This has been my experience as well. I did run into one during archery elk season a couple of years ago, but he just waved to me as I passed by...he was talking to another group and never stopped by my camp.Never seen one deer hunting. But I see them all over during antelope season.
The majority I’ve had interactions with the last ten years have been great folks.Been hunting deer seasons in MT for 7 years and this was the first year I saw a warden, just outside Forsyth. Nice kid, Logan Moore - just graduated in April. Said they had 76 wardens statewide. I will say that they have been very easy to contact by phone and very helpful.
There used to be dedicated enforcement stations years ago. I grew up in Park City (west of Billings), and there was always one at the last rest stop on top of the hill. It does seem that almost all "check stations" now are biological ones with little to no enforcement presence.At the check stations I think are usually college kids or bios, maybe the wardens will stop by but don’t think they hang out there.
The handful of remaining and long-standing check stations have been used to collect varying data on hunters and critters. The two that closed down years back where I’m at used to have a warden around most days, along with area biologists, techs, and volunteers (undergrads). Tags were verified for enforcement, but it was primarily for biological purposes. Heck, I checked a mountain goat in once where they didn’t even ask to see my license until I was about to leave.At the check stations I think are usually college kids or bios, maybe the wardens will stop by but don’t think they hang out there.
Well shoot, you’d know better than us!!I ran into an enforcement check station on I-94 this year on the way back from antelope hunting. Probably 10-12 wardens; I knew three of them- the rest are young!
When I was in Region Seven, we ran at least two or three big interstate check stations per year. At the time, I think we probably ran more than most other regions.
Impromptu (one or two wardens) check stations were always a staple enforcement activity. I always thought it was a very efficient way to check hunters & harvest. I'd be surprised if they actually moved away from those, but anything is possible????
I probably hit the same one, saw it set up again last week or the week before as well. Stopped in and they just asked if we'd harvested anything and what area(s) we were hunting. They had a testing station set up as well.I ran into an enforcement check station on I-94 this year on the way back from antelope hunting. Probably 10-12 wardens; I knew three of them- the rest are young!
When I was in Region Seven, we ran at least two or three big interstate check stations per year. At the time, I think we probably ran more than most other regions.
Impromptu (one or two wardens) check stations were always a staple enforcement activity. I always thought it was a very efficient way to check hunters & harvest. I'd be surprised if they actually moved away from those, but anything is possible????