Twas the time when yes, the game warden pretty much could come and go as he pleased (with regards too your house) but over the last decade or two many a case has been taken too the states supreme courts and many conservation depts have lost. They certainly don't have to have warrants to come onto your property just to make sure you are legal.

The Federal gamewardens, now they are a different breed entirely. BUT you can bet that when they show up the work has already been done, the Is dotted and the Ts crossed. It's no longer playtime when the boys in blue come a knockin. 9xs out of 10 if you live east of the MS River and they knock on the door you have either done something on Federal Land (of which there isn't much in the eastern part of the U.S.) or you have violated the endangered/protected species act or you have been a serious offender of waterfowl regulations (they are treated as a federal subject since they are migratory). I am friends and know many of my state wardens and consider them GREAT people and God Bless and thanks for them. BUT I tremble at the sight of the "blue wardens". I swear many of them are like ATF agents, they are anti-gunners/hunters with badges and a preconceived notion that we are ALL guilty until we prove ourselves innocent!!! []

In TN landowners don't have to pay for tags, they must however get free tags from the state simply so someone knows there is hunting going on there and of course they must tag and check in any deer taken. As it should be, the wardens and state are responsible for law enforcement for ALL the game EVERYWHERE. Someone has to foot that bill, personally I don't see where a landowner should get a "free ride" with respect too that. Maybe a reduced fee or half price tag, but not free IMHO!!!

Game wardens are my friends, but now if the ATF/FBI shows up (ala the Janet "gas and burn" Reno era) at my place I hope my family isn't around and my life insurance premiums are paid up. Because theres probably gonna be some lead flung at those commies!!! [:@]
RA

ps
Speakin of the ATF I realize now they are under the Homeland Security Dept but originally they were under the Dept of the Treasury (aka the IRS). Since when did the Treasury Dept have constitutional powers of a judicial nature???