I have seen this posted many times or something very similar. For the folks in the AR counties, have you ever ran into a GW that would let it slide either because it is close or because a kid shot it?

(Keystone Crew: sorry for using your post, it was just the latest of many and I was curious)

I have seen and heard of alot of tickets for 12 1/2 average cost is $750 in fines. Just check the popular posscessing plants opening weekend, GW will be there with his tape measure.

That is what I figured, just seen alot of comments about it so thought maybe I was wrong.

Wow...$750 seems pretty steep!!!

That's "fine" not counting restitution.

I have seen several get tickets, and with good friends at two processors in AR areas, they've never seen anyone get a pass either...

And you do not have to be present to win!

I was at the processor last year when a guy come pulling in with a 12" wide buck. The processor would not take it and sent him down the road!He even threatened to call the GW.

The law is pretty clear. How it is applied is subject to human behavior of those occupied in the Game Warden profession.

I'm sure people who did "get a pass" are going to be reluctant to post here. After all, it puts them and the GW in an awkward light.

Those who weren't so lucky are going going to recount their pain so that others might not experience it.

I would like to see the ages of all the bucks ticketed also....dout would get a pass because of just being a kid...but i would say on an old deer....since thats what this rule was set to help with...IMO

Good point. Just figured it was like a cop letting me off for going 82 in a 70.

Probably won't get much of a response, but was hoping someone would qualify some of the posts about "call the game warden" or "the game warden would probably give you a pass on that one."

Enoc.. Processors can be ticketed for taking in a deer under 13 inches also....

I don't consider this AR issue much different from your example. Both involve a human's judgement.

Do some people get a "pass?" I have no doubt.

I don't know where you have seen these fines but state law says that the fine range for a Parks and Wildlife Class C Misd. is $25-$500. so either some judge has some crazy high court costs or that is with restitution included.

Yes & seen GWs having a brain fart and going through MLD logs attempting to issue fines.

I have talked to 2 GWs about this. I have never been in this situation but this is what they said.

One said if someone calls and says they shot a deer between 12 and a half, they would write a warning. If they call and say they shot one between 12 and three quarters and 13, they would not show up. I have seen someone call in a 12 and 3 quarters their 7 year old shot and had the GW come out and write a warning so the kid could have it mounted.

It seems that if you are honest about making a mistake, the GW will use discretion but if you are trying to beat the system you will pay. I think GWs will think about intent and make a decision. I think GWs understand that the system is imperfect and will act accordingly.

Had a GW try and hasssle a family friend over a 1/16 of an inch then back down and say it's ok on Sunday in Montague County.


ETA this was at the processor.

I have seen an honest doe in a no doe county many years ago cost about $700. Thats calling in on yourself

Shooting a doe in a no doe county is pretty hard to try and explain away as an accident, and a lot different from shooting a buck that misses the mark by less than an inch.

Totally understandable.

why not just flex the antlers alittle to make it 13 wide?

I have a 1/2 wooden dowel rod thats 13-1/4 just for that purpose. The extra 1/4 allows for spring back. And no I would not intentionally shoot one that is under but mistakes happen. Before I lost my lease down in Coryell County (land sale) you couldn't tell for sure so I didn't shoot.

And its hard to make an accurate judgement at daylight at 100 yards.

I talked to a game warden about this before the season started. Basically, he said all wardens will handle this differently. Some may be more lenient than others. This particular warden told me he caught a guy last yr with an 11" deer. He questioned the guy thorough about the situation, such as how far away the deer was, which direction was he facing when shot, what time of day, how long to you have to look at him, etc. He said he was trying to give the guy the benefit of the doubt, but the answers the guy gave were not what the warden wanted to hear, so he got cited.

If there is any question if it's under 13". Don't shoot! If you do shoot and its questionable don't stop at the processor if the wardens there. If you do leave the deer and take the head when you leave.

How do you get 'em to stand still while you stick the dowel btwn their antlers?


Must be those tame HF deer

What answers was he looking for.

Might be handy for members here to jot down and keep with 'em. Kinda like a cheat sheet. Maybe write 'em on the back of your hand like in elem. school for test your weren't prepared for.

I don't even know why this comes up?? Is it really that tough to tell the difference between an illegal and legal deer?? If you choose to hunt in a AR county take the time to learn what is and isn't legal. If you have to ask someone chances are it isn't..