Game Warden Issue at Shooting Range

**stevel610** · October 14th, 2018, 06:49 PM

So this afternoon I was at a Game Commission Range. I was there about 1.5 hours and the Game Warden came in checking licenses. I carry a copy of mine in my shooting bag and the original with my hunting equipment (not with me). I showed him the copy of the valid license. The Warden said it wasn't good enough. I explained it has all the info including current year and CID #. He asked for my Driver's License which I showed him. He said I had to leave since I didn't have the original. I went through the discussion how he has all the information to show I have a license and can shoot there. He said I had to go. I asked if there was any doubt in his mind I had a valid license to which he replied "no", then asked if he was still kicking me off the range which he said "Yes". I packed up and left.

Looking for opinions.

**Ecclectic Collector** · October 14th, 2018, 06:56 PM

The WCO likely thought he was doing you a favor by not writing you a citation. The real question is what does the law say? My guess is that a valid (original) signed copy is required on your person.

Does it make sense? Well no, but the law sometimes works that way.

**Remington788** · October 14th, 2018, 06:56 PM

in my opinion you are lucky that he let you leave without a pricey citation.

For your shooting enjoyment and to make you a better hunter, the Game Commission maintains public shooting ranges across the state. Those who shoot firearms at one of the Pennsylvania Game Commission's state game lands public shooting ranges must possess and carry with them either an annual $30 range use permit or a current general hunting or furtaker license. Individuals without a range use permit or hunting or furtaker license may be fined. Each licensed hunter or range permit holder may have one guest. https://www.pgc.pa.gov/HuntTrap/Stat...s/default.aspx

**Emptymag** · October 14th, 2018, 07:43 PM

The end.

**TooBigToFit** · October 14th, 2018, 08:17 PM

Do you think a police officer would be OK with you giving him a photocopy of your driver's license?

**Sandcut** · October 14th, 2018, 08:21 PM

I'll play Devil's advocate from the other side.

Would you think it to be acceptable to carry a good photocopy of your license with you while you're hunting?

If the answer to that was 'no', then why would it be acceptable at an SGL range?

**The Lieutenant** · October 14th, 2018, 08:24 PM

Originally Posted by TooBigToFit

Do you think a police officer would be OK with you giving him a photocopy of your driver's license?

Some would, some wouldn't. No different than showing up at the bank with a photocopy of your license.

**bogey1** · October 14th, 2018, 08:30 PM

I carry my original license to carry card in my pocket, its laminated but all beat to shit.
Must suck to have to look up on a computer or call the office to see if its valid