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Question about game wardens

backyardtndeer said:
If he came in on the neighboring property, maybe that neighbor had a concern or a complaint, could be that simple. Property lines aren't always clear either, apps aren't always accurate. If a neighboring landowner called him, possible they had a trespasser or poacher, he was checking out. Maybe the landowner you were on could talk with the neighboring landowner that the gw was on to see if they knew he was there and why.
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It's possible that's the case. We actually saw a truck pull into the neighboring property yesterday at the same time we were driving in to set up the blinds. The truck parked and was still there 3 hours later when we left at dark. Just assumed they may have been deer hunting even though we never saw them get out. Could have easily missed them. Starting to think they were also watching us. Not sure why they would be concerned with us hunting because the pond is a good 50-60 yards from the property line. I've found often times people just have trouble minding their own business.
 
backyardtndeer said:
If he came in on the neighboring property, maybe that neighbor had a concern or a complaint, could be that simple. Property lines aren't always clear either, apps aren't always accurate. If a neighboring landowner called him, possible they had a trespasser or poacher, he was checking out. Maybe the landowner you were on could talk with the neighboring landowner that the gw was on to see if they knew he was there and why.
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We've hunted this spot for probably 10 years now and have never had an issue is the weird part. Property owners haven't changed or anything. Also if the neighbor had a concern what would it be? Trespassing? Warden could see we weren't trespassing, shooting before legal light? It didn't happen either. Only thing I could think of would be that someone said we were baiting but the warden didn't even bother to walk over and check the pond. It's like he was just watching hoping to catch us in the act of something and when he didn't he decided to cross the property line and ask for licenses.
 
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My thinking is this; If a case with what I believe the facts to be ever end up in court, we may just have a reversal of the ruling due to Open-Fields Doctrine. In the original case, if they had sought a warrant to place the cameras we would not have had the ruling in the first place. I think most of us honest hunters have no problem with them checking for game violations on private property, I know I don't, but when they are trying to actually build a case, warrants need to be applied for and issued.
 
Rainbowtrout1 said:
We've hunted this spot for probably 10 years now and have never had an issue is the weird part. Property owners haven't changed or anything. Also if the neighbor had a concern what would it be? Trespassing? Warden could see we weren't trespassing, shooting before legal light? It didn't happen either. Only thing I could think of would be that someone said we were baiting but the warden didn't even bother to walk over and check the pond. It's like he was just watching hoping to catch us in the act of something and when he didn't he decided to cross the property line and ask for licenses.
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And that was illegal on his part and i would bust his chops on it just like he would have yours!
 
what would yall do? I found his email. Would you message him directly or contact the main office? I'm not wanting to make it a big deal but like someone said if he had gotten the chance he would have busted us without thinking twice. He should be held accountable as well IMO. Might just send him a direct message and see what happens.
 
Rainbowtrout1 said:
what would yall do? I found his email. Would you message him directly or contact the main office? I'm not wanting to make it a big deal but like someone said if he had gotten the chance he would have busted us without thinking twice. He should be held accountable as well IMO. Might just send him a direct message and see what happens.
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If you just want an answer, as I said I'd speak to a Command Officer. You don't have to make a complaint or be a Richard just to ask for information. What you do with that information is up to you. I'd hope you would share it with all of us.

I'd like to know. We see people all the time posting "The cops need a search warrant to search your car!" That's so ignorant its laughable, but it continually gets posted as fact.
 
The landowner would be the one to address this IMO. I hope someone videoed or got proof. Around here the wardens are finding loopholes through the hog permits so a lot are just dropping their hog permits but still shooting the hogs anyway of course.
 
DaveTN said:
If you just want an answer, as I said I'd speak to a Command Officer. You don't have to make a complaint or be a Richard just to ask for information. What you do with that information is up to you. I'd hope you would share it with all of us.

I'd like to know. We see people all the time posting "The cops need a search warrant to search your car!" That's so ignorant its laughable, but it continually gets posted as fact.
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If I proceed I'll update with the results. Preciate it fells
 
Rainbowtrout1 said:
what would yall do? I found his email. Would you message him directly or contact the main office? I'm not wanting to make it a big deal but like someone said if he had gotten the chance he would have busted us without thinking twice. He should be held accountable as well IMO. Might just send him a direct message and see what happens.
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If i am not the landowner I do nothing but smile and show my license. Not your fight to fight and anything you do to kick the bear would only be potential problems for the person giving you permission to hunt. As soon as you become more trouble than you're worth, you lose a good hunting spot. Regardless if the warden was right or wrong doesn't matter. Not your land not your fight.
 
Ski said:
If i am not the landowner I do nothing but smile and show my license. Not your fight to fight and anything you do to kick the bear would only be potential problems for the person giving you permission to hunt. As soon as you become more trouble than you're worth, you lose a good hunting spot. Regardless if the warden was right or wrong doesn't matter. Not your land not your fight.
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Landowner was one of the hunters. He was unaware that the laws had changed
 
Rainbowtrout1 said:
what would yall do? I found his email. Would you message him directly or contact the main office? I'm not wanting to make it a big deal but like someone said if he had gotten the chance he would have busted us without thinking twice. He should be held accountable as well IMO. Might just send him a direct message and see what happens.
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I would definitely go to his supervisor not him
 
Rainbowtrout1 said:
So this has to do with duck hunting but I knew it would get more attention here. All the rule changes that have taken place regarding game wardens being allowed on private land has become confusing to me. Yesterday evening my group put out and brushed in layout blinds on a private farm pond. This morning we hunted it. As we were almost back to our trucks at 9 am (200 yards from hunting location) we heard someone yell out from back towards our blinds. At that point we saw a TWRA officer step out of a thicket on the adjoining property and walk to us on the property we were hunting and asked to check licenses. Everyone was good but it was my understanding that unless the officer witnessed an offense that he had no authority to come into private land to check for licenses. Is that correct or wrong? Sucks knowing we were sitting there hunting while the officer was parked out behind us with binoculars all morning. Every single one of us got up and pissed in his direction atleast once lol I'm sure he got a kick out of it. Forgot to mention the land belonged to one from our group. Also I wanted to ask the warden about the rule changes but at the same time wasn't wanting him to stick around any longer. Sort of get the feeling I'm in timeout whether I've done anything wrong or not.
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I can only add about game wardens in Mississippi, they can go where no other State law enforcement can. I remember seeing something on here a few months back that a new law was passed in Tennessee that negates that authority.
 
They can't just walk on your property because someone says or word of mouth without probable cause. If you are in active violation and they can see you I'm pretty sure they can. If they couldn't then what would be the point to even have wildlife officers to begin with. I know for a fact it's a double edged sword. Cause they are no longer coming when you call about somebody poaching. At least that's what I was told. They would have to catch them in the act to do anything on private. If they don't catch them in the act they would need a sign off from a judge to go on the land otherwise. That takes time lots of time. So person would most likely be gone especially on a weekend cause can't get the judge to sign off cause he's not there till Monday. Keep us posted
 

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