i think it was illegal but there was no criminal intent.Some wardens would make you explain it in front of a judge.Also not all warden's tapes are correct.a buddy of mine had a problem like this measuring lobsters.He went to court and proved that the wardens gage was short and won his case.I think you see them more on the water is that there is less water than there is hunting land.Plus they can spot you easier on the water than the woods.Not tomention your armed in the woods they wait for you to come out.