Sec. 904 of Pa. Game Code held unconstitutional

Here is a link to the court decision (pdf format). Mr. Ickes ought to be recognized as a better man than most because he did not roll over. We owe him for vindicating our constitutional rights!

§ 904. Resisting or interfering with an officer. When an officer is in the performance of any duty required by this title, it is unlawful for any person to resist or interfere in any manner or to any degree or to refuse to produce identification upon request of the officer. A violation of this section is a summary offense of the first degree.

Interesting. Makes me think of the time a Pennsylvania WCO stopped me and my son coming out of the woods a few years back during archery season. He asked to see my identification and checked it against my hunting license. He then asked my son - a jr. hunter - to sign his name on a piece of paper and compared it to the signature on the license. He said he was just checking to make sure we were 'properly' licensed. We complied as we had nothing to hide. But I have to admit - I didn't like that. It seemed like he was just looking for something to write us up for. I wonder, could I have refused?

I always get the feeling that Pa WCOs look upon licensed hunters as potential fines. I have always produced ID and whatever else when asked, but seems like they were really hoping there was something wrong so they could write one up. Almost like they were disappointed that I was a law abiding hunter. I guess I could see their suspicion. Every hunter they stop IS armed.

awww shucks. give the wco the benefit of the doubt. what did you expect him to do (ie: how else could he have checked your licenses)? as you said, you had nothing to hide so there was no problem. he's just doing his job.

i dunno why so many hunters complain about being checked by wco's. with all due respect, it kinda reminds me of 22 year-olds complaining about getting carded...

i suppose i should add that i've only been checked twice. once at the parking area of a SGL (checked license and shotgun for plug), and another time by a wco AND her dog IN THE WOODS. i must admit, i was a bit ticked that she was running around IN THE WOODS during deer season, not to mention that her dog was with her too. the whole time she was checking my backtag, she kept having to tell fido to sit, stay, etc. there sure as heck weren't any deer within miles of that smelly (to deer) dog...

eddie