This happened to one of my buddies this past weekend. We all met up and went duck hunting in South Texas for the last weekend of the season. We all loaded up the equipment and headed down the road for the long trip. When we arrived and was unloading our equipment and getting ready for a hunt, one of the hunters says "I left my wallet in my truck back home". In his wallet had all his licenses, stamps, money, everthing. Since we hunt with a great bunch of guys the money part was no problem BUT what would you do. Would you hunt and hope the GW doesn't check or sit back a watch and call? What would you do? I'll let you know what he did later.

Glad you had someone nice enough to help out with the money situation. hahaha

I would go ahead and hunt and if caught, beg for forgivness from the GW. If the guy was legal, meaning he had purchased the license, stamps etc. and just did not have it in his possession I don't think it's a huge issue.

If it was a case of something that was native wildlife, you might be able to work with the GW. With it being Migratory, from my experience, Federal Wildlife Officers aren't really known for their humor and people skills. Even if he didn't hunt, just being with the other hunters, and them having birds, could be a hard case for either side to prove, but think of the expense in trying to prove the guy innocent.

Post deleted by Sniper John

Now thats good info to have. The only problem we were 20 miles from the closest store that could do that for him. But I will keep that in the back of my mind in case it ever happens again. Cruffler - would you have hunted or not?

we keep a copy in a ziplock in our hunting cases, because we normaly dont forget our guns. i know it doesnt mean much but a copy of a lic. is better than none, and while bird hunting the issue of tags is not a problem. we started this after the same thing happened, now its just a habit to ask when we are loading up if everybody has thier wallet. the GW might not like it but you can show you have one, and he might not give you so much trouble. i dont know how it will work, i have not had to try this yet. just tring to show good intent on our half that we arnt tring to get over on them.

this happened to me in Rockport this year...I have all my stuff in a blind bag, I had taken the stuff out and put it in the boat that morning to fish, well that evening we did a quick walk in hunt. Got checked by the GW and as soon as I reached in the bag I realized what I had done. Well I don't know if I got lucky or just caught the GW on a good day, he issued me a ticket but gave me 10 days to provide copies of DL and HL w/ stamps and it would be dismissed. Got home that night made copies and mailed it in.....no problem.

Under the situation that you describe, I would hunt. If caught, I think the GW would just write you up. In that case, you could just plea no-contest, tell and show the judge you had your license and just left it home. I would think he would reduce the penalty or even dismiss it. However, if the GW would take you in, then it might not be worth the risk of that major hassle. Getting a replacement at wal-mart is a good idea, I�ll remember that.

You need to keep in mind, that your original license, has to be lost or destroyed, and you are going to have to provide proof. You do not want to have two active license in your possesion. A license in your truck at home or in your suitcase at the motel is neither lost or destroyed. And again, a situation like this is not going to fall under state jurisdiction, you are hunting Migratory Game Birds, TP&W Game Wardens have to contact U.S.F.& W. service officers.

Post deleted by Sniper John

I started at the top of this string and was wondering when someone was going to mention the Drivers License part of the law. The federal duck stamp that you mentioned is the other biggie. The federal migratory infractions (e.g. non-toxic shot, baiting and duck stamp) are usually considered misdemeanors and carry very stiff fines (up to $15K) and can include confiscation of equipment used to carry out the offense.

I paraphrase but inquiring minds can refer to TITLE 16 > CHAPTER 7 > SUBCHAPTER II > � 707. Violations and penalties; forfeitures

Can you say "Nolo Contendre your Honor"

I think having a copy of your license is a good idea and I will put it into practice next season.

This is my take on the whole situation. Yes, if you have your D.L. then you could get a replacement license stating that you lost your original (you would be lying because you know where the original is). You could go ahead and hunt and hope that you don't get caught. If you did get caught you would have to throw yourself on the mercy of the judge. It all boils down to morals and personal values. I personally would not hunt. I would consider it a very tough lesson learned and I would make sure to remember my license the next time. Right is right and wrong is wrong.

it is bad but these days the gw and fed boys have to look at you the same way they look at others that are tring to do wrong. to many people out there doing the wrong thing. if you are nice and very coopertive and you can show them somthing, they will be the same in most cases as they realize you prob. arnt out tring to do somthing wrong you just made a mistake.

I would have hunted.

In 30 plus years of hunting and fishing I have seen a GW four times that I can remember. Odds would be in my favor that I would not even be stopped. If I was stopped I would have explained what I did, stating that I know I will be ticketed, but that I also know that most judges will dismiss the ticket since a license was issued.

I believe that game wardens have equipment that allow them to verify that a license was issued assuming you have a drivers license to present but how would you prove that you bought a federal duck stamp? I am not saying that anyone is right or wrong here, I just don't get the impression that everyone fully understands what is at stake in terms of the federal laws. It is my experience that game wardens are a real mixed bag, the personalities really run the gammut...kind like THF members

I guess the odds are heavily influenced by the location and familiarity with local law enforcement. Just make sure you know what is on the table before you roll the dice.

kbobbjr,

Of course you wouldn't hunt because you have dogs and get just as much enjoyment out of working them as you would hunting...

The individual that forgot his licences did hunt, but was very worried the whole weekend, also if it wasn't the last weekend of the season he probably wouldn't have hunted. But I have learned a few good tips from this thread so that this doesn't happen again and if it does what to do.

You've gotten to know me pretty well! I would let everyone else hunt and spend my time working the dogs for them!

I agree on all counts.

What would I do? I would toss him my truck keys, and tell him to bring it back with a full tank and a case of beer. He'd only miss 1 hunt if he didn't dottle.

I'm with Mudcat on this one.....it was only 20 miles....your not going to miss that much hunting....JMO