DFG's search rights are much broader than police officers. Police officers are required by law to ask to search unless they have probable cause; where as if you admit to fishing or hunting, or are observed fishing or hunting, they do NOT need to ask.
I try to be extra legal, and can't say that I have personally had any issues with DFG; I just cooperate and everything goes smoothly. In all my years of fishing and hunting, I have only encountered 1 DFG officer that was a jerk, and in his case it was with a captiol J; but it all ended fine. I just wish I would see them out there more often.
Just one question about your encounter, was it as enjoyable for you as it was for the officer?
