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Sunday, November 15, 2026Nov 15

Case: When it comes to hunting and fishing, rules are rules, aren’t rules?

As hunters prepare for or take part in the early portion of the fall seasons, "Guns & Cornbread" columnist Larry Case, a former game warden, reminds sportsmen that wildlife management is a complicated process and sometimes leads to what may seem like confusing rules. (AP File Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
As hunters prepare for or take part in the early portion of the fall seasons, "Guns & Cornbread" columnist Larry Case, a former game warden, reminds sportsmen that wildlife management is a complicated process and sometimes leads to what may seem like confusing rules. (AP File Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

No doubt this guy was pretty upset. I was on the phone with an irate hunter back when I wore the game warden badge.

“This is the craziest law I have ever heard of!” he steamed. “Why do the hunting laws have to be so complicated?”

I knew he wouldn’t believe me, but I really could sympathize with him. His buddy had received a ticket for doe hunting on the wrong side of the line in a county that was divided on where you could take antlerless deer.

Hunting and fishing rules and regulations have always been a point of contention to some sportsmen. To me, it goes to the lack of unity between hunters and fishermen. I would like us to be more on the same page about this, but that may not be entirely possible.

Let’s try to look at some of landscape on this topic.