re: OT: what would you do? ZAG I NEED YOUR EXPERTISE!!!!!

First order of business is actually trying to talk to them, explain it damages your grass, which is expensive to maintain and get some 'no trespassing' signs. Also, when you talk to them, make it clear you are telling them that riding the quad through your yard is trespassing.

Next, is the dog actually a Pit? I would bet it isn't. Also, you didn't say, but is it actually aggressive? If it is really a pit and these people aren't trying to fight the dog, I'd would again bet that it isn't aggressive. Or does it just get angry when you go beating on it with a broom? I mean, shoot the people, but the dog is probably just looking for warm spot to lay in the sun. They are the best breed in the world (if that is what it is) when trained right, no reason to kill/hurt the dog because the owners suck, if it isn't "broken" yet. Sorry for that, but I hate the whole "OMG!! A pit! *jumps on chair* Somebody step on it and kill it, EEEEEEEKKKKK!!!" reaction people have to probably the naturally sweetest, most loving breed of dog on the planet because of inexcusable media bias, stupid movies and idiot thugs.

Back to the 'necks: Does you HOA allow you to and can you afford to put up a nice fence? A nice new little picket fence or something should be enough to get the message across. If they were to run through it, that would be vandalism and you could probably just go shoot at them at that point, but having them arrested and force to pay for the damage would be the better way to go. Make them pay for any damages to the grass as well.

If it gets to the point you need to start with the barb wire, etc. Caltrop are the way to go. You could just take some sheet steel, etc and something like tin snips and cut out little shapes to bend into a caltrop to slice their tires, but I prefer another method. Take some small gauge steel tubing, cut into 4 inch lengths or so, bend at an angle and weld the inside of two bends together so that it will stand with one point always straight up. Grind down all four points so they are sharp and then when the four wheeler runs over them, it will puncture the tire and the hollow tubing will ensure the air runs out very quickly, not blocking the air flow and leaves a good sized hole in the tire.

After they do that a few times, they may not know it was you, but they'll probably just stop riding those trails or at least coming in that way. Or just stop riding because they can't afford any more new tires.