I personally like having ours around. He is a nice guy and it makes me feel better knowing someone has eyes on my place when I am not there. I gave the gate code to our local warden and asked if he can drive through once in a while if he's in the area. He is the only non-family member with the code. I did LE in a past life and I cant say I enjoyed it much. I hold a massive amount of respect for these guys. Truth be told the super hard charging ones are probably young and scared sh#$less and trying to compensate for it as best as they can by being overly authoritative. Cant say it's this way for everyone, there are jerks everywhere. I am simply speaking from my own past experiences.

If you can't do your job with a good attitude, you need to find another job.

I've dealt with ole green pants a bunch over the years. Way more than I'd like. No really bad experiences really stick out, and I've received a few goofy citations for goofy mistakes. I know there are likely a few gws who are sour. But know that this man is working. He's likely been working all day and he's probably dealt with some real jerks.

this has to be my most repeated sentence I have typed on this forum: I have had many Game Warden checks both fishing and hunting and have never met a rude one. Most have been extremely friendly.

I've never had an issue with a GW. The only citation I ever got was for trespassing and that was dropped because someone had stolen the signs from the open gate I entered through. I've met them many times while fishing and more so while dove hunting in South Tx.

Sure is funny how all the people complaining, are mad because they did something wrong and got in trouble for it but it's the wardens fault

Yep, his thread didn’t go the way I’d thought.

If you give someone attitude or like some on here, go out of your way to make it difficult on them to check you, then you can bet they are going to look harder because you are being suspicious. Be friendly and upfront and they are just fine and will probably be more likely to cut some slack if you have "goofy mistakes"

Sorry to bring this up, but google Chris Fried and Daniel Diaz before feeling too rosy.

Chris still has his job, I believe.

I generally have had good experiences with wardens.

Last year two drove all the way thru the ranch we hunt (about 7 miles) and when they got to our camp they separated us and started getting our individual stories.

It was long after dark, had no game hanging, in coolers, no blood, etc.

They lightened up after a bit but they were a bit gruff at first considering there was no evidence of any game harvested.

I wanted to be a game warden for years as a young boy growing up. At some point around 15-16 my dad told me: "Son, if you want to be a game warden that's fine. But remember, you will never hunt an opening weekend again." That ended my dreams of being a GW. So while some may be "sour", remember they're working while you're having fun and relaxing.

I don't dislike game wardens at all. All of my encounters have been favorable but one and he got in trouble for that one. I just think they should have a good reason to enter private property other than just looking for violations.

Concur, my buddy got a ticket three years ago for no hunters ed. He was mowing the lawn(he did hunt earlier though)..

now I pretty much set him up on the Hunters ed since that’s the first thing I handed the GW was my hunters ed card even though I knew it was on my license also.... i was smirking the whole time.

GW has code to gate and key to cabin, i have nothing to hide,

I don't think its about nothing to hide. Would you feel the same way if a trooper or city police officer stopped you from time to time just to see if you had in violations in your vehicle even though you weren't doing anything illegal to be pulled over. If I violate the law I understand the right of any law enforcement to take action. I take issue to someone coming onto private property to look for violations. I've been taking a nap and woke up by game wardens wanting to check my hunting license. This makes no sense to me.

I have nothing to hide, and do my best to obey the game laws to the best of my knowledge. That being said, I don’t like them coming on my lease just because. If they got a call or tip, that’s one thing, but just to poke around to try and find a violation, that sits sour with me. I am LEO, and I have to have an articulable reasonable suspicion, if not probable cause (situation dictating). Seems most times I’ve had a run in with a GW they had nothing of the sorts

This right here is why I posted.. that scenario doesn’t sit well.. stretching their power a bit IMO..

+1

If they never entered private property, how would they ever catch anyone? If it was just road stops, seems cheaper to just train the Highway Patrolmen to do Game checks and leave the GW on the lakes. Or is it wrong to stop someone on a lake simply because they are driving a boat? Because as far as I know, an LEO can’t pull me over for simply driving.

Truly asking with all respect. I honestly don’t see how they could be efficient at their job without entering private property.

I'm pretty sure most of us don't want "the man" in our lives. Not saying I don't appreciate their help when needed or getting poachers their due. Saying that you're legal and and all don't mean [censored]. No one purposely invites officers in without good reason.

I’ve been in law enforcement 14 years. GWs are generally alone and many times are dealing with people that are drinking and have guns. That’s a bad combination. If they don’t know you, they probably are a bit standoffish to begin with. All my encounters have been very benign and uneventful. Putting locks on the gate to keep them out is inviting MORE snooping. Makes it look like there is something to hide. Just my .02. I’d love a GW around my place all the time. I’ve invited em out to come visit when we’re hunting and told them when we would be there.

BTW, I’ve met Stevarino and he’s a nice guy. I’m certain he was totally above board the whole time with the warden.

I can live with them not being efficient.

They chose that job. I'm not gonna use that as a justifiable excuse

I maybe working while they are relaxing, so what?

Not surprised at all. It's like all lawmen, do as they say. Not as they do.

Dustin I feel as if that was directed at me since I said goofy mistake. Pretty obvious I have had no bad experiences with wardens like I said. So if it was directed at me act like a 12 year old drill team girl somewhere else with your eye rolls.



My goofy mistakes
Shooting a spoonbill during teal season.
Leaving license in truck while dove hunting.
Removing the wings from ducks while on a multi day hunt out of town.
Grabbing a box of lead from the shelf at wal mart. Literally grabbed 4 boxes all but 1 was steal. Box wasn't opened but it was illegal.