My first deer hunt

Cwalk · June 9, 2005, 05:26 PM

I hunt in Hampton, Ar in a very wooded area. This was my first deer hunt ever. I was shooting a M1 Garand in .308 open sight. My hunting buddy set me up by a feeder next to a small pond. The electronic feeder scared me every time it went off, but obvioulsy did not harm the deer. It actually was the dinner bell for local whitetail. It was cold and even colder since I sat down in a puddle of water that was in my ladder stand(it was dark when i climed up). I watched the sun raise her beautiful smile and cast down her blessing on me. I was very sleepy. I caught myself nodding at times. It wasnt 45 min when i was awakened( yeah I was sleep) by the sound of crackling leaves. I looked up and a small doe was steering right at me. I didn't want to move, was afraid she might hi tail it away. So i sat looking right back at her. She finally went right back to eating the corn. I raised my M1, put the front sight exactly where my hunting buddy exclaimed would be a for sure kill zone( the front shoulder) and BOOOOMMMMM. The deer until this day never knew what hit her. This being my first hunt/kill it was a pretty nasty sight. The deers chest was lying next to her. She was no more than 20 yards away. I sat there looking at the deer in aw. Then another doe came trotting along. She was about 30 yards away. Me being a young ignorant hunter wasted her too with a gut shot that spilled all of her eaten corn. My hunting buddy returned only to find to slaughtered does. He made mention that I only had a tag for one doe and that we could get in lots of trouble. So we loaded the three deer( he killed a doe also) on the four wheeler and hauled ass. This was some first time hunt. I know better now after hunting for now some three seasons without killing a single animal, but i guess its the deer god for taking a illegal doe

_________________________________
"nothing better in life than friends, family, and the outdoors"

impact · June 9, 2005, 06:15 PM

Did you really do this or is this BS? and you know they didn't make to many 308 Garands

Cwalk · June 9, 2005, 06:25 PM

I am dead serious. Actually the Garand is my Fathers. His brother is a veteran and the gun was handed down to my father. This hunt happened in fall 2003 . I had to beg my father the entire year to let me use it. That was the only way i would have went hunting, otherwise i didnt have a gun. Believe me my father cherishes this rifle

EdWilson · June 9, 2005, 07:36 PM

DU lurker? If not, my apologies and good hunting (not poaching) to you.

Countertop · June 9, 2005, 10:08 PM

DU = Democratic Underground

Don't see why people wouldn't believe this. He was pretty clear it was his first hunt and he had limited knowledge about what to do. Plus, he seems somewhat regretful it happened.

Frankly, around here, they can't get enough people to shoot does as it is. Not sure about the rules in Arkansas (and where he was) but if it was private property this may not have been poaching at all.

LAK · June 10, 2005, 04:27 AM

There were M1s reworked to chamber and work with the .308 for the U.S. Navy IIRC. And in recent years some commercially produced versions too I believe.

kingudaroad · June 10, 2005, 12:10 PM

In Texas, it is against the law to poach whether public land or private. We all make mistakes, and they can easily happen in the field.It just seems a little weird to me to post this abortion of a hunt in that dramatic storytelling fashion.Trying to get a reaction? Or just sharing a sad hunting tale.Very strange post anyway.

22-rimfire · June 10, 2005, 12:25 PM

Cwalk: I hope you have worked on your marksmanship since your first hunt.

yorec · June 10, 2005, 01:35 PM

Checking his other posts, I'm inclined to think he's not a troll... just a highly untrainned first time hunter who didn't know much of what to expect or do.

Most unfortunate - in my state you'd have served jail time and gotten a hefty fine for shooting that second deer. Learn from the experience, study the game laws where you hunt and abide by them religiously. Find someone who will actually teach you what to do and expect - your buddy seems to fall short in the hunter mentoring department.

The close up view of the deer's wound - what did you think would happen? A gunshot wound is not pretty, but it is a very effective way to make a clean and quick kill of a game animal. Next time you'll be more prepared and careful of your shot placement.

One good thing - at least your buddy took all the animals and used them - I hate to see deer go to waste. That at least showed a little bit of morals on his part if not an overly developed intellectual side - hope he learned to do things better too.

Keep working on it - good hunters were not made in a season.

Cwalk · June 10, 2005, 02:18 PM

I admit it was my first hunt. I have learned a lot since that hunt. I have hunted whitetail again and did not see anything. I know I would have been experienced enough to wait on the perfect shot but if one is not presented she walks. As far as my marksmenship I think it is very good, it was a perfect shot just not a good bullet selection. If the deer would have been 100yds instead 20 yds it would still have been a perfect shot, because it was quick and very humane, just a bit messy. My hunting buddy did a great job of letting me know that it was an illegal kill, He could have not told me and congratulated me on a mistake.It was private land, but it belonged to my hunting club(HAWK MOORE HUNTING CLUB)

EdWilson · June 10, 2005, 03:46 PM

I agree. I was presumptuous (I checked the posts too). Cwalk - ya ought to try birds. A lot of walking, but a lot more fun IMHO.

Rojoe67 · June 10, 2005, 04:07 PM

Well, let me congratulate you right up to the point of taking doe number 2. You spoiled the whole damn story as soon as you went brain dead and pulled the trigger the second time. Law is law and unless your above the law? you are a poacher....plain and simple. I hope it rides on your mind and bugs you to the point that you read the rules and hunt by them from now on... The anti hunting and anti gun folks get fuel from folks like yourself....please understand the importance of a hunting community and it's ability to police itself too. You are free to think I am a real a**hole for the tongue lashing I just gave you. Honestly you asked for it by your posting of your breaking the law. Remember we are humans and have a big edge on the animals of this earth. Laws of fair chase are for good reason..... You put your friend in a real pickle too....had you guys been caught on the way out of the woods you both would have been in equal dudu........

Make it and live it as it was.......a hard lesson learned........ No more mistakes like that one mister........... OK, you may return to normal the lashing is over.....

PS.... In my state, as I think true most places, even if your on your own land you have to follow the game laws of your state of residence. In Michigan our DNR LEO's have the right to come on any land if they have reason to think laws are broken.... I hear in some issues they have more power than the regular state police for entering private property. In some poaching cases the suspect lost vehicle, rifle, and right to hunt for a number of years. A large fine is also collected from the guilty party. Just isn't worth the loss not to mention the lashing by responsible hunters...... OK, call me what you will........

Rojoe67 · June 10, 2005, 04:24 PM

Poacher: Person whom takes anything by unfair or illegal methods.... many other items explain the word.... but that sentence sums it up for your question.....

Cwalk · June 10, 2005, 04:33 PM

Thanks. Now I know and knowing is half the battle. See, Im becoming a better hunter everyday, becuase hunting is more than just killing. Its respecting Gods country. I dont know how the hunting scenarios are in Michigan( im sure you guys have lots of hunting land :barf: ) Big ole Michigan

22-rimfire · June 10, 2005, 05:53 PM

The hunt club land is NOT your land. They probably lease it, but not necessarily. Hunting is not about "killing". It is about sportsmanship, the chase, and the reward of bagging your quarry in a legal sporting manner. You may get the wrong idea about hunting simply by watching the TV shows about hunting. If I had seen you take the second deer, I would have called the warden. A great lesson in reality.

Frankly, the Garand may be legal in Arkansas, but you might want to consider another weapon that is more traditional.

impact · June 10, 2005, 06:34 PM

In Texas if you were caught with that 2nd deer you would have lost the Garand

and have gotten some fines and lost your right to hunt. In Texas we have a tag that you can tag a deer with for the low income or people needing assistance. But it needs to be taged when you kill the deer. You can't wait for the game warden to say hay what about this deer. The game warden can come over to your house any time day or night to check for illegal game without a warrant. Best thing to do is play it safe and play by the rules.

As far as I know the Garand chambered in 308 was only used for the U.S. Navy and it was a 30-06 with an insert in the chamber so the 308 would headspace correctly. If it is one of these gun it is a rare gun. I have never seen one but I'm not a Garand expert. I would say the gun is worth at least several thousand dollars? Now if you lost that gun because of that 2nd deer

They make new Garands chambered in 308 that start at about $1000.

Long Path · June 10, 2005, 06:49 PM

Quote:

They make new Garands chambered in 308 that start at about $1000.

Um, they can be found cheaper.

The Navy block is pretty common, and only requires a broken shell extractor to remove. Not exactly new technology-- they're about half a century old.

Mr. Cwalk, it's worth respecting your game enough to speak more reverently of it and to learn the laws on taking it.

kingudaroad · June 10, 2005, 10:19 PM

Quote:

As far as the police, by the time they new what went on, we were in the house eating deer steaks, rice,and gravy.

Not feeling a whole lot of remorse from 'ol poacher boy! Dude, you should not be allowed to ever hunt again. Your the worst kind of idiot!I hope theres a game warden from your state reading this right now .Maybe they can still prosecute.I'm gonna check your profile now.Maybe theres enough info for me to turn you in personally.

Twycross · June 11, 2005, 12:45 AM

I think this would be a good time to lock this thread. It started out badly, and is only degenerating.

Rojoe67 · June 11, 2005, 05:20 AM

twycross.............. I agree it wasn't a good start and now he is getting a verbal beating........and it should be locked up why???? seems on target to me....and at this moment I am sure a few moderators have seen it and still think it's on topic too.....

Rojoe67 · June 11, 2005, 05:30 AM

Yep, Michigan is a good sized state for the sportsman. Your land mass is around 53,000 sq. miles and mine here in MI is about 97,000. That means what? I guess all it means is that Michigan is about 2 times as big as AR. The population in Michigan is about 2 times more per sq. mile too.

Regards......... Rojoe67

Last word from me - I promise is the word "ethics"...............

Eghad · June 11, 2005, 10:26 AM

Well it possible dear old dad could have had the Garand rebarreled to .308 also.

I havent hunted in quite a few years..but usually before I engage in an activity I read material concerning the law or rules....

broke the law on the second one there......

butch50 · June 12, 2005, 09:12 PM

I will tell a short and true story that makes a point.

I have an Uncle who (now passed away) was an avid deer hunter, and a very fine shot. When he got into his late 60s his eyesight became poorer. One day he was hunting on his oil lease which was pretty much mesquite brush country, and jumped aa buck that took off running, he saw an opening ahead of the deer, aimed at the opening and when the deer ran thru it he took a running shot, but the deer kept going. He saw another opening in line with where the deer was running, levered in around and swung his 30/30 and as the buck ran through the second opening he shot and the deer kept running, this happened a third time as well. This was all in one quick set of moves, three shots and three apparent misses.

He was really upset because he had never missed that badly in his life, and he had been hunting since he was about 6 years old. He walked up to the first opening to check for blood/hair and....well to make it short like I promised he had shot and killed three separate bucks. They had been spread out and the timing was right, and his eye sight really was just bad enough but he was still a good shot. He only had tags for two bucks though, so he was one over.

The point? He went and field dressed and took the deer home (not cold enough to leave them) and then he called the game warden, and when the game warden came he told him what happened and took him out where it happened. The game warden gave him a pretty hard time, but ultimately assumed that he was being honest or would not have called him in. The game warden did not cite him, but did take the third buck, antlers and all, with him to dispose of at a State school.

The point is that if you hunt, you obey the law. If you don't know what the law is you shouldn't be hunting. Once you know that you broke the law you should call the game warden and stand there and tell him the truth, 100%. It is unethical to hunt without knowing the laws, and in fact it is just plain laziness not to have read the book that they give away free when you get your license.

Bic · June 13, 2005, 01:13 AM

Butch50
Accidents happen, but in my neck of the woods if you call a warden and advise them that you made a mistake, and either shot to many or wrong sex it seems to be the concenus that "you can plead your case to the judge" and consider yourself lucky if all they do is cite you, rifles are not out of the question at all of being seized, My policy is if a accident happens, not that it has, yet, tell them the truth "if caught" and co-operate fully. But I would never call them on myself, around these parts anyway. My hunting partner of 25 or so years and I, have made this decision not to ever leave a animal to waste if a mistake was made. Then face the music as it plays. ( not that any animal is wasted in the bush, it will be cleaned up by other animals) Just the choice that we made.

artsmom · June 13, 2005, 04:40 PM

My great uncle grew up on a homestead in the Sandhills of Nebraska, and always had a friendly but adversarial relationship with the Game and Parks Commission, who he saw as Johnny Come Latelys into managing for wildlife. He was fond of saying this about them: "What they don't know won't hurt them, and what they do know, doesn't help them." I think that applies here.

Once the second deer is dead, the damage is done. Paying a fine doesn't bring it back to life, does it? Skin it, eat it, and think about what is going to be different next time the second deer comes along, and that should be the end of it.

I see a lot of people "casting the first stone" here. I take it you are all without sin? Kingudaroad, how about you?

June 9, 2005, 05:26 PM	#1
Cwalk Junior member Join Date: June 6, 2005 Posts: 13	My first deer hunt I hunt in Hampton, Ar in a very wooded area. This was my first deer hunt ever. I was shooting a M1 Garand in .308 open sight. My hunting buddy set me up by a feeder next to a small pond. The electronic feeder scared me every time it went off, but obvioulsy did not harm the deer. It actually was the dinner bell for local whitetail. It was cold and even colder since I sat down in a puddle of water that was in my ladder stand(it was dark when i climed up). I watched the sun raise her beautiful smile and cast down her blessing on me. I was very sleepy. I caught myself nodding at times. It wasnt 45 min when i was awakened( yeah I was sleep) by the sound of crackling leaves. I looked up and a small doe was steering right at me. I didn't want to move, was afraid she might hi tail it away. So i sat looking right back at her. She finally went right back to eating the corn. I raised my M1, put the front sight exactly where my hunting buddy exclaimed would be a for sure kill zone( the front shoulder) and BOOOOMMMMM. The deer until this day never knew what hit her. This being my first hunt/kill it was a pretty nasty sight. The deers chest was lying next to her. She was no more than 20 yards away. I sat there looking at the deer in aw. Then another doe came trotting along. She was about 30 yards away. Me being a young ignorant hunter wasted her too with a gut shot that spilled all of her eaten corn. My hunting buddy returned only to find to slaughtered does. He made mention that I only had a tag for one doe and that we could get in lots of trouble. So we loaded the three deer( he killed a doe also) on the four wheeler and hauled ass. This was some first time hunt. I know better now after hunting for now some three seasons without killing a single animal, but i guess its the deer god for taking a illegal doe _________________________________ "nothing better in life than friends, family, and the outdoors"

June 10, 2005, 01:35 PM	#9
yorec Senior Member Join Date: February 2, 2000 Location: Wyoming Posts: 2,328	Checking his other posts, I'm inclined to think he's not a troll... just a highly untrainned first time hunter who didn't know much of what to expect or do. Most unfortunate - in my state you'd have served jail time and gotten a hefty fine for shooting that second deer. Learn from the experience, study the game laws where you hunt and abide by them religiously. Find someone who will actually teach you what to do and expect - your buddy seems to fall short in the hunter mentoring department. The close up view of the deer's wound - what did you think would happen? A gunshot wound is not pretty, but it is a very effective way to make a clean and quick kill of a game animal. Next time you'll be more prepared and careful of your shot placement. One good thing - at least your buddy took all the animals and used them - I hate to see deer go to waste. That at least showed a little bit of morals on his part if not an overly developed intellectual side - hope he learned to do things better too. Keep working on it - good hunters were not made in a season. __________________ What part of "... shall not be infringed..." don't you understand?

June 10, 2005, 04:07 PM	#12
Rojoe67 Senior Member Join Date: January 7, 2005 Location: Wolverine State Posts: 767	Dude......... you messed up Well, let me congratulate you right up to the point of taking doe number 2. You spoiled the whole damn story as soon as you went brain dead and pulled the trigger the second time. Law is law and unless your above the law? you are a poacher....plain and simple. I hope it rides on your mind and bugs you to the point that you read the rules and hunt by them from now on... The anti hunting and anti gun folks get fuel from folks like yourself....please understand the importance of a hunting community and it's ability to police itself too. You are free to think I am a real a**hole for the tongue lashing I just gave you. Honestly you asked for it by your posting of your breaking the law. Remember we are humans and have a big edge on the animals of this earth. Laws of fair chase are for good reason..... You put your friend in a real pickle too....had you guys been caught on the way out of the woods you both would have been in equal dudu........ Make it and live it as it was.......a hard lesson learned........ No more mistakes like that one mister........... OK, you may return to normal the lashing is over..... PS.... In my state, as I think true most places, even if your on your own land you have to follow the game laws of your state of residence. In Michigan our DNR LEO's have the right to come on any land if they have reason to think laws are broken.... I hear in some issues they have more power than the regular state police for entering private property. In some poaching cases the suspect lost vehicle, rifle, and right to hunt for a number of years. A large fine is also collected from the guilty party. Just isn't worth the loss not to mention the lashing by responsible hunters...... OK, call me what you will........

June 10, 2005, 04:24 PM	#13
Rojoe67 Senior Member Join Date: January 7, 2005 Location: Wolverine State Posts: 767	Websters own: Poacher: Person whom takes anything by unfair or illegal methods.... many other items explain the word.... but that sentence sums it up for your question.....

June 11, 2005, 12:45 AM	#19
Twycross Senior Member Join Date: January 26, 2005 Location: Montana Posts: 1,187	I think this would be a good time to lock this thread. It started out badly, and is only degenerating. __________________ The test of character is not 'hanging in' when you expect light at the end of the tunnel, but performance of duty, and persistence of example when you know no light is coming. - Vice Admiral James Stockdale, USN (ret.)

June 9, 2005, 06:15 PM	#2
impact Senior Member Join Date: January 8, 2005 Location: the great state of Texas Posts: 854	Did you really do this or is this BS? and you know they didn't make to many 308 Garands

June 9, 2005, 06:25 PM	#3
Cwalk Junior member Join Date: June 6, 2005 Posts: 13	I am dead serious. Actually the Garand is my Fathers. His brother is a veteran and the gun was handed down to my father. This hunt happened in fall 2003 . I had to beg my father the entire year to let me use it. That was the only way i would have went hunting, otherwise i didnt have a gun. Believe me my father cherishes this rifle

June 9, 2005, 07:36 PM	#4
EdWilson Member Join Date: May 21, 2005 Location: Essex County MA Posts: 21	DU lurker? If not, my apologies and good hunting (not poaching) to you.

June 9, 2005, 10:08 PM	#5
Countertop Senior Member Join Date: September 7, 2004 Location: At the diner Posts: 125	DU = Democratic Underground Don't see why people wouldn't believe this. He was pretty clear it was his first hunt and he had limited knowledge about what to do. Plus, he seems somewhat regretful it happened. Frankly, around here, they can't get enough people to shoot does as it is. Not sure about the rules in Arkansas (and where he was) but if it was private property this may not have been poaching at all.

June 10, 2005, 04:27 AM	#6
LAK Junior member Join Date: May 14, 2002 Posts: 2,251	There were M1s reworked to chamber and work with the .308 for the U.S. Navy IIRC. And in recent years some commercially produced versions too I believe.

June 10, 2005, 12:10 PM	#7
kingudaroad Senior Member Join Date: March 11, 2005 Location: austin Posts: 735	In Texas, it is against the law to poach whether public land or private. We all make mistakes, and they can easily happen in the field.It just seems a little weird to me to post this abortion of a hunt in that dramatic storytelling fashion.Trying to get a reaction? Or just sharing a sad hunting tale.Very strange post anyway.

June 10, 2005, 12:25 PM	#8
22-rimfire Senior Member Join Date: February 19, 2005 Location: Tennessee Posts: 5,323	Cwalk: I hope you have worked on your marksmanship since your first hunt.

June 10, 2005, 02:18 PM	#10
Cwalk Junior member Join Date: June 6, 2005 Posts: 13	I admit it was my first hunt. I have learned a lot since that hunt. I have hunted whitetail again and did not see anything. I know I would have been experienced enough to wait on the perfect shot but if one is not presented she walks. As far as my marksmenship I think it is very good, it was a perfect shot just not a good bullet selection. If the deer would have been 100yds instead 20 yds it would still have been a perfect shot, because it was quick and very humane, just a bit messy. My hunting buddy did a great job of letting me know that it was an illegal kill, He could have not told me and congratulated me on a mistake.It was private land, but it belonged to my hunting club(HAWK MOORE HUNTING CLUB)

June 10, 2005, 03:46 PM	#11
EdWilson Member Join Date: May 21, 2005 Location: Essex County MA Posts: 21	I agree. I was presumptuous (I checked the posts too). Cwalk - ya ought to try birds. A lot of walking, but a lot more fun IMHO.

June 10, 2005, 04:33 PM	#14
Cwalk Junior member Join Date: June 6, 2005 Posts: 13	Thanks. Now I know and knowing is half the battle. See, Im becoming a better hunter everyday, becuase hunting is more than just killing. Its respecting Gods country. I dont know how the hunting scenarios are in Michigan( im sure you guys have lots of hunting land :barf: ) Big ole Michigan

June 10, 2005, 05:53 PM	#15
22-rimfire Senior Member Join Date: February 19, 2005 Location: Tennessee Posts: 5,323	The hunt club land is NOT your land. They probably lease it, but not necessarily. Hunting is not about "killing". It is about sportsmanship, the chase, and the reward of bagging your quarry in a legal sporting manner. You may get the wrong idea about hunting simply by watching the TV shows about hunting. If I had seen you take the second deer, I would have called the warden. A great lesson in reality. Frankly, the Garand may be legal in Arkansas, but you might want to consider another weapon that is more traditional.

June 10, 2005, 06:34 PM	#16
impact Senior Member Join Date: January 8, 2005 Location: the great state of Texas Posts: 854	In Texas if you were caught with that 2nd deer you would have lost the Garand and have gotten some fines and lost your right to hunt. In Texas we have a tag that you can tag a deer with for the low income or people needing assistance. But it needs to be taged when you kill the deer. You can't wait for the game warden to say hay what about this deer. The game warden can come over to your house any time day or night to check for illegal game without a warrant. Best thing to do is play it safe and play by the rules. As far as I know the Garand chambered in 308 was only used for the U.S. Navy and it was a 30-06 with an insert in the chamber so the 308 would headspace correctly. If it is one of these gun it is a rare gun. I have never seen one but I'm not a Garand expert. I would say the gun is worth at least several thousand dollars? Now if you lost that gun because of that 2nd deer They make new Garands chambered in 308 that start at about $1000.

June 11, 2005, 05:20 AM	#20
Rojoe67 Senior Member Join Date: January 7, 2005 Location: Wolverine State Posts: 767	lock it up - why? twycross.............. I agree it wasn't a good start and now he is getting a verbal beating........and it should be locked up why???? seems on target to me....and at this moment I am sure a few moderators have seen it and still think it's on topic too.....

June 11, 2005, 05:30 AM	#21
Rojoe67 Senior Member Join Date: January 7, 2005 Location: Wolverine State Posts: 767	cwalk...... Yep, Michigan is a good sized state for the sportsman. Your land mass is around 53,000 sq. miles and mine here in MI is about 97,000. That means what? I guess all it means is that Michigan is about 2 times as big as AR. The population in Michigan is about 2 times more per sq. mile too. Regards......... Rojoe67 Last word from me - I promise is the word "ethics"...............

June 11, 2005, 10:26 AM	#22
Eghad Senior Member Join Date: May 28, 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 6,231	Well it possible dear old dad could have had the Garand rebarreled to .308 also. I havent hunted in quite a few years..but usually before I engage in an activity I read material concerning the law or rules.... broke the law on the second one there...... __________________ Have a nice day at the range NRA Life Member

June 12, 2005, 09:12 PM	#23
butch50 Senior Member Join Date: April 15, 2005 Location: Republic of Texas Posts: 1,403	I will tell a short and true story that makes a point. I have an Uncle who (now passed away) was an avid deer hunter, and a very fine shot. When he got into his late 60s his eyesight became poorer. One day he was hunting on his oil lease which was pretty much mesquite brush country, and jumped aa buck that took off running, he saw an opening ahead of the deer, aimed at the opening and when the deer ran thru it he took a running shot, but the deer kept going. He saw another opening in line with where the deer was running, levered in around and swung his 30/30 and as the buck ran through the second opening he shot and the deer kept running, this happened a third time as well. This was all in one quick set of moves, three shots and three apparent misses. He was really upset because he had never missed that badly in his life, and he had been hunting since he was about 6 years old. He walked up to the first opening to check for blood/hair and....well to make it short like I promised he had shot and killed three separate bucks. They had been spread out and the timing was right, and his eye sight really was just bad enough but he was still a good shot. He only had tags for two bucks though, so he was one over. The point? He went and field dressed and took the deer home (not cold enough to leave them) and then he called the game warden, and when the game warden came he told him what happened and took him out where it happened. The game warden gave him a pretty hard time, but ultimately assumed that he was being honest or would not have called him in. The game warden did not cite him, but did take the third buck, antlers and all, with him to dispose of at a State school. The point is that if you hunt, you obey the law. If you don't know what the law is you shouldn't be hunting. Once you know that you broke the law you should call the game warden and stand there and tell him the truth, 100%. It is unethical to hunt without knowing the laws, and in fact it is just plain laziness not to have read the book that they give away free when you get your license. __________________ ‘‘Among the many misdeeds of the British rule in India, history will look upon the act of depriving a whole nation of arms, as the blackest.’’ ~ Mahatma Ghandi, "Gandhi, An Autobiography", page 446 ‘‘The great object is that every man be armed. Everyone who is able may have a gun.’’ ~ Patrick Henry

June 13, 2005, 01:13 AM	#24
Bic Member Join Date: January 22, 2005 Posts: 99	Butch50 Accidents happen, but in my neck of the woods if you call a warden and advise them that you made a mistake, and either shot to many or wrong sex it seems to be the concenus that "you can plead your case to the judge" and consider yourself lucky if all they do is cite you, rifles are not out of the question at all of being seized, My policy is if a accident happens, not that it has, yet, tell them the truth "if caught" and co-operate fully. But I would never call them on myself, around these parts anyway. My hunting partner of 25 or so years and I, have made this decision not to ever leave a animal to waste if a mistake was made. Then face the music as it plays. ( not that any animal is wasted in the bush, it will be cleaned up by other animals) Just the choice that we made.

June 13, 2005, 04:40 PM	#25
artsmom Senior Member Join Date: January 24, 2005 Location: Nebraska Posts: 334	My great uncle grew up on a homestead in the Sandhills of Nebraska, and always had a friendly but adversarial relationship with the Game and Parks Commission, who he saw as Johnny Come Latelys into managing for wildlife. He was fond of saying this about them: "What they don't know won't hurt them, and what they do know, doesn't help them." I think that applies here. Once the second deer is dead, the damage is done. Paying a fine doesn't bring it back to life, does it? Skin it, eat it, and think about what is going to be different next time the second deer comes along, and that should be the end of it. I see a lot of people "casting the first stone" here. I take it you are all without sin? Kingudaroad, how about you?