How to deal with game wardens?

[3325]

If you haven’t had a bad encounter with a game warden, you’re not a manly man.

Ha! And certainly not a real patriot!

 

[DuckDawg22]

There was that NatGeo show "Wild Justice" 10 years or so ago that followed around CA game wardens, especially John Nores of "we're the special forces of marijuana enforcement" fame. Always hard to tell off of a tv show but for the most part they looked and acted like they could have been normal cops or sheriffs. None of the GWs I've encountered here looked like them, however. All have been puny chip-on-the-shoulder types that washed out of other LEO tracks and chose wildlife as an easier way to get a badge, these are definitely not hunters/anglers becoming wardens in CA

 

[Mtndawger]

Interesting story: as a kid we had a cabin in northern Wisconsin with a lot of state land around us and also a lot of private. Me and my friends used to free range a lot which often included hunting on both. Private landowners back then ( late 70’s early 80’s) were not nearly so uptight as they are now. Anyway I was hunting alone for squirrels, rabbits and grouse and I came out on a county road at the same time a forest ranger was patrolling for illegal Xmas tree cutting. He stopped me and questioned me ( 12 or 13 year old). I didn’t happen to have my firearms safety cert with me so he “ escorted “ me back to our cabin to verify it. Just so happened that my dad had a few tips ups placed out on the lake fishing for northern and walleye that were unattended while he went out for a snowmobile cruise. Long story short, the now involved conservation officer had a great interest in that and not so much in me. My takeaway was it was a petty move by the forest ranger to give a damn about a teenage boy out in the woods hunting. But that lead to a bust for my dad who was technically breaking the law. Draw your own conclusions. I hold no animosity toward either them nor current conservation and forest people. They have tough jobs protecting our natural resources. Own your culpability in breaking rules or laws.

 

[Speaks]

Interesting viewpoint, perhaps understandable. If so, perhaps this should be the way the warden treats any interaction also?

Consider:

“Make every traffic stop extending the olive branch of peace; while having a tactical plan to kill everyone in the vehicle.” - Source unknown

My understanding that this is exactly what they are trained to do. And frankly what the reasonably should likely do at the start of an encounter. As an encounter proceeds you gain more information and can continuously reassess.

Im sure the reality for everyone on both sides of the encounter is you can gauge a lot in the opening seconds of how it will go.

Also just to be clear the tactical advice coming out of how I think about this is to be polite, respectful and absolutely avoid anything that could be interpreted to be even remotely threatening

 

[Bubblehide]

There was that NatGeo show "Wild Justice" 10 years or so ago that followed around CA game wardens, especially John Nores of "we're the special forces of marijuana enforcement" fame. Always hard to tell off of a tv show but for the most part they looked and acted like they could have been normal cops or sheriffs. None of the GWs I've encountered here looked like them, however. All have been puny chip-on-the-shoulder types that washed out of other LEO tracks and chose wildlife as an easier way to get a badge, these are definitely not hunters/anglers becoming wardens in CA

Grow operations, when time permitted, were managed by the regional Interopperations Coordination Center, involving several agencies.

 

[DuckDawg22]

Grow operations, when time permitted, were managed by the regional Interopperations Coordination Center, involving several agencies.

John Nores would have you believe he invented marijuana eradication

 

[OregonSteeler]

Interesting story: as a kid we had a cabin in northern Wisconsin with a lot of state land around us and also a lot of private. Me and my friends used to free range a lot which often included hunting on both. Private landowners back then ( late 70’s early 80’s) were not nearly so uptight as they are now. Anyway I was hunting alone for squirrels, rabbits and grouse and I came out on a county road at the same time a forest ranger was patrolling for illegal Xmas tree cutting. He stopped me and questioned me ( 12 or 13 year old). I didn’t happen to have my firearms safety cert with me so he “ escorted “ me back to our cabin to verify it. Just so happened that my dad had a few tips ups placed out on the lake fishing for northern and walleye that were unattended while he went out for a snowmobile cruise. Long story short, the now involved conservation officer had a great interest in that and not so much in me. My takeaway was it was a petty move by the forest ranger to give a damn about a teenage boy out in the woods hunting. But that lead to a bust for my dad who was technically breaking the law. Draw your own conclusions. I hold no animosity toward either them nor current conservation and forest people. They have tough jobs protecting our natural resources. Own your culpability in breaking rules or laws.

That is an interesting story. Thanks for sharing and the transparency about your Dad.

 

[Mtndawger]

That is an interesting story. Thanks for sharing and the transparency about your Dad.

My dad was really pissed about it and gave the guy an earful about how the boy was out in the woods minding his own business and not loitering on a street corner causing trouble. Still had to pay the fine though!

 

[Bubblehide]

John Nores would have you believe he invented marijuana eradication

Yeah, a guy with time on his hands. However, I have no doubt he has had some very real experiences.

 

[Speaks]

Interesting story: as a kid we had a cabin in northern Wisconsin with a lot of state land around us and also a lot of private. Me and my friends used to free range a lot which often included hunting on both. Private landowners back then ( late 70’s early 80’s) were not nearly so uptight as they are now. Anyway I was hunting alone for squirrels, rabbits and grouse and I came out on a county road at the same time a forest ranger was patrolling for illegal Xmas tree cutting. He stopped me and questioned me ( 12 or 13 year old). I didn’t happen to have my firearms safety cert with me so he “ escorted “ me back to our cabin to verify it. Just so happened that my dad had a few tips ups placed out on the lake fishing for northern and walleye that were unattended while he went out for a snowmobile cruise. Long story short, the now involved conservation officer had a great interest in that and not so much in me. My takeaway was it was a petty move by the forest ranger to give a damn about a teenage boy out in the woods hunting. But that lead to a bust for my dad who was technically breaking the law. Draw your own conclusions. I hold no animosity toward either them nor current conservation and forest people. They have tough jobs protecting our natural resources. Own your culpability in breaking rules or laws.

Few years ago we were at my cabin opening it for the spring and got two quads started and took them down the drive out onto the road, went as far as the end of my property and turned around and as we were starting up the drive a truck up the road flipped on lights. We did not have the new tags on them yet. I told him I had the tags and would be happy to go grab them but he asked if he could follow me up instead. I said sure which was not a good idea.

He cited me for them anyway with the tags and also cited me for two more that were still in the barn, batteries out, with tags sitting right next to them on the work bench but not stuck on them yet.

First two were technically correct though kind of nitpicky, 2nd two I am pretty sure were not correct to cite for. Anyway I was not going to argue with him. He started quizing us about deer hunting "where do we put our corn" and other clearly violation seeking questions. I told him I was mainly a bird hunter and the mood totally changed. We chatted about about recent logging activity etc and it was friendly enough from that point out.

He called me later that afternoon and told me that since we were clearly not intending to violate anything and had all the tags that he would not submit any of the citations.

I would not submit this as either a good or bad interaction but emphasizes both the points that in a longer interaction they can fish for things to get you for while acting like they are helping you. And also that by being polite and respectful you can get some benefit of the doubt in return.

Only actual ticket I ever got was also in Northern WI, it was a life jacket violation in a canoe in about 18 inches of water about 5 feet from my shoreline and right next to my dock as I was putting the boat in the water and moving it up the dock to tie it off. I was 14 or so at the time. I dont even think I had a paddle in the boat.

 

[loganwayne]

man some of yall are way to up tight. I've had 4 encounters on land with game wardens, and a couple on the water, none have ever been bad.
1 was in a public dove field, checked for license, plug and how many i shot said looks good have a good day.
2 was about 3.5 miles from my truck walking back after hunting he drove up and it took me a minute to process he was a warden in the truck. checked me and asked if i wanted a ride back down the mountain, i declined and he headed on up.
3 was this year deer hunting i was quartering and de boning a couple does i shot in a CWD zone so had to be boned out. they checked my tags and asked if i needed any help.
4 was this year in WI grouse hunting, checked license and said have a good time watch for wolfs.

maybe i see wardens different as i hunt with a few and have police friends.

The most uptight ive seen a warden get was when we were floating the snake river in Grand Tetons, guy pulls a beanie out with the blank logo of the NC wildlife. I look over and ask him if he is a warden or works for the commission. That stood the hair up on the guys neck, come to find out he is buddies with one of the guys i hunt with.

 

[WRO]

I give them 5 minutes if pleasantries, if they start their bullshit with questions trying to trip me up I just ask them if I need a lawyer.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[akhunter3]

Few years ago we were at my cabin opening it for the spring and got two quads started and took them down the drive out onto the road, went as far as the end of my property and turned around and as we were starting up the drive a truck up the road flipped on lights. We did not have the new tags on them yet. I told him I had the tags and would be happy to go grab them but he asked if he could follow me up instead. I said sure which was not a good idea.

He cited me for them anyway with the tags and also cited me for two more that were still in the barn, batteries out, with tags sitting right next to them on the work bench but not stuck on them yet.

First two were technically correct though kind of nitpicky, 2nd two I am pretty sure were not correct to cite for. Anyway I was not going to argue with him. He started quizing us about deer hunting "where do we put our corn" and other clearly violation seeking questions. I told him I was mainly a bird hunter and the mood totally changed. We chatted about about recent logging activity etc and it was friendly enough from that point out.

He called me later that afternoon and told me that since we were clearly not intending to violate anything and had all the tags that he would not submit any of the citations.

I would not submit this as either a good or bad interaction but emphasizes both the points that in a longer interaction they can fish for things to get you for while acting like they are helping you. And also that by being polite and respectful you can get some benefit of the doubt in return.

Only actual ticket I ever got was also in Northern WI, it was a life jacket violation in a canoe in about 18 inches of water about 5 feet from my shoreline and right next to my dock as I was putting the boat in the water and moving it up the dock to tie it off. I was 14 or so at the time. I dont even think I had a paddle in the boat.

Not sure how you can view this as anything other than a bad interaction- he followed you onto your private property and cited you for inoperable machinery? Just because he walked back after the fact doesn't make it a good interaction

 

[Howdoyoulikemenow]

Been hunting for fifty three years and I’ve never had a single negative experience with a warden. A few falls back I filled my special permit bull tag by the tip from the local warden. Last fall in Colorado I realized that I left my hunters ed card at home three states and sixteen hours away two days before the start of my season. Located the local warden and sent him screenshots of my information off of my states website. He called back within the hour to let me hunt and notified two other local warden’s of the situation if I got checked. He didn’t have to legally do any of that. I feel he appreciated the honesty and gravity of my dilemma and responded in kind.

 

[rickyrguy]

I thought hunters ed stuff was just for the under 18 people?

If born after 1/1/1949, you are required to have your hunter's ed card on you while hunting in CO. The exception being if the card is "verified", which I believe entails some extra steps with CPW.

 

[Jesse Jaymes]

"He cited me for them anyway with the tags and also cited me for two more that were still in the barn, batteries out, with tags sitting right next to them on the work bench but not stuck on them yet."

"Only actual ticket I ever got was also in Northern WI, it was a life jacket violation in a canoe in about 18 inches of water about 5 feet from my shoreline and right next to my dock as I was putting the boat in the water and moving it up the dock to tie it off. I was 14 or so at the time. I dont even think I had a paddle in the boat."


These are "Intent". Did you INTEND to be out whipping schitties on the two down and non serviceable bikes? No. That guy can F right off.

Same with the canoe. Did you yet "Intend" to travel and navigate the waterways or were you launching a boat and waiting to get squared away, then travel? That guy can F right off too.

The entire concept of fines, citations and infractions is to dissuade criminal or negligent actions.

I have a huge issue with Driving while Intoxicated. I've gotten in near shouting matching with Prosecutors during training classes over this.

Guy gets hammered up. Too drunk to drive. Does THE RIGHT THING. Either pulls over, pulls into a lot, or never leaves the bar or event parking lot. Puts the keys outside the cab. On the roof. In the bed. In the ditch.

Will still get hooked for the DUI. Not DRIVING anything. The concept of the fines and arrest are to dissuade the drunk on the roadways potentially injuring others. Accomplished. The action ceased and did not occur.

Stop with the BS.......

 

[Pacific_Fork]

Interesting story: as a kid we had a cabin in northern Wisconsin with a lot of state land around us and also a lot of private. Me and my friends used to free range a lot which often included hunting on both. Private landowners back then ( late 70’s early 80’s) were not nearly so uptight as they are now. Anyway I was hunting alone for squirrels, rabbits and grouse and I came out on a county road at the same time a forest ranger was patrolling for illegal Xmas tree cutting. He stopped me and questioned me ( 12 or 13 year old). I didn’t happen to have my firearms safety cert with me so he “ escorted “ me back to our cabin to verify it. Just so happened that my dad had a few tips ups placed out on the lake fishing for northern and walleye that were unattended while he went out for a snowmobile cruise. Long story short, the now involved conservation officer had a great interest in that and not so much in me. My takeaway was it was a petty move by the forest ranger to give a damn about a teenage boy out in the woods hunting. But that lead to a bust for my dad who was technically breaking the law. Draw your own conclusions. I hold no animosity toward either them nor current conservation and forest people. They have tough jobs protecting our natural resources. Own your culpability in breaking rules or laws.

Those guys were the biggest douche bags, the warden fake wolf howling. It was worse than watching any scripted reality tv show full of do nothing house wives.

That show got an informant nearly beat to death out of cotton wood or red bluff area when he turned in a serial poacher on the show. They didn’t do a good job blurring his face and showed his house lol.

 

[streamerfish]

I've never had an issue....I've helped them multiple times bust poachers (fishing and hunting).

I feel kinda bad for the guys by where I elk hunt.

Almost a guarantee that they will have a handful of deer or cow elk "accidently" shot opening weekend of rifle bull elk hunt, probably minimum a couple intentionally poached bulls by people with no tag/license....And a bunch of people trespassing across the lower farm land that borders public land chasing herds of elk.

I've met some that aren't nice people, and seem to be eager for a "fight". But i honestly more or less ignore the attitude, I have my stuff in order. So i don't really worry bout it.

 

[Fartrell Cluggins]

Not sure how you can view this as anything other than a bad interaction- he followed you onto your private property and cited you for inoperable machinery? Just because he walked back after the fact doesn't make it a good interaction

I think otherwise. The warden gets back to the truck, reevaluates the interaction and decides that while there was a technical violation he should let empathy drive his decision. Few, very few, people are willing to admit they made a mistake or didn't make the best decision. It's rarer yet in the law enforcement community.

 

[BlackHillsShooter]

You'll be asked the same questions multiple times. Just be honest with your answers and it'll be fine. You can't screw up if you're honest during the interview.