Game Warden Encounters and Stories

[Alan]

Has anyone ever had a game warden show up out of the blue while hunting? I'd love to hear how it went down.,I once had a warden find me fishing without my license. It was a tense moment, but we ended up having a good laugh. What are your stories?,Curious about your craziest game warden encounters. Any good tales to share?,Ever had a warden catch you when you weren't expecting it? I'd like to hear how it went!,I once had a warden who actually helped me fix my truck after a hunting trip. Anyone else had a nice experience?,Let's share some wild warden stories! Have you ever had one that was particularly strict or laid back?,Funny how game wardens always seem to show up at the most inopportune times. What's your experience?,Just wondering if anyone's had a run-in with a game warden that was straight up bizarre. Spill the beans!,Ever been checked by a warden while you were just trying to enjoy a quiet day outdoors? What happened?,I got grilled by a warden for missing a small detail in my hunting permit. Anyone else felt the heat?,Share your funniest moments with game wardens. I once tried to charm my way out of a ticket and it backfired.,Has anyone had a warden pull a surprise visit while you were in the middle of something embarrassing?,What's the most memorable encounter you've had with a game warden? I have a couple of doozies myself!,I think I remember a warden telling me a hunting joke once. Anyone else have funny quotes from theirs?,Had a tense moment when a warden caught me with a fish I didn't realize was out of season. How did you handle yours?,Curious about how game wardens are in other states. Anyone care to share their experiences?,I accidentally mistook a game warden for a fellow hunter once. What's your funniest mix-up?,Let's hear about those unexpected encounters with wardens during hunting season. Got any stories?,I had a warden compliment my rifle once, which was surprising. Anyone ever had a good interaction?,Ever had a warden almost catch you in the act of doing something you shouldn't? What happened after that?,I always get nervous when a warden shows up. Anyone else feel that way, or is it just me?,What's the weirdest question a game warden has ever asked you? I've got a couple of head-scratchers myself.,Anyone ever mistaken a game warden for a rival hunter? I have a friend who did and it was hilarious.,I got caught with a buddy who was just trying to help me retrieve a snagged line. What's your best encounter?,Encountered a game warden who was a former Navy SEAL. Turned into the most interesting chat about hunting safety.,Let's hear about those times a warden either made your day or ruined it. Anyone care to share?,It's wild how game wardens can change a hunt in an instant. What's your best tale?,Ever had a warden go out of their way to help you out? I'd love to hear those stories.,I once got a warning instead of a ticket over a fishing license mishap. Who's had something similar?,What's your most awkward run-in with a warden? I've got a story that still makes me cringe.,Anyone else find themselves getting a lecture from a warden they actually learned from? Share your lessons!,I met a warden once who was super chill. Did anyone else have a laid-back encounter?,Ever had a warden say something that completely took you by surprise? I've got a story about that.,What's the most ridiculous fine you've seen a warden hand out? I can't believe what I witnessed at my last hunt.,Did you ever see a warden and instantly feel guilty, even if you weren't doing anything wrong?,I had a warden ask me if I liked hunting or fishing more. It made for a good conversation. Anyone else similar?,Curious if anyone else has been surprised by a warden's knowledge of the outdoors.,Has a warden ever given you advice that turned out to be really helpful? I'd love to hear it.,Anyone ever been mistaken for a poacher by a game warden? I'd like to know how that played out.,I'm always curious how other hunters handle being checked by a warden. Any strategies?,Anyone had an encounter with a warden that was just plain odd? I want all the details.,What's your best 'caught red-handed' moment with a game warden? I need a good laugh!,I had to explain a fishing mishap to a warden once, and it got pretty funny. Who's got a similar tale?,Anyone ever chat with a game warden over a campfire? They might have some great stories too.,What fishing or hunting blunders have you made that a warden caught you on?,Curious how game wardens in Tennessee compare with other states. Any stories about that?,I once got a warning instead of a ticket on a really old fishing rod. Share your close calls!,Ever have a warden like a local celebrity in your area? What was that like?

 

[Skyhunter]

20 years ago, my sons, BIL, three nephews and myself drove to Cherokee, NC for some Spring trout fishing. I'm not much for fishing, don't care for trout, and the idea of standing waist deep in a fast-moving stream of 38–40-degree water to try and catch something I'm not gonna eat anyway is just a recipe for a dunking I'm not willing to take. I'm the camp cook for the duration!
I had to "set the stage" for the rest of the story.
So, we made the drive to Cherokee, unloaded at our cabins and drove into town for licenses, additional groceries, etc. Supper was grilled steaks, baked potatoes, and salad washed down with adult beverages of choice. The ambient temperature at bedtime was 28 degrees!
Morning broke with cloudy skies, drizzle and light snow - did I mention that this was early Spring in the Mountains of North Carolina?
After breakfast, everyone was anxious to get on with the fishing (Not me - I'm gonna build a fire on the bank, smoke my pipe, enjoy hot coffee, and read my book (I had a pop-up shelter to shield me from the rain/snow - I ain't no Pilgrim when it comes to early spring in the mountains!).
Whilst everyone is getting into chest waders and rigging poles, a pair of game wardens pulls up. There was a younger fella, maybe late 20's and a more "seasoned" warden. They greet everyone and ask to see licenses, etc. I'm sett'in on my tailgate, smoking my pipe (out'a the drizzle/light snow) and watching the festivities.
The wardens get thru checking everyone and then come over to me - and ask for my license. I explain I don't have one because I'm NOT Fishing. The younger warden says "Well, everyone here is fishing - so why aren't you? And are we supposed to believe that you won't when we drive off?" (Yeah, he was kind'a snippety!) So I respectfully explain to them that I'm not much for fishing, don't care for trout, and the idea of standing waist deep in a fast-moving stream of 38–40-degree water to try and catch something I'm not gonna eat anyway is just a recipe for a dunking I'm not willing to take. I'm the camp cook for the duration!
You could tell the younger warden wasn't too happy with my reply, but the "seasoned" (older) warden just chuckled a bit. I pointed out that there were no extra fishing poles in either of our trucks and that I was the designated camp cook and I made this trip to spend time with the male members of my family. I also had my thermos of coffee, plenty of pipe tobacco, and all the accoutrements to be comfortable sitting by a fire on the bank - warm AND dry.
With that, the wardens got back in their truck and drove off. They did circle back a couple times that day to "check" how we were doing - and wonder of wonders, always found me sitting by the fire, sipping coffee, smoking my pipe and enjoying my latest Wilbur Smith book.
The more seasoned warden always waved and laughed when they passed by.

 

[cswab]

I was down in FL scouting for lobsters before the season started and we were stopped by CG (they all act as wardens there) naturally it becomes a safety stop and they are checking everything. Once they found out we didn't even have gear on board it was more relaxed. I inquired (obviously they knew what we would be doing in a few days) if my son (age 4) counted toward the catch of lobsters. The response was "no. He must be active in the water looking/hunting" as the inspection proceeded he made the comment he swims down to the pool bottom at 9 feet. The officer looked at me and asked "he can swim down and touch the bottom at 9 feet" to which I responded "yes". I will always remember his response...
"Hell yeah he counts"