If I made an honest mistake while hunting that broke a rule/law, I'm not sure what I would do. It probably would depend on the situation. For example, if no harm was done and the mistake was an honest one and very minor, I probably wouldn't turn myself in, but I wouldn't try and hide it if I was caught- I would just explain what happened to the game warden, apologize for my mistake and hope they go easy on me.
I'm with you
The first bear hunt they re-instated in Jersey I had a nice 0ne at 35-50 yds and was praying it would stop and eat something. I had it in my sites since I spotted it but couldn't shoot because there was still 15 min till legal shooting time. How could you shoot a trophy, have it mounted and brag knowing that you poached it. That's just not me, also my hunting privileges are worth more than any animal.
However I have reported a poacher and the game warden confirmed they got him, esp. since they had over 100 calls.