I've been mulling this over for several days now...
U.S. Constitution, Amendment 4 - Search and Seizure. Ratified 12/15/1791.
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
IC 14-22-11-14
Possession; display to enforcement officers; alteration
Sec. 14. (a) A person who has procured a license or permit required under this article must have the license or permit on the person when engaged in the pursuit for which the license or permit was issued. Upon request of an officer authorized to enforce this article or the fish and wildlife laws of Indiana, the person must produce and exhibit the license or permit. If the person does not produce and exhibit the license or permit, the person may not engage in the pursuit authorized by the license or permit.
Why is my hunting license different than my driver's license? Law enforcement must see an infraction to pull me over and ask for my license and registration and no way is he gonna search me or my vehicle without probable cause or a warrant. But, a conservation officer, without observing anything in violation or amiss, can ask to see my hunting license and then proceed to search my equipment (boat, ammo on my person, blind bag and blind) even if I am on my own property.
Am I missing something here???
I strive to hunt legally. I reread the laws every year. I gladly purchase the necessary licenses. I practice conservation above and beyond the letter of the law. But I have to say I see CO's often coming very close to hunter harrassment!
I am over 50 years old and for 40+ years I never once was checked by a CO. So far it's been twice this year. Once they interupted our hunt (the only flock of the day flew over while they were inspecting our guns) and once before we were even hunting!
I'm not trying to hide anything from them and I do want the poachers and illeagal hunters arrested. But come on, where do we draw the line? I Do believe it is important to exercise my rights or we all end up losing them.
OK, the law says I have to show the CO my hunting license or not hunt. Is that it? He asks to see my hunting license, I don't and simply go home???? (assuming I have not yet started huntin).
The CO asks to see my shotgun and search my boat. What if i respectful decline on my 4th admendment rights???
OK folks, (CO's included) let me hear your thoughts. Please, sincere posts only.
U.S. Constitution, Amendment 4 - Search and Seizure. Ratified 12/15/1791.
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
IC 14-22-11-14
Possession; display to enforcement officers; alteration
Sec. 14. (a) A person who has procured a license or permit required under this article must have the license or permit on the person when engaged in the pursuit for which the license or permit was issued. Upon request of an officer authorized to enforce this article or the fish and wildlife laws of Indiana, the person must produce and exhibit the license or permit. If the person does not produce and exhibit the license or permit, the person may not engage in the pursuit authorized by the license or permit.
Why is my hunting license different than my driver's license? Law enforcement must see an infraction to pull me over and ask for my license and registration and no way is he gonna search me or my vehicle without probable cause or a warrant. But, a conservation officer, without observing anything in violation or amiss, can ask to see my hunting license and then proceed to search my equipment (boat, ammo on my person, blind bag and blind) even if I am on my own property.
Am I missing something here???
I strive to hunt legally. I reread the laws every year. I gladly purchase the necessary licenses. I practice conservation above and beyond the letter of the law. But I have to say I see CO's often coming very close to hunter harrassment!
I am over 50 years old and for 40+ years I never once was checked by a CO. So far it's been twice this year. Once they interupted our hunt (the only flock of the day flew over while they were inspecting our guns) and once before we were even hunting!
I'm not trying to hide anything from them and I do want the poachers and illeagal hunters arrested. But come on, where do we draw the line? I Do believe it is important to exercise my rights or we all end up losing them.
OK, the law says I have to show the CO my hunting license or not hunt. Is that it? He asks to see my hunting license, I don't and simply go home???? (assuming I have not yet started huntin).
The CO asks to see my shotgun and search my boat. What if i respectful decline on my 4th admendment rights???
OK folks, (CO's included) let me hear your thoughts. Please, sincere posts only.
Last edited: