Game Warden Encounters and Stories

[Alan]

I had a game warden stop me once while I was fishing. Just wanted to check my license, but he ended up giving me some great tips on where to catch bigger trout. Anyone else had a positive experience like that?,Funny story: I once tried to sneak a few extra fish into my cooler. The game warden caught me right as I was about to seal it up. Let's just say my buddy is never letting me live that down.,Have any of you ever been checked by a game warden that seemed a little too serious? I had one once that made me feel like I was on trial for a fishing crime!,I'm curious about everyone's best or worst encounters with game wardens. I once got a warning for leaving an empty can by my campfire. Lesson learned!,Just last week, I was out in the woods when a game warden approached me. Turns out I was on a closed road by accident. How often do they patrol your areas?,I've heard some crazy stories about guys getting caught when they thought they were in the clear. What's the craziest game warden encounter you've had?,One time I was hunting and got lost. A game warden found me and was super helpful, even guided me back to my truck. Do they usually go above and beyond like that?,Anyone ever had a humorous exchange with a game warden? I once tried to crack a joke and they just stared at me like I was nuts.,I had a game warden tell me that if they see you out there enough times, they start to think you're part of the landscape. Anyone else heard that line?,Ever had a warden pull up just as you're about to bail on a not-so-great fishing spot? One time it happened to me, and I panicked thinking I'd get a lecture.,What's the most memorable quote a game warden has ever said to you? I can't forget when one told me, 'The fish have more rights than you do!',A game warden once pulled me over for an inspection while I was mid-hike. He was really friendly, but I felt guilty for just enjoying nature without a license...,Anyone ever gotten a ticket from a game warden? I got one because I didn't realize my fishing license had expired by a single day!,I once mistook a warden for a fellow hunter because of his camo. He found it hilarious but reminded me to always check my surroundings. What about you?,Out in the field one day, I had a run-in with a game warden who ended up telling me about his best hunting stories. Ever had a warden share great advice?,I've noticed game wardens can vary a lot in their approach. Some are super laid-back, others are all business. What have you encountered?,One evening while camping, a game warden checked in on us while we were roasting hot dogs. He stayed for a quick chat — anyone else have a friendly encounter?,I was out duck hunting and got a visit from a game warden who seemed to know all the best spots. Ever had one share their secret spots with you?,Funny how a game warden can sometimes scare you straight. I had one approach me while I was cleaning a deer. I was nervous but he ended up being really cool!,Just wondering if anyone else feels a bit jittery whenever a game warden approaches? I always think I must be doing something wrong.,A friend of mine got caught with a couple of undersized fish, and I swear the warden was smiling as he wrote him a warning. What are the funniest punishments you've seen?,I had a warden lecture me about keeping the area tidy, which I totally deserved. How do you guys feel about their enforcement of those rules?,Ever had a run-in with a warden who seemed more interested in punishing than educating? I once encountered one like that — made for an awkward day.,Anyone ever had a warden help with a stuck truck? I was deep in the backcountry and was really grateful for the assist.,What's the strangest reason you've been checked by a game warden? I once got stopped just because I was parked next to a wildlife crossing.,Was fishing one time when a warden asked me if I knew the limit. I confidently answered, only to realize I was woefully mistaken. Oops!,I've had a run-in where I didn't have my license on me. The warden was kind enough to let me off with a warning. Anyone else get lucky like that?,Anyone have a story about a game warden showing up unexpectedly? I was camping and they just wanted to check how we were doing — always a surprise!,Had a game warden block my path while I was hiking. Turned out, he just wanted to chat about the local wildlife. Strangest encounter yet!,Ever tried to joke your way out of a ticket? I did once, and let's just say it didn't work out well. What about you?,I once watched a game warden give a family lessons on fish identification at a local river. Anyone else seen them educate in the field?,What's the most respectful game warden you've encountered? I had one once who ended up giving me some excellent conservation advice.,I remember a game warden talking about keeping our habitats clean after I was cited for littering in a camping area. Made me rethink my actions.,What's the weirdest item a game warden has asked you about? I once got questioned about a weird stick I'd found while setting up my campsite.,I've seen wardens sit by the side of the road just watching for good hunting stories. Do you think they enjoy listening too?,Anyone have a warden who seemed more like a hunting buddy than an enforcer? I think some of them enjoy the outdoors as much as we do.,Have you ever seen a game warden catch someone breaking the law? I saw a guy take a fish that was way too small, and the warden was right there.,I can't be the only one who feels like they're standing before a judge when a warden asks for my license. Share your most stressful encounter!,Ever struck up an unexpected conversation with a game warden? I ended up learning a lot about the local bear population during one encounter.,What's your strategy when a game warden approaches? Do you feel nervous, or do you just play it cool?,Seen any funny or strange game warden encounters while out hunting? I once saw one decked out in full camo, trying to blend in — it was surreal!,Ever had a game warden give you tips on hunting or fishing spots? I got lucky and ended up with a couple of great locations once!,Anyone felt like a game warden had a vendetta against them? I felt targeted during one of my early days fishing!,Last year, I had a heart-stopping moment when a warden pulled up during my hunt. What did you do to ease the tension during your encounters?,I've found that some wardens really want to educate while others seem to just want to enforce. Anyone else notice that difference?,I had a game warden spot me after a successful day of hunting. Instead of a lecture, he offered advice on processing the game. Any similar stories?

 

[2A Idaho]

I try to limit my interactions with fish and game cops as much as possible. And I resent some of their tactics to try and catch someone making a minor mistake just to write a ticket. I don't knowingly break any game laws and I don't need some college punk spying on me when I'm out in the woods. There's a reason why the fish and game regulations are overly complicated and hard to understand. A person needs to be part lawyer and part surveyor now days to understand the seasons.

 

[pantannojack]

In Arizona, late 80's I was questioned by an agent about magazine capacity of my Savage SxS 12 gauge while hunting doves. I replied: "2".