CO activity around Marlbourough forest lately

[Hondroid]

Almost every time you speak to a CO, at a road side stop, etc., their line of questioning is a "fishing trip" in my opinion. I've no time for that nonsense and wont play their game.

Which brings up another question. You have a smartphone, video record the exchange. Maybe their line of questioning might change.

[Hondroid]

I did read your posts. No my post is not our of context, because as you said the CO who is over extending his/her authority is under oath in the court room, but still gets paid to be there. That court date costs the accused money even when they win. How many COs/Leo's count on the accused paying a ticket versus the expense of fighting it?

I do, because you never know what unintended consequences might arise in the future from pleading guilty.

[welsh]

Oh, I beg to differ. Read my original post about getting stoped by a CO in 1998. He did state that he stopped me because, "you're wearing a camo jacket".

The fact that you were stopped doesn't mean that the mere presence of a camo hat in a vehicle is reasonable grounds to inspect that vehicle, so beg to differ someplace else.

The question was, does seeing a camo hat in a vehicle entitle a CO to break into said vehicle to inspect it. The answer, for multiple reasons, is no.

Which brings up another question. You have a smartphone, video record the exchange. Maybe their line of questioning might change.

Not likely. The CO is allowed to ask pretty much any question he likes.

[MikePal]

More hunters have inadvertently gotten into trouble with their own big mouths than by any other way. Zip it!

Bingo...and add...a lot of the problems are due to their self righteous attitude when they encounter a LEO.

[rick_iles]

The bottom line is....know your rights, know the law and remember that we have courts for a reason. I've been hunting and fishing for 50 yrs or so. I've seen some pretty bogus charges laid by CO's, as well as some very questionable conduct. Fortunately, I have been in a position to question them, and on more that a couple of occasions, educate them.
For the most part, the CO's encountered have been great people. But, as in any occupation, there are those who really shouldn't be there !

[Gilroy]

The bottom line is....know your rights, know the law and remember that we have courts for a reason. I've been hunting and fishing for 50 yrs or so. I've seen some pretty bogus charges laid by CO's, as well as some very questionable conduct. Fortunately, I have been in a position to question them, and on more that a couple of occasions, educate them.
For the most part, the CO's encountered have been great people. But, as in any occupation, there are those who really shouldn't be there !

Good advice .

[trimmer21]

If their conversations lead them to detect a poacher what's wrong with that? As long as their conversations may also lead them to believe someone has done nothing wrong!!

Their prevailing thoughts,lately,seem to be that everyone who either hunts,fishes or both is the "enemy" and that everyone poaches. I'd like to know who teaches the courses that leaves them with that mindset. That's like every Police Constable thinks and acts like every citizen is armed and ready to shoot them. Ridiculous. Many of Ontario's CO's need a refresher course on how to deal with people. Two things I learned really fast while serving with the Police service is 'you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar' and 'you don't get extra pay for a being a jerk off'.

[Gilroy]

Bingo...and add...a lot of the problems are due to their self righteous attitude when they encounter a LEO.

Well I think its very natural to get upset and self righteous when hunters are out there simply trying to enjoy hard earned day,s off and holidays.

What we have to be aware of these days that did not exist back 30 years ago are there are plenty of people with agendas and axes to grind against hunters.
They have no problems picking up a phone and making a outlandish or false complaint. If you are approached by a CO in that event my first question would be
"what it the problem officer" followed by "have you reduced this complaint into writing and do you have the complainant,s signature on that complaint.
If the answer is negative request that be done and exercise your right to not incriminate yourself.

Its pretty amazing how a story changes when a memo book is taken out and a detailed question and answer is conducted with complaints made in bad faith.
Even more so when the complainant is cautioned they could be charged with public mischief if the allegation is found to be patently false.

P.S. Mike you are somewhat safer from this type of interaction with a CO as you have your own place to hunt on.Spare a thought for the other hunters who have to hunt in public accessed areas such as the one discussed in this thread.

[trimmer21]

I like that approach,Gilroy. Addressing a CO in that manner conveys two things to them,immediately,that you know your civil rights and that you expect them to have their (i's) dotted and (t's) crossed because you're not about to tolerate horse s**t from "anonymous sources". Of course,you and I know how to do that professionally,but,for others,maybe not so much,leaving the impression with CO's that they're being handed "attitude" from the get-go.

[yellow dog]

Well I think its very natural to get upset and self righteous when hunters are out there simply trying to enjoy hard earned day,s off and holidays.

What we have to be aware of these days that did not exist back 30 years ago are there are plenty of people with agendas and axes to grind against hunters.
They have no problems picking up a phone and making a outlandish or false complaint. If you are approached by a CO in that event my first question would be
"what it the problem officer" followed by "have you reduced this complaint into writing and do you have the complainant,s signature on that complaint.
If the answer is negative request that be done and exercise your right to not incriminate yourself.

Its pretty amazing how a story changes when a memo book is taken out and a detailed question and answer is conducted with complaints made in bad faith.
Even more so when the complainant is cautioned they could be charged with public mischief if the allegation is found to be patently false.

P.S. Mike you are somewhat safer from this type of interaction with a CO as you have your own place to hunt on.Spare a thought for the other hunters who have to hunt in public accessed areas such as the one discussed in this thread.

Well said !