CPO Field Checks

By Steven Beltran

Photos by the author.

After 25 years in law enforcement people often ask me what to do when an officer checks them in the field. With the rise of internet videos showing poor law enforcement interactions, I can say those are the exception to the thousands of interactions Illinois officers have each year.

A conservation police officer in green and tan gear writes a note on a notepad. In the background is the officer's black pickup truck in front of a woodland.

Most of the field checks I performed were to determine compliance with regulations enforcement by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Many people were happy to see me and offer their license and documents to show they cared about the resources and were invested in protecting it.

Having a definitive set of actions by the officer and outdoorsman is never going to be the same for every occasion. There are so many factors that come into play when a field check is performed but here are a few suggestions for a basic standard check.

Timing of Field Checks

Keep in mind that Conservation Police Officers (CPOs) have many checks during the day. Waiting or picking the best time to check a hunter in the field is not always possible. If it was firearm deer season and CPOs waited for everyone to exit the field it would take a long time and only a few checks would be done each day. Entering the field allows CPOs to see the area and the hunter in action. It is not their intent to disturb the hunt or drive the game away.

Remain Calm and Respectful

A conservation police officer examines a hunter's gear in the shrubby edge of an agricultural field.

This applies to both the CPO and the citizen. Starting out with these fundamentals shows a true human interest and allows mutual respect for both parties. When approaching a hunter often I would give a wave or a healthy “how’s the hunting.” I would appreciate a nod and smile, and a return phrase of “How’s your morning going?”

Hunters should always remain calm when encountering a CPO. Whether it’s a routine check or a deeper inquiry, showing respect and cooperation goes a long way. CPOs have the authority to enforce all state laws, and it’s their job to ensure your activity is done legally and ethically. Approaching them with a friendly attitude and respect for their role sets the right tone.

Depending on the activity the inspection may take some time. The season, location, species and time of the day can all contribute to the length of the inspection time. Once the inspection is over the CPO or the citizen has the option to communicate further if both parties agree. Asking questions is not only allowed but encouraged. CPOs are a valuable resource, and they’re usually happy to clarify rules or offer guidance on legal hunting practices.

Provide Proper Documentation

Hunters should always keep licenses, tags and permits easily accessible for a speedier check. If your license is buried in many layers of clothing or left back in the vehicle, which is unlawful, the check will take longer than needed. Be sure to have proper cell phone signal if you have an online digital license. Its best to have a saved or printed copy with you. Also consider removing old and expired licenses from your possession. No need to show licenses from the last 10 years.

Follow Instructions and Stay Honest

A close up view looking down at an open box of red shotgun shells sitting on the ground next to the corner of a tan hunting vest.

After verifying the licenses, a CPO may inquire about your activity for the season. It’s essential to always be honest with a CPO. Lying or providing inaccurate information can lead to further inquiries. If you’ve made a mistake or are unsure about something, it’s better to be upfront. CPOs are experienced, and honesty often helps de-escalate any potential issues.

Be Patient and Cooperative During Gear Inspection

CPOs have several regulations to check. While an officer checks firearms and other gear try to understand that CPOs perform these inspections to ensure the safety and legal compliance of everyone in the field. Sometimes, officers will check hunting gear to ensure that hunters are not carrying illegal equipment or using inappropriate ammunition. Cooperating during this process shows that you respect the rules of the field. Listen to the officers’ instructions. They may want you to unload your firearm, exit the tree stand, move to a safe location or make other adjustments. Each of these vary from officer to officer and are necessary to ensure a safe inspection for you and the officer.

Exchange Pleasantries and Hunting Responsibly

After the conversation, consider learning from your interaction and, if needed, make the necessary adjustments to improve your hunting experience. Not all field checks result in an infraction and if one exists there may be many reasons why. Consider sharing your thoughts with the CPO and making the inspection process a positive one.

A young hunter sits on a fallen mossy log and poses next to her successfully harvested white-tailed deer laying on the ground in front of her. The hunter wears camouflage gear and blaze orange and holds her shotgun in her right hand. In the background is a fall woodland.

Encountering a CPO in the field should never be seen as a negative experience. Officers are there to ensure that hunting remains safe, ethical, legal, and wildlife populations are protected from overharvest. By remaining calm, respectful and prepared, hunters can ensure that their encounter is brief and positive, allowing them to get back to the thrill of the hunt.

As with any person or situation, you may have an experience where the officer seems all business. Often there are many contributing factors. An officer may have just come from a high stress situation or be investigating a serious crime in the same area you are hunting. Just as CPOs are taught that each citizen has a unique disposition, consider that each officer has their own style of enforcement. Don’t let this dissuade you from enjoying the natural resources, kindly comply with the inspection and continue to enjoy the wonderful resources of Illinois.

When things go right in the field officers enjoy sharing in the excitement of a successful hunt. Over the years I have been fortunate enough to share and assist hunters out of the field. A long deer drag back to the parking lot can be strenuous. After a successful field check I was able to load up the legally taken game and give a lift to the hunter, saving them some time in the field.

Many times, officers come across someone who may not know all the regulations. Educating the public can be challenging but may times I have encountered the same person later in the season only to find they took my advice and were not only in compliance but had taken extra efforts to have everything in order. It’s satisfying for both parties when things go right.

If you have questions, contact your local Conservation Police Officer.

Steven Beltran joined the Illinois Conservation Police in 2000, retiring as a Sergeant in northwest Illinois in 2024.