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Recent Game Warden Encounter
#5492264
12/22/14 12:54 PM
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Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 17
Brippley
OP
Light Foot
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OP
Light Foot
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 17 |
Yesterday afternoon the wife and I, and our home builder were sitting in our house discussing a new home we were consider building, and we noticed some movement in the yard and saw a man standing there wearing a uniform waving towards the house. Recognizing it as some kind of Law Enforcement, I exited the house and approached him, it was a Game Warden. Our counties Game Warden had retired and this one was recently assigned to our county. I asked if he was responding to a call, thinking I could help direct him to where he might be needed, he said no. He told me he had saw some deer blinds on our property and wanted to "check the place out". I noticed his vehicle in the road and asked how he was able to enter, as I have a electronic gate opener, he said that they operate on a radio frequency and he is able to key up on his radio, on a certain channel for entry, works on some but not all. He noticed a deer leg bone my dogs had been chewing on, asked me if that was a deer bone, told him yes I had killed two, he asked to see my hunting license, which I showed him, all was in order. He then left my property. Thinking on the encounter, I was not sure why he was there. I know they have a tough job, but what was the "Probable Cause" for entry onto my property. My deer blinds are viewable from the road but have been shut down with covers for several weeks, we had been outside earlier walking around the build site and had not heard any gunshots, at all, anywhere. Our house is about 1/4 mile down a windy road and can't be seen from the entrance. I know deer and game are the property of the State of Texas, that is until you hit a deer on a road and they damage your vehicle, then they have nothing to do with it, but do they have the right to "check the place out" because my deer blinds are visible from the road?
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Re: Recent Game Warden Encounter
[Re: Brippley]
#5492269
12/22/14 12:57 PM
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 60,296
stxranchman
Obie Juan Kenobi
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Obie Juan Kenobi
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 60,296 |
Are idiots multiplying faster than normal people?
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Re: Recent Game Warden Encounter
[Re: Brippley]
#5492276
12/22/14 01:03 PM
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Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 17
Brippley
OP
Light Foot
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OP
Light Foot
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 17 |
Our family has owned the property since 1938, yes we hunt it, we only allow family on it, Never have we ever seen a Game Warden on our ranch. I have encountered Game Wardens fishing, all were great encounters, but this one does not seem legit.
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Re: Recent Game Warden Encounter
[Re: Brippley]
#5492296
12/22/14 01:21 PM
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 29,034
Western
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 29,034 |
Texas Parks and Wildlife Code:
In Chapter 12 section 103 An authorized employee of the department may enter on any land or water where wild game or fish are known to range or stray. No action may be sustained against an employee of the department to prevent his entering on land or water when acting in his official capacity.
If at first you dont succeed, then skydiving is not for you..
"Don't trust everything you read on the Internet"- Abraham Lincoln Dennis
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Re: Recent Game Warden Encounter
[Re: Brippley]
#5492303
12/22/14 01:24 PM
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Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 17
Brippley
OP
Light Foot
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OP
Light Foot
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 17 |
Ok - that answers my question, Thank you.
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Re: Recent Game Warden Encounter
[Re: Brippley]
#5492304
12/22/14 01:24 PM
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Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 21,271
SniperRAB
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 21,271 |
Have any enemies or hard feelings or dealings with anyone that may call in...Not being facious just that is a option. Could have been related to someone close and was just checking out the scene,I wouldnt worry to much sounds like all was well. Also Welcome
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Re: Recent Game Warden Encounter
[Re: Brippley]
#5492324
12/22/14 01:35 PM
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Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 17
Brippley
OP
Light Foot
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OP
Light Foot
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 17 |
Don't think so, no neighbors within a half mile and we all get along very well, have to look out for each other out here. No worries about it, but was really surprised to see someone not invited on our property standing in our yard. And thank you for the Welcome. I have been monitoring this site and the fishing forum for many years, good site.
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Re: Recent Game Warden Encounter
[Re: Brippley]
#5492326
12/22/14 01:35 PM
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Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,540
Sparky45
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,540 |
I wonder if he would have cut a chain and lock off of your gate, just to "check the place out"?
The only easy day was yesterday
NRA Life Benefactor Member
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Re: Recent Game Warden Encounter
[Re: Brippley]
#5492337
12/22/14 01:41 PM
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Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 17
Brippley
OP
Light Foot
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OP
Light Foot
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 17 |
Reading the above, I would say yes. "No action may be sustained against an employee of the department to prevent his entering on land or water when acting in his official capacity.
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Re: Recent Game Warden Encounter
[Re: Brippley]
#5492343
12/22/14 01:44 PM
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Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,540
Sparky45
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,540 |
I wished he would come up here and start and investigation as to where all of the deer have gone. they all disappeared a month ago.
The only easy day was yesterday
NRA Life Benefactor Member
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Re: Recent Game Warden Encounter
[Re: Brippley]
#5492346
12/22/14 01:45 PM
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 22,260
Texas Dan
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 22,260 |
Last season I had one stop and ask to see my license while I was dressed in street clothes working on a tractor. He asked me if I had been hunting that year and after I said yes, that's when he asked to see my license.
I have to wonder if our local constable will one day stop and on knock on my door and ask to see my driver's license and proof of insurance after seeing our vehicles parked in the driveway.
"Some people will never like you because your spirit irritates their demons."
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Re: Recent Game Warden Encounter
[Re: Texas Dan]
#5492353
12/22/14 01:49 PM
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Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,540
Sparky45
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,540 |
Last season I had one stop and ask to see my license while I was dressed in street clothes working on a tractor. He asked me if I had been hunting that year and after I said yes, that's when he asked to see my license.
I have to wonder if our local constable will one day stop and on knock on my door and ask to see my driver's license after seeing our vehicles parked in the driveway. the law says you don't have to answer questions of the police if they question you, shouldn't that apply to GW as well? I mean, 5th Amendment and all... you could have just smiled, been respectful and said, have a nice day sir I'm kind of busy and I don't have time to chat with you.
The only easy day was yesterday
NRA Life Benefactor Member
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Re: Recent Game Warden Encounter
[Re: Sparky45]
#5492366
12/22/14 01:55 PM
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 22,260
Texas Dan
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 22,260 |
Last season I had one stop and ask to see my license while I was dressed in street clothes working on a tractor. He asked me if I had been hunting that year and after I said yes, that's when he asked to see my license.
I have to wonder if our local constable will one day stop and on knock on my door and ask to see my driver's license after seeing our vehicles parked in the driveway. the law says you don't have to answer questions of the police if they question you, shouldn't that apply to GW as well? I mean, 5th Amendment and all... you could have just smiled, been respectful and said, have a nice day sir I'm kind of busy and I don't have time to chat with you. Agreed. But why be a jerk even when confronted ...
"Some people will never like you because your spirit irritates their demons."
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Re: Recent Game Warden Encounter
[Re: Brippley]
#5492373
12/22/14 01:59 PM
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 19,818
TurkeyHunter
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 19,818 |
Sounds like an opportunity to have built a relationship with a new game warden. You might need his help some day.
To be determined
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Re: Recent Game Warden Encounter
[Re: Texas Dan]
#5492379
12/22/14 02:02 PM
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Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,540
Sparky45
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,540 |
Last season I had one stop and ask to see my license while I was dressed in street clothes working on a tractor. He asked me if I had been hunting that year and after I said yes, that's when he asked to see my license.
I have to wonder if our local constable will one day stop and on knock on my door and ask to see my driver's license after seeing our vehicles parked in the driveway. the law says you don't have to answer questions of the police if they question you, shouldn't that apply to GW as well? I mean, 5th Amendment and all... you could have just smiled, been respectful and said, have a nice day sir I'm kind of busy and I don't have time to chat with you. Agreed. But why be a jerk even when confronted ... why do you associate that with being a jerk? we're not talking about an Open Carry Texas event. No legal council worth a crap will tell you to talk to police if they approach you and start asking questions. you can still be respectful and decline to answer questions, it's not hard to do.
The only easy day was yesterday
NRA Life Benefactor Member
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Re: Recent Game Warden Encounter
[Re: Brippley]
#5492391
12/22/14 02:06 PM
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 4,906
luv2brode
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 4,906 |
yep as said above maybe he was getting out trying to meet people, coulda done it better but eh
i am cancelling my subscription, i am tired of your issues!
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Re: Recent Game Warden Encounter
[Re: TurkeyHunter]
#5492429
12/22/14 02:21 PM
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 6,135
landsurveyor
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 6,135 |
Sounds like an opportunity to have built a relationship with a new game warden. You might need his help some day.
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Re: Recent Game Warden Encounter
[Re: TurkeyHunter]
#5492431
12/22/14 02:22 PM
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 29,034
Western
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 29,034 |
Sounds like an opportunity to have built a relationship with a new game warden. You might need his help some day. I agree, great help when you need it. BTY, iirc, when they make contact with you as this one did on your place, he is bound to keep any personal info to himself, if he does not, then you have a right to sue at a 1k cap, should be in the same code. I agree with Scooter (Sniper Rab), GW probably saw the blinds and just made contact, sounds like he is new to your area, so he is just getting the feel of the county. Once you admit to have actively hunting, he is compelled to look over your license I would imagine.
If at first you dont succeed, then skydiving is not for you..
"Don't trust everything you read on the Internet"- Abraham Lincoln Dennis
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Re: Recent Game Warden Encounter
[Re: Brippley]
#5492434
12/22/14 02:24 PM
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 27,091
Nogalus Prairie
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 27,091 |
We've debated this before. They have broad authority as has been shown-basically the right to go anywhere wildlife is and/or where there is "hunting activity" taking place.
But their rights go no further than any other LEO-though many seem to "push it". IMO one is going to "push it" too far one day, someone will challenge it, and some of that IMO overbroad statutory authority will get taken away.
Encounters like yours and the one Dan related just don't sit well with me.
I learned long ago you can't reason someone out of something they don't reason themselves into.
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Re: Recent Game Warden Encounter
[Re: Nogalus Prairie]
#5492494
12/22/14 02:53 PM
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 39,549
redchevy
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 39,549 |
Encounters like yours and the one Dan related just don't sit well with me. X2 We are law abiding citizens and have nothing to hide. However if the game warden shows up wondering about on our property he will be respected called sir and asked to leave.
It's hell eatin em live
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Re: Recent Game Warden Encounter
[Re: Brippley]
#5492522
12/22/14 03:06 PM
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 19,818
TurkeyHunter
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 19,818 |
The interesting thing is if we were reading about this in the Game Warden Field Notes and it talked about a GW entering a property after seeing hunting stands and subsequently finding evidence of illegal deer and hunting without a license, the response on the THF would be overwhelmingly positive.
If any of you think the GWs have too much power or authority, then contact your state legislator. The laws were made by all of us through the legislative process.
I understand Game Wardens find various illegal activity by walking around and investigating.
To be determined
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Re: Recent Game Warden Encounter
[Re: Brippley]
#5492569
12/22/14 03:25 PM
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Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 645
Hogman4127
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 645 |
Do not undertsand how people get upset when a GW talks with them at their deer camp
Last edited by Hogman4127; 12/22/14 03:26 PM.
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Re: Recent Game Warden Encounter
[Re: Hogman4127]
#5492606
12/22/14 03:39 PM
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Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 6,041
tlk
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 6,041 |
Do not undertsand how people get upset when a GW talks with them at their deer camp No kidding - we welcome the GW's when they come into our camp. We are totally respectful towards them and they are the same towards us. We do everything on the up and up so nothing to fear. We want them familiar with our property in order to help in the event poachers come around. Each one we have met over the years have been professional and very reasonable
You can't fix stupid
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Re: Recent Game Warden Encounter
[Re: Brippley]
#5492608
12/22/14 03:39 PM
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Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 28,032
Navasot
Hollywood
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Hollywood
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 28,032 |
Just a way of saying hello for them... no biggy
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