game department check point

[GoldTip]

I have no problem with F&G check points, just have never seen one here in WA.

[JackOfAllTrades]

I've hunted in Washington for some 30 years and finally got to go through a check station last year with TESTAR77. Very professional wardens and local deputies in the Winthrop area. We had a legal Deer in the truck, tagged correctly. Both of us were wearing sidearms in the vehicle, all rifles in the truck were unloaded. Deputy asked TES to unholster his pistol and put it on the dash and provide CWP as he was asked to exit the vehicle. Deputy with me only asked for my CWP. I told the guy at the back of the truck that the canopy was unlocked as a deputy was opening things up. Gamie scampered in the bed to check the tag. No big deal.  -I guess that I didn't like that they just started opening things up. Kinda felt guilty until proven inocent about that moment. But, with trucks lined up behind us, yes every minute counts. I don't have a problem with the numbers of officials at a check point since they can look in more than one rig in a busy area at a time. And, as with all law enforcement, they are figuring 'everyone they pull over is armed'. Safety in numbers would also be my motto if I was them.

They've got a job to do. If we help them as much as possible, then we're helping ourselves.

-Steve

[WCTaxidermy]

Jackelope, I was typing the same thing when you just posted.  You are absoloutly correct.  Something to think about, 99% of the general public do not have any idea on police operations and tactics nor are they expected to.  

Something may seem over the top to you, but I can assure you that your safety and theirs are the utmost priority to them.  We need Law Enforcement out there to protect our hunting rights, and I think as ethical hunters we owe it to them to give them our cooperation.

I agree 100% that no Law Enforcement officer should be rude to any one!  Everyone has a different perception of what rude is.  Either way, I think we need to encourage them and try and work with them, instead of working against them.  That is just my opinion.  Ok, feel free to beat me up.  John  

[jackelope]

And, as with all law enforcement, they are figuring 'everyone they pull over is armed'.

another super important point made right there.
every single person these guys check is armed. someone may be a felon with a weapon...illegal, i think they go back to jail for this. maybe they don't want to go back to prison. maybe they don't care who they shoot.

it's law enforcement, not nordstrom's customer service.

[bearmanric]

i was at the vail checkpoint 3 year's ago. these two guy's pulled up next to me. the game warden asked if there firearm's were loaded the said yes. then they started to grab them. the game Warden said step back step back now. these guy's were in the army from the east coast. Rick

[300UltraMagShooter]

Checkpoints are unconstitutional.... no matter what some nut judge or applogist says.

GW should be out doing their jobs and catching people in the act.  They should not be out stomping all over out constitution, even if idiots have made excuses for these acts (by idiots, I mean our courts).

 

No probably cause, no stopping.  Can they stop you in your car just because you are in the act of driving?  No!!!  All checkpoints are unconstitutional, not just GW checkpoints.

[JackOfAllTrades]

Can they stop you in your car just because you are in the act of driving?  No!!!

In principal I do agree. But there have been many cases against DUI checkpoints thrown out of courts. ("excuses for these acts (by idiots, I mean our courts)") -Agree'd.

If you have a harvested animal in a vehicle that is visible, then there's just cause for the gamie to validate the tag and legality of the animal in any area where there's restrictions set. (which is everywhere) If there's no animal visible, then there would need to be just cause for search, I believe.

-Steve

[Bob33]

My recreational license, which I must sign reads "I agree to show all licenses, transport tags, catch record cards, my drivers license and any fish and game to a Department of Fish and Wildlife employee when requested."

[Gobble]

Can they stop you in your car just because you are in the act of driving?  No!!!

In principal I do agree. But there have been many cases against DUI checkpoints thrown out of courts. ("excuses for these acts (by idiots, I mean our courts)") -Agree'd.

If you have a harvested animal in a vehicle that is visible, then there's just cause for the gamie to validate the tag and legality of the animal in any area where there's restrictions set. (which is everywhere) If there's no animal visible, then there would need to be just cause for search, I believe.

-Steve

They can pull you over for speeding just like any officer can and write any ticket a State patrol officer can.

[DBake]

Hey did anyone get caught up in the check point in ryderwood?
Sunday eve. I was leaving the hills and came across at least 10 Gamies all lined up in a row, it was crazy! I have hunted in this area for over 15 years and have seen a warden once.
I felt totally violated, it was like there was another purpose. Needless to say they treated us with no respect.

Nice first or second post, welcome.

[dontgetcrabs]

Both of us were wearing sidearms in the vehicle,  Deputy asked TES to unholster his pistol and put it on the dash and provide CWP as he was asked to exit the vehicle. Deputy with me only asked for my CWP.

Why did they ask for your CWP? Were the pistols concealed? Thankfully we live in a right to carry state (for now) and if your weapon is not concealed you don't have to have the permit (tax).     

[THINK_N_ELK]

I was at the check station in Ryderwood this past Sunday, as an observer. Not all parties at the check station were enforcement.  There was also biologists on hand. Hoping to get tissue samples, from harvested animals.  Zero came through.  I did not see any rudeness, being projected from enforcement.  If fact they tried to give the people being citted, helpful suggestions.

Yes, people were being citted.  From having a loaded weapon in the vehicle to not being able to present a valid tag.  (Even though it stated on his hurting license that it was purchased.  How do you prove that he was not up trying to get a second animal.)  There is aways that jerkwad that pops a deer or cow and tries to get home without being seen.  Even though we have a tag and license, to hunt these animals.  They don't belong to just us the hunters.  They belong to everyone, including the non-hunters.

Yes, in a round about way the Game Wardens do work for us, the general public.  But they are also, trying to keep everyone safe.  As well as to preserve our natural resources, for generations to come. 

I think the check stations are a good thing.  It lets the poachers know that they are out there.  In the past, tips of illegal activities have been reported at check stains.   IE;  Last year in Vail a Hunter was turned in for shooting a fawn and leaving it.

Most people respond with the same attitude that is projected at them. 

[duckmen1]

never enough game wardens can be around
wish there could be more

[countywarrior]

went through a check point last year.  Right at the little rattlesnake and the Mcdaniels lake Y.  Very professional and very courteous.  Even had an unopened beer in the truck. Wardens seen the beer asked if it was the only container, which it was, checked the guns for being loaded and sent us on our way.  Very professional very courteous and very speedy.  Seems to me if your on here b i t c h i n than you must have something to hide.  To much damn poaching going on to not have the checkpoints.  Great job i say.  Keep it up.

[JackOfAllTrades]

Why did they ask for your CWP? Were the pistols concealed?

Both of us had our 44mags in shoulder holsters under jackets/orange vests.  As a courtesy, we both told the officers that we were armed.  I've talked to a lot of LEO's over the years. Every one of them has said they appreciate being told in advance. -Especially by law abiding civilians.

-Steve