deplorable
FNG
- Joined
- Sep 30, 2016
- Messages
- 12
This is completely wrong. I get where your coming form though. Most of our laws are written to tell us what we can't do, i.e., you can murder someone, you can't run a red light... The fish and wildlife regulations in every state, to my knowledge, and the federal F&W regulations are written in a manner that tells us what we can do, anything outside that is illegal, i.e., method of take. In the case of F&W laws, the burden of proof is primarily on the hunter. these laws are Prima Facie, meaning a fact presumed to be true unless disproved. Keep in mind that it says presumed, not assumed, there is a big difference there. So if your seen in the woods, carrying a weapon, a warden can legally presume you are hunting, and it is up to YOU to convince him/her that you are acting legally. Prima Facie is why a warden has the legal right to search you, your vehicle, your camp, even your home, without a warrant. Now this comes with good reason. in crimes on people, there is generally a complainant/witness. In crimes on animals, there is not; thus the needed latitude for wardens versus cops.
We are talking hunting, and hunting has a specific definition. That definition is not to shoot, it generally talks about pursuing game, in every state; so be careful with you view of hunting. So if your done hunting, and still want to carry a weapon, you may want to be sure to separate the ammo from the gun, even remove the bolt. In doing this, you are clearly meeting YOUR burden of proof.
It's not completely wrong.
A GW can certainly write the ticket, but when you get to court in front of the judge, he is going to have to provide evidence that you were actually breaking the law. Not just his opinion that he figures you were. The problem is most folks are either guilty, or the ones that aren't just pay the fine instead of messing with fighting the ticket.
Yes, game and fish laws define what you can do. But that doesn't mean that you can't carry legally a gun in the woods outside of a hunting season. Unless of course you are in an area with a specific regulation that says you can't.
And a game warden cannot search your home (unless you consent) with a search warrant. If he watched you shoot a deer illegally and followed you home, sure that different. If someone called and made a complaint, and he just shows up at your house and walks in without consent? Illegal.
I know a sheriff deputy that will not allow a GW to search his boat if the GW is just waiting at the ramp. He does it just to prove a point. The GW walks up and always asks - can I check your boat? Livewell? Why do they ask? To be polite. Generally not. To get consent which most us just politely give. Anyway, the warden usually says something along the lines of he has a right to search. The reply is always - not without a warrant. GW says he doesn't need a warrant you were fishing because you have fishing rods. Sheriff then asks, did you see me fishing? Do you have proof I was fishing, because those poles are always in this boat. It always end with the GW not getting his way, because he has no proof to justify his search. And the sheriff never discloses he is a law enforcement officer. He does it to prove a point, and he does.
I do completely agree with you. Don't be stupid and make it easy for the GW.
All this is good stuff. But I'd love to see the situations and specific questions I mentioned above answered by someone.