getting caught by FWP

[black and tans boy]

So lets say you and ur buddies were out running ur dogs for some exercise and they struck up a bear and treed it and you live in montana and we all know its illegal to hunt bears with hounds in montana but then a FWP officer walks up and tries to give you a ticket cant you just say you were out running ur dogs. its just a question because i know some people that it has happen to and they were onestly just giving their dogs some exercise.

[Bearkiller]

Sure, you can say whatever you want. However, you'd be better off using your maranda rights and keeping silent. If I were you, I'd just make sure it doesn't happen. Doing stuff like that will catch up with you sooner or later. You may want to look into a state that allows bear hunting with dogs. It's not like you're a long ways from Idaho.......

[larry]

....

[FullCryHounds]

My suggestion is to get to know your local warden. I've had numerous talks with mine about this situation because I road my dogs all year. If the season is over, all I do is give him a call and let him know when and where I'll be exercising my dogs. Not all wardens are bad. Give them a little heads up and you might be surprised.

[Big Horn Posse]

Honesty is always the best policy. I always let the wardens know where I am hunting, roading, or camping. They are also the ONLY ones that I tell about my hunts (unless you are a friend of mine on FB) If my dogs run off game I always let the warden know.

A little tidbit of info I have learned from my warden friends is if you screw up and do something wrong and are questioned about it. Don't lie or get defensive. Be honest and nice and you will probably just get a warning depending on the wildlife violation. They are good guys and not "out to get you" unless you are purposly breaking the law.

[larry]

[black and tans boy]

[Dave Johnson]

.

[Unreal_tk]

Cops will tell you themselves, lie to get a confession. Always assume they are lying and keep your mouth shut.

[buzz]

I also agree with Larry.

[mondomuttruner]

Maybe you have different wardens than we do but I agree with Posse. If you did nothing wrong, you have nothing to hide. I try and talk to our warden as much as I can, ask a few questions and find out whats going on in general. Their not all against you..
To me, if you clam up, you generally have something to hide.
If you make a mistake and get a fine, buck up and pay it. Pisses me off when people whine about a fine when they were in the wrong.
Having said that, listening to some posts from people in the west, seems your wardens are out to get you no matter what the cost. I feel for you but did that come from so many people clamming up they just assume you did something wrong...just food for thought...

[Big Horn Posse]

I know the majority of the Wardens in WY and am good friends with a few and my best friend is one. I have been out with them and seen them in action. I have seen them question people that were suspicious of things and I have seen the reactions people have given both the guilty and innocent. I have seen guilty get off with warning because they were upfront and honest and I have seen ones that lied and got defensive get fined. It is a matter of respect people and owning up for what you did. Wardens know dogs do not know the regulations and will run off game. Dogs do not know property lines and will venture onto private property. It is people that will purposly turn loose on game that is not legal to run or tresspassing that will get you in trouble. Lie about it will get you in more trouble. Not saying anything when asked a question will also not get you anywhere. Be honest and respectful and 9 times out of 10 the warden will be understanding depending on the situation.

[outlaw13]

[Big Horn Posse]

My tactics? So you saying being friends with a warden is a tactic? I can honestly say my best friend is just that. No agenda there besides friendship. If he wasn't a warden he would still be my best friend. I know there are houndsmen that will not hunt with me because of this, so be it. Alot of houndsmen have agendas why they want to hunt with me and I see through it right away. Another thing my career goal in life is to get a full time position with WGFD. And finally I was born and raised in CA so I know a few things about that state and how things go there.

[timothy]

If a cop is questioning you, it is not because he is interested in your day. My father in law is a cop and even he says your best option is to give as little information as possible.