Thread: How many Specks in the freezer?

Originally Posted by Tundah

To clear the record, FWC officers may legally enter any property in the performance of their duties as it relates to state laws concerning game and fish. That said, they will not be entering any dwellings or opening any coolers at ones residence without a search warrant or consent of the owner. Their scope in entering a property is greater than other law enforcement officers, but beyond that, the same rules apply to search and seizure at a residence.

They do have the authority to conduct those searches at non-residence places: "vessel, boat, vehicle, fishhouse or warehouse." Even in those instances, the FWC officer needs some information that leads to a reasonable belief that a violation (under Natural Resources section) has occurred.

You are 100% correct. They have free range of all open property. In the occurrence of an established residence which would even include a make shift structure such as a cardboard box, they would need an administrative warrant at the least or permission. All they need to obtain that is a report of a violation and with that warrant can only look for what is stated on warrant. If it is a fish camp then all they need is the owners permission, unless residency has been deemed instead up temporary stay. A freezer or cooler in plain sight they can search. In case someone misunderstood FWC does not come in like swat and break down doors. They have rules to abide by like anyone else and a responsibility to follow them to the T to ensure proper conviction. FWC does a great job of doing that and taking time to gather that burden of proof before making a move. Though, you don't see them on the water they are there many times. Also, their Cyber team is very proactive and protecting our resources. Just to add FHP will ask to search your boat or cooler too. Remember it is a felony to cross state lines with illegally obtained wildlife. Not a common practice but they can confiscate your vehicles and boats.

Thanks - Tundah - Crappielimits & Huntinslabs and big tip of the hat.