Am I a poacher. I turkey hunted this past weekend with my 870. I crow hunted with the same shotgun yesterday. I started unloading after a few minutes of fast and furious crow shooting and four shells came out. Apparently, I have been hunting all year without a plug, which is illiegal. I had no idea because I hadn't tried to put more than three shells in the gun. I for the lofe of me still can't remember when I would have taken that plug out. However, I was still breaking the law. Am I a poacher?
Technically, I guess so.
Isn't it your responsibility to know what equipment you are using?
I think you would be responsibly to follow the game laws of your state which would include proper firearm requirements.
Would a game warden write you up for it? I have no idea.
Would I consider you a bad person, or less of a hunter, of course not.