Bubblehide
Well-known member
- Joined
- Aug 3, 2010
- Messages
- 4,166
- Reaction score
- 53
Considering that if you are hunting or fishing, or look like you are or have been (have the gear) a warden has the right to search, no warrant needed; So I have always been friendly and forthcoming, offering them to search anything they desire. I have hiked both in and out during the dark. I have come out in the dark with game. I've been stopped on several occasions. Being checked by a warden only take a few minutes. But then offering up looking at pictures, GPS... speeds things up dramatically. If I am hunting on public property that borders private, I set my GPS to tracks mode, and have it store a trail where I have been. I also have the "Hunt Maps" mini SD card, that overlays onto the GPS map, So it's pretty clear if I have trespassed or not. I also take a picture of any game I harvest, with the GPS, so the time and location is stored in the unit. I have offered a few wardens a look, I have yet to have one actually look at my GPS or any pictures.
The bottom line is that Wardens have every right to look and search anything they want to, WITHOUT a warrant. So why not just offer it up, they certainly do not need to ask, and they do not need your permission. I do everything by the book, I stay on public lands, I carry only the ammo I hunt with; this goes for my truck also, i.e., I have no lead ammo, unless I am in an area where lead is okay... In short, I have nothing to hide. If I see them before they are in proximity of me, I unload my rifle (I'd do the same for a pistol, but I only carry one gun), trying to make it clear to them that I am unloading. I then remove the bolt. With the exception of one warden 35 +- years ago, every warden contact has been positive.
