Sometime what's legal and what's "Right" aren't the same thing. Also, peoples ethics aren't always the same. I know what I'd do.
The best advice probably came from OT. Call your game commission and get permission. They likely won't give it. But they may come out and meet you and help. They might not do that though either depending on what else is going on at the time.
I make every effort to recover my game. If that costs me sometime, so be it.
-Jake