Atlantic County Game Preserve

Families and friends enjoying the outdoors

Does a Conservation Officer have the authority to search your vehicle with out a search warrant, either federal or state?

The answer is yes under certain circumstances and if certain criteria have been met. The courts have found that hunting and fishing are highly regulated activities which allow conservation officers to make inspections of those engaged in these activities.
 
First the officer has to determine that the individual was actually engaged in the activity and that the officer has reason to believe that a violation has taken place
 
This can be accomplished by the officers observations or the questioning of the individual.
 
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