[hunt1up]

I know we need enforcement of our laws but that fact that game wardens can come onto private property without a warrant is BS!

 

[LiteSpeed1]

From what I have been told is that if they walk in the woods on you while you are hunting and they are dressed in full uniform if you can prove that via picture it is considered hunter harrasment and they can be terminated from their posistion

Hunter harassment for doing the job they are paid for by the public? I doubt it. With that line of thinking, if you are hanging from your safety harness and the Sheriff's dept or rescue personnel walk in to help you, are you going to claim hunter harassment?

 

[Kb83]

I do believe if your on private property they are supposed to still have probable cause to be there. They can't just come walking in for no reason. Either someone called them or they saw something up believe something was up.

This is how it should be. However it isnt. Atleast here. They can walk right onto your property for no reason other than they saw a orange hat in a treestand or saw you in camo enter the woods. They do not need probable cause.

sent from my LG Escape.

 

[3dn4jc]

I know that game wardens have allot of power, but to the OP question, I don't know in your state how far their authority reaches.

 

[xcal1ber]

Dont hold me to this, but I think they have to have a reason in Kentucky to enter private land. They can't just come strolling through. I wouldn't be mad if I was the OP. IT just means they are doing their job.

 

[Cjclemens]

During firearm season, our CPO's fly a plane all over the place. I wish they would just walk out in the timber and do checks, because that stupid plane is ridiculously loud and they fly really low. They might as well ride a Harley with straight pipes through the timber, at that point.

 

[vtbowhntr]

actually a warden can not go on private property without landowner consent or a search warrant to check stands or hunters, they need to follow the same rules as all law enforcement. If I was public land then yes they can. That is the law, they have a tough job and I like to see they are doing it, but they must follow the laws also. I asked a friend about this who is a lawyer, he provided me with the info.

 

[mn5503]

During firearm season, our CPO's fly a plane all over the place. I wish they would just walk out in the timber and do checks, because that stupid plane is ridiculously loud and they fly really low. They might as well ride a Harley with straight pipes through the timber, at that point.

I hunt next to an airport, it's crazy loud some days. It seems like the last hour of light is the best time for student pilot "touch and goes" and treestand fly overs.

 

[tyepsu]

Unfortunately it is legal in most states even without probable cause. I have a few pieces of land that I have received permission to hunt and the landowners have told the game wardens to stay the hell away. Legally, they can still come back; however I think some of the wardens have stayed away just to keep the peace. Some things sound good on paper, but when it comes to real world application do not turn out as well as intended. I know it varies from state to state also. I have heard the Wardens in Ohio are friendly and helpful. Here in PA most WCO think because they have a badge they are some type of bad@ss and most assume every hunter they come into contact with is guilty. I have no issue with them going after poachers, tresspassers (they can't in PA... only local or state law enforcement can do this unless another game law violation is being committed) if they have evidence a violation is taking place. I do have issue when they simply see what appears to be a hunters vehicle parked somewhere and they start walking all over private land looking for who they assume must be in violation of game laws. They actually have more power (Example: don't need a warrant) than state and local law enforcement. "Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely."

 

[MiamiValleyYoop]

Game wardens can come on private and public land for any reason they want. In any state, it's part of the federal game laws.

 

[Squirrel]

Once when I first started hunting a PGC officer stopped us; my dad, my uncle, my brother, and myself. He was nice and we talked hunting after he did his check. I have seen them at parking areas since but never again since that day has one approached me hunting. That was in 1983.

I do not have a problem with them doing their job, it does stink they come right to your tree and ruin a hunt. But that's better than them not doing their jobs at all.

 

[TheScOuT]

I know they can go check anybody at anytime...that's their job and it is needed with all the bozos running around firing up the woods and the antics they pull. Some of the stories around here would blow your mind what people do and call it hunting.

Deep down inside, I would get pissed. I would of course comply and put on a smile. I always hunt 100% fully legal so I never have anything to worry about. The warden basically ruined the hunt without a very good reason. He knows before he enters the woods to check hunters at their stands that he will waste their hunt and their time for that day. To me it seems arrogant and unnecessary.

I have had them wait next to my car after it got dark to talk and check everything and I have also been stopped at checkpoints but that does not bother me. The warden here waited by my car and I walked out...we ended up talking for about 45 minutes and swapping cell phone trail cam pics. He explained where his stand is in the same area...turns out his stand is about 200 yards from mine!

 

[WUD DUK]

I think here in Missouri they can do as they please. Public land or Private. Having a hunt spoiled can really suck but they are just doing their job. I do think it will be more respectful to wait for you at your vehicle though. Some agents are pretty cool guys, some others ,not so.

 

[brutus82]

Sure wish they'd check more guys around here! Ive only been checked once and that was about 17 years ago while **** hunting.

 

[miklacic]

My father and I were walking down the road a few years ago and a couple of Wardens spotted us and stopped to check us out during shotgun season. We each are carrying shotguns and our concealed handguns as he rolls down the window and starts chatting us up. Almost immediately my father proceeds to tell the officer that he has a concealed carry permit and he is armed (Ohio is a notify state). The officer gives him a kind of strange look as he looks at the shotgun and says "I can see that you are armed."

It was actually the second time I've been queried by a warden, once fishing and once hunting. Must be my sketchy appearance.

 

[HoytTough]

Game wardens can come on private and public land for any reason they want. In any state, it's part of the federal game laws.

Yup. What he said. Those boys can do about anything they want

 

[Absolute Archer]

I have to say growing up in PA. I have been checked several times by wardens and every time it seemed they were made when their was nothing to right me up for and I grew to not like them much. However I have had run ins with wardens in Oregon, and Alaska with a much different response. They have always seem to want to help me out with info. that has ALWAYS paid off for me in a big way. I have nothing but much respect for those wardens in Alaska for the great job they do. I guess there are always going to be good and bad in every role in life.

 

[WUD DUK]

There's a TON of poaching around here. It's pathetic! I've found several buck carcass' with the heads cut off over the years. I'd love to catch some of these idiots and turn their azzes in. The state can keep the reward money!!

 

[Skeptic]

Game wardens can come on private and public land for any reason they want. In any state, it's part of the federal game laws.

You are wrong.

 

[AllOut]

You're hunting, they know it. Thats probable cause to them lol
You "might" be doing something illegal.
No different than a cop pulling you over cause he saw you leave a bar and thought you "might" have been drinking. Even though you were driving just fine. Or road blocks...