way to go mr. Game Warden

[eastxdogman]

Today is the opening day of gun deer season here in east Texas. I had to run down to the store for some butter for the wife, and as I turned out of my driveway I noticed my neighbors at my fence petting one of my horses. I pulled my truck over and stopped and got out to visit with them for a few moments. We were having a good talk when Mr. Tx state game warden drove by. We all agreed that was the first time we had seen one down our county road. It is a dead end so I knew he'd be back in a moment. I am friends with one of our local wardens and wanted to meet this fellow too, so as he drove back by I kind of waved him down kindly. He did stop, but boy would I be sorry! Instead of assuming the best he automaticly assumed that since I had a dog box, I was an outlaw. For those who or not aware, it is against the law to run deer dogs in Tx. Don't forget, were still on my property. No guns, no camoflauge, no HOUNDS! Just a few clean cut men visiting around a horse. I was very friendly and told him I lived here and just wanted to introduce myself. I also told him I am the pastor of the church around the corner and anytime he needed anything to let me know. Next, came "20 questions". Why do I have a dog box? What kind of dogs? What do they run? How many? Where are they at? At first I thought He was just wanting to talk dogs, but it became evident real quick he was supicous. When I asked the young officer if he was suspicous of me for something, he informed me "Its the first day of deer season, I'm suspicous of everyone". Wow, id hate to have a job, that I couldn't even be friendly to anyone. We do need game and fish officials, but they are terrorizers. He even wanted to see everyones hunting licenses. Fortunatly we had them, even though no one was hunting, I'm afraid he would have really harrassed us more if we didn't show him the license's. I was very nice to the young man, but began to get a little aggrevated at him, when all I wanted to do was introduce myself and say howdy. All this time he still felt he had the right to do everything he did. Folks, listen, I'm not against the law, but a person is supposed to be innocent until proven guilty, not guilty until proven innocent. This is the story all over East Texas. Even the two game warden brothers that I am friends with can have a weird side to their own friends. We all went to church together for several years until I started pastoring this church. I have no problem with a warden doing his job, but I assure you friends, this was not his job today. My 9 yr old son and his friends walked down the driveway during all this and were concerned afterwards about the man in the police truck. If I was a game warden Id want kids to get a good feel for my job, not a bad taste for the law! My boys no to respect the law, even the game laws, but they will probably never forget the " guy acting like a jerk for no reason". So congradulations to the state of Texas for brain washing another young Warden into thinking that all dog hunters are Mean and Terrible outlaws!!!! Thanks houndsmen/friends, feel better now.

[Old dog]

I never have been one too play the trick question game with any law enforcement I just politely tell them that I don't have time for idle chit chat and give them my info if they persist I tell them to do their job if they have a issue or let me be on my way...have left many a officer shaking his or her head...they are employed by u and me remember that always

[JTG]

With all the rules and regulations you dam near have to let an attorney ride shot-gun so you can keep up with all the rules.

[twist]

Would have to believe he was picked on as a kid and beat up by girls like most were lol. Andy

[JConroy]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfdEbe7e9GE

[JTG]

Now that's how to do it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfdEbe7e9GE

[mlow]

I had one Texas Game Warden tell me the laws posted on the TPWD website were not the laws that he went by. I had the website pulled up on my laptop and asked if we could read them together and he said, "No, either way you are leaving, take your pick."

With me were 15 kids who had just gone through Hunters Ed that week and knew the laws too. It left everyone with a real bad taste and confused. That was not the first experience like this and it wasn't the last.

Best GW I have met has been the red head from the Menard area (Clint?). Far better than any other.

[1bludawg]

When they act like that always file a complaint with their superior .If that doesn't satisfy you,call your congressman.Never wave at them! They think you're thumbing your nose at them.They'll run your plates to see if there's a warrant out for you or any violations"etc".

[DirtyDave]

Definitely file a complaint with the Department. Any time you have words with a GW or other LEO, whether friendly or not. Get his name and Badge # if possible. If you befriend a warden, get his business card and/or cell #. Most GW's here will give you their card. A lot of them depend on other hunters helping them do their job by giving tips etc. But just getting his info is a start to cover your backside.

[bearsnva]

Yes, notify their boss! Also, I bought a small voice recorder from Wal Mart for about $22. Funny how that thing sitting on your dash can change their tone of voice and end a conversation. They aren't used to being the one under the microscope and someone having evidence of their behavior, there are a lot of control freaks wearing uniforms.

[Gary Roberson]

The Menard Game Warden was Clint Graham, he is now at Leakey. We have a new one by the name of John Compton and he is a great guy as well. Sometimes, the youngsters just need a little common sense that they will get only with experience.
Adios,
Gary

[eastxdogman]

I agree Gary. Just like I don't want hem to judge me before they know me, I hate looking for the worst in them too. Like I said, I know some good'ens. BUT, if it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck it must be........? A GAME WARDEN:) Also, Mr. Gary, been waiting on some more hound action on Carnivor. Was it just those two episodes, or are there some more? I still like the calling to though. I appreciate all you guys writing on this post your thoughts, glad to know its not just me!

[Gary Roberson]

That is all for this year. We will be doing three or four for next season. I am not going to tell you what they will be as I want a couple of them to be surprises. I will say that two or three of them should be very special episodes.
Adios,
Gary

[Gary Roberson]

I am familiar with the Game Wardens that you speak of, luckily, I did not have to deal with them on a regular basis. I suggest you invite the youngster to accompany you on a hunt so that he can see what you do. My buddy just took several GW's in his area on a bobcat hunt and they were most impressed.
Adios,
Gary

[1bludawg]

When you take someone hound hunting for the first time and tree game,small or big .Most people seem to enjoy it.Some even think it's easy if every thing goes right.You never get the full experience of hunting dogs until you understand the hours,i should say years that go into the making of a top hound or pack.Very few people want to put that kind of time and blood,sweat and tears into anything. IF the wardens understood that they might have a little more respect for houndmen!