Or, what to expect when a warden does your field check.
An article from WWA’s Words From The Wardens.
This article originally appeared in Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s March, 2022 eNewsletter.
By Lt. Tyler Strelow, Mississippi River Warden Team
There are many great experiences waterfowl hunters have in the marsh, like taking in the beautiful sunrises or seeing the Wisconsin seasons change in front of their eyes. And maybe an unexpected great experience – being checked by your local conservation warden.
In all seriousness, we wardens understand running into us may not be what you think of as a great experience out in the marsh, no matter how friendly we wardens make it. Our goal is for your interaction with us to be enjoyable and safe.
My career as a warden spans more than 15 years, and in that time, I have probably had more than a thousand hunter contacts. It is the lessons I’ve learned along the way that I offer to you today. Here are a few suggestions to make the warden-check experience safe and enjoyable for both you, as the hunter, and the warden performing the check.
HAVE THIS READY WHEN THE WARDEN DOES THE CHECK
Warden Amanda Kretschmer with hunters.
When a warden approaches you in the field, here is what we would like to see:
- Acknowledge that you see the warden by waving or saying hi. Although sometimes we seem to appear out of nowhere, we want to make sure you know we are coming to perform a check.
- Take a breath and try to calm your nerves. We know being checked by law enforcement makes people nervous. I even get nervous when a warden checks me in the field.
- Keep your firearm visible and pointed in a safe direction. Check your safety and keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction. We have had some close calls with hunters moving firearms around and having accidental discharges. Do not unload your firearm unless directed to do so.
- Control your dog. Dogs sometimes get weird around us as they are not expecting other humans to invade their space or touch “their” birds.
- Follow the directions from the warden, as migratory hunting compliance checks are a bit complicated. The warden will likely direct you on what to do with your firearm.
- If your firearm is complicated to operate, please be prepared to explain how to use the action, as some of the autoloaders can be a bit tricky.
- The cadence of most checks goes something like this: make firearms safe and check them, check licenses/approvals, check shells, check birds, check other equipment if a boat is involved, and then chat for a couple of minutes.
SHOOTING THE BREEZE – SAVOR THAT!
One of the most enjoyable parts of my job is talking with hunters in the field.
An informal chat is a great way to get to know your local warden. Take the time to pass along relevant information. Ask your questions and maybe get some inside info on the migration and other hunting spots worth checking out.
Lastly, always remember we are on the same team. We want your experience enjoying all the outdoor opportunities and beauty Wisconsin offers to be great.
If you happen to find yourself in an enforcement situation, we will treat you fairly and with respect, and please understand that it is never personal.
I look forward to seeing you in the field when we can shoot the breeze for a bit. Be safe.
I am sorry to say I do not have the identifications of those in this photo; however, I thought you may enjoy seeing a bit of history in this photo:
