Dept of Fish and Game

[JRS]

Would anyone happen to know how much legal authority the DFG has over a hunter while hunting with permission from the owner on private property?

 

[nfhjr62]

Would think only have Legal Authority as to any and all Game Laws, as long as you have legal permission from the land owner.

 

[areaone]

I would think they must have a reason of suspiciaon or probable cause to do anything but to request your hunting license, fi stopped say no more than requested and do not, I REPEAT, do not volunteer any information. 75% of the time they can find something to write a ticket for if they look hard and long enough. Many years ago I was going to receive a citation for hunting on private property without written permission, what a arrogant SOB, I kept asking him who did own the property that I was hunting on, of course he could not tell me, but he knew that without written permission I was in violation, I suggested he check his plat book to see who the owner was, of course he did not have a plat book, I finally asked him to to get in his car and leave, he was trespassing on MY property without written permission. He Left. I live in Illinois 200 miles south of Chicago, not much has changed in those thirty five years for the good, only for the worse. Probable cause to stop you vehicle by a Game Warden is if you are wearing an orange cap he has resonable suspicion to belive that you were hunting and that is enough, since we are all required to wear an orange cap while deer or upland game hunting. Had a game warden that laid in a field around a Sunflower field in camo for 7 hours before he popped up like a jack in the box to check everyone, Over thirty of us shooting that day and not one citation was issued. Hope the mosquitos ate him up.

 

[JRS]

I was reading an article this morning about a young man, 22 years of age, who killed the largest mule deer buck on record here in the Peoples Republic of Ca. It happened in San Diego County of all places. He was on private land with permission from the land owner. Days later after the DFG got wind of the kill, the young man was cited for shooting within 150 yards of an unoccupied barn. As the story unfolds, we find out the game warden who issued the citation was also trying to hunt this big buck, as was the land owner. The land owner admitted he gave permission, that the hunter was shooting in the opposite direction of the barn, and was 115 yards away. He was bowhunting. Dropped it at 32 yards. The rack, meat and cape were confiscated. 2 days later, on the same property, another hunter was given permission to kill varmints on the property. He was allowed to set up within 50 yards of the same barn using a 22 caliber rifle. He killed a couple of coyotes. Same owner, same game warden. The game warden checked his hunting license, wished him good luck and walked away. Sound to me like the game warden and land owner were pissed that the bowhunter killed the very animal they were trying to kill for sometime. Looking at the records in Ca, this buck was huge.

 

[rvn1968]

It varies by state of course,but in many states they have more power than any other LEO. Armed searches of your property without having to seek approval (heard of poaching in the area). Here in Connecticut,I've found respectful and polite game officers,but don't be surprised if they know your land better than you do.

 

[NorCalMikie]

In California, the DFG has as much authority as any other LEO.
They get called in as backup if another LEO needs help.

 

[Glenn Powell]

I know one warden who has helped with shutting down more then a few Meth labs in north texas. It has always been my view that 100% cooperation with any law enforcement official is easier and faster then withholding information, they know your doing it, and will dig till they find it, its there job. I for one am glad there doing what they do, and will show them due respect.

 

[markr]

I know that in Kentucky, as well as most other states that I have enquired about, Fish and Wildlife oficers have not only State arrest powers, but as well, have Federal search and arrest powers. This means that they have more "power" than State police. In Kentucky, I have been told by good authority that the "game wardens" here in Ky must issue XX number of speeding citations for which they carry the latest laser speed detectors, they must pull over XX number of potential DUI and participate in roadblocks for same put on by local police. As well, they participate in State. Local and Federal drug searches and arrests, sometimes being the only officers present with Federal arrest powers!
The short answer is that YES they can go about anywhere they choose and search just about any premisis...based on "probable cause"...which we all should know seldom goes in favor of the searched!

 

[rwk]

They have more power then a cop.

 

[wapiti25]

I had bad run with a Calif. game warden years ago. I'm staying with friends in their house, hunting their property for ducks and geese. The game warden in his hunting clothes shows up on sunday morning and wants to see my written permission (did not have), we then go to the house and he tells the owner that he is going to write me a ticket. Owner wants to see the warden's written permission, that he does not have just verbal same as me. The warden decides to leave so he does not have to get a ticket. Landowner told him to bring a warrant before coming on the property or he will be accused of tresspassing.

 

[abishai]

in Oregon we abbreviate them to the department of F A G .

 

[Larryh128]

I have seen a few good ones & a bunch of State Police rejects.

 

[people]

Here in ND they can pretty much go anywhere they want. In SD they seem to have much less power. My cousin shot a buck there was a blood trail from where she shot it to where it died. Maybe a 50yd run spraying blood like a wagner power sprayer. In SD you need permission to get your game. The GNF guy said he wanted no part of it and left. The land owner is a bow hunter only and does not let anyone but bow hunters on his land. So I just said I will get it. Then my relatives got it for her.

Here in ND you just drop your gun at the fence and go for it.

 

[Hopkins]

Our DNR is loaded with old timers who got hired by way of political favor. They have tainted a large portion of the force with their success and seniority that has been gained in spite of their lackluster performance. Good ole boys still rule this agency in S.C..

 

[Bert]

In Michigan you are guilty until proven innocent. They just think they are all that. There are a couple good ones but the rest bring the entire state down. Had another bad run in this last week. Might i add i have never been ticketed or verbal warning. I am almost done hunting in our state. You boys out west have it made!!!!! Much better department out there helpful and understanding.

 

[areaone]

Has anyone noticed that LEO of any type have less public respect now than at any time in the past. Maybe it is the old addage . You get what you give. Who pays their salary, and how is the law abiding taxpayer treated by most LEO? Just food for thought. If I did not know bettter, I would believe that they all get paid by piece work.

 

[mr45man]

I have had numerous contacts with fish cops/ fish and game.
Only the first one when i was a teenager did i think OK
he was just doing his job.
The rest were pure BS. Like giving tickets in the parking lot
if your tire was on the white line? not over it but just touching it.
Or the filet in your cooler with the skin on was way longer than
the min for that species of fish.

Or having the warden come on to your property and tell you
not to shoot after dark when there is no law against it.but they get calls and do not want to deal with it. ( I made sure i fired a round or two after dark a couple of times a week after that one)
Not much respect here .All these agencies are becoming one big
police force dont you see? Fish and game giving speeding tickets and parking tickets. I guess the 16,000 new IRS agents will get a badge and gun and a ticket book?
OK IM done
John H.

 

[Bodei]

Boy, the OP was trolling and caught his limit of "fish stories" on this thread!

 

[newgun]

What I hate is how they go on and on about hate dangerous their job is so they can crape on your rights and need all the best of everything They make it sound like we force them to take a risky job.

most are on such a power trip it is sick
And yes I do know some about wich I speek and all so their are some great ones.

 

[22XC Guy]

Here's what Pennsylvania states 2/08 Update;

Chapter 9 Enforcement, Subchapter A 901. A [2].. Go upon any land or water outside of buildings, posted or otherwise, in the performance of the officer's duty...

Chapter 25 Protection of Property and Persons 2508 [3] b... Posting boundaries-- The boundaries of the lands, waters or premises set forth in subsection [a] shall be clearly defined by the appropriate posters or markers calling attention to the fact that the land or water within the boundary has been set apart for the specified purpose for which it was intended and that hunting upon or shooting on the property is prohibited. No privileges shall be granted by those owning or operating the posted lands or waters to other person to hunt for any game or wildlife upon the property; nor shall the person or persons owning or in charge of the lands be eligible to hunt for any game or wildlife on the lands or waters...