading it myself. Quick read. Author presented the information in a fair manner.
The situation of cultures trying to co-exist is present all over our country. I happen to live in Wisconsin and this event was extremely sad and devastating for everyone.
Great job by the author.
The situation of cultures trying to co-exist is present all over our country. I happen to live in Wisconsin and this event was extremely sad and devastating for everyone.
Great job by the author.
February 4, 2016
Thought the author did a pretty good job covering all aspects of these tragic and senseless murders. This case hits close to home as my husband was involved as a law enforcement officer and we are familiar with the area of the murders.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews