They'll respond to calls and patrol the woods
DELTA COUNTY -- They are the policemen of the woods. Conservation officers spend their days responding to calls and riding around the woods looking for trouble. And they're headed into a busy time as deer season is now upon us. So what are officers looking for?
"Basically the big things we look for...illegal blinds, four-wheeler trails, and safety issues is always a big thing. Making sure...hunter's orange is obviously a big one. It means you've got your hunter's orange on," explains Conservation Officer John Wenzel.
The officers will also be responding to calls from residents as well. Usually two big complaints are trespassing on private property and hunter harassment.
"The hunter harassment is just people, usually hunting in the same area, that are mad at each other because they feel that they're being encroached upon by the other hunter. So then they get into little fights, tamper with the other bait, tamper with the other's blinds," Wenzel says.
And those who break the law will be punished.
"Depending on the severity, usually there's just a fine. First offense, there usually won't be any jail time. It is a possibility because they are both misdemeanors, but most of the time it's just a fine, anywhere from $150-$200.
For those who want to avoid a ticket this season, make sure you know the rules before you head out to hunt.
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forWLUC