Knowledge is power

[351 WINCHESTER]

I went hunting in Camp Blanding wma about 2 weeks ago. I couldn't print the regulations as I don't have access to a printer. Normally the guy at the check station has some, but I guess times are what they are and he didn't have any. Since he has been manning the gate for the past 5 years I asked him if elec. game calls were allowed and he strongly stated no. I had my call with me and wanted to see if I could call in a bobcat or coyote, but I obeyed his law.

Last night I went on the fwc's website and it turns out elec. game calls are legal for furbearers, hogs and crows-suprise suprise suprise. My neighbor and I went to Blanding today and I asked the other "keeper of the gate" the same question and I was denied again. Then I quoted the regulations to the keeper twice. The look on his face was priceless. I asked him is he had read the regulations and he replied yes. I politely told him that he should read them again. He got so upset that he actually called one of the warden's that was on duty. Their response was "better not use it for calling in a deer". I would never do that anyway.

I have had wardens tell me that I could only load 5 ctgs. in my .30-30 too and that I can't use fmj bullets for hogs. Knowledge is power.

 

[Patocazador]

Sometimes people who are in power (or think they are) substitute their own rules. More often than not it's due to their ignorance of the rules but they want to appear as if they "know it all".

 

[Eleanor416Rigby]

great post!

As was stated, sometimes people in positions of authority substitute their own interpretation, recollection, best guess, the way we've always done it, or arbitrary whim for the actual law.

At least the game warden knew the law. Knowledge definitely is power. Exercising that knowledge power can get you in a fix when law enforcement doesn't agree, or doesn't appreciate you knowing what you're talking about, and exercising your legal rights.

 

[Hunterdad]

We went out pheasant hunting at the beginning of the season and as we walked back to our vehicle, there was a DEC officer in the parking lot checking licenses and birds. We hadn't shot anything or even fired a shot for that matter. He checked our guns and then asked to see our ammo. I only had 2 rounds of nitro pheasant at home, so I grabbed a couple #4 steel shot in case I needed it.

He noticed it was steel shot and told me it was illegal to hunt upland birds with steel. He started to write me a ticket and I demanded to speak to his boss. He ignored my request. He handed me the ticket, and told us to have a good day. As you can imagine, I was a bit steamed. While loading up the truck, another DEC officer pulled in and a flagged him down and told him about the situation. He actually had to pull out his regulations book and make sure I was right.

Needless to say, he took the ticket and apologized for the inconvenience. I lost a little respect for DEC officers that day.

 

[Fryerpower]

Not related to hunting, but I print and carry the CCW receprocity letters between Tennessee and the states I am traveling through. I have not had to show them yet, but knowledge is power, and can save a lot of suffering.

Jim