Fishing Forum

I told everyone that I would post what penalties I received for poaching on Henry's, I hesitate to do so, only because I want the memory to die, but I have had a couple people ask, and I really feel like everyone should know what happened to me, so that others will avoid the same stupid mistake.

I was cited for four fish over the limit that ugly day. So, with the court fees, the Fish and Game fees, and the $50/fish over the limit, I was charged nearly $500 total. Along with the fine, I have been put on "Informal Probation" which means that if I step out of the regulations again during this next year, I'm toast. I would then have much more severe fines and penalties.

Poaching is not worth whatever you think you may be gaining from it. I'm lucky that things didn't turn out worse for me. I appreciate all of you being kind to me and for seeing good. I really hope that all of you will learn from this lesson and help others avoid making similar mistakes. That being said, I got what I had coming to me and we need to report poaching when we see it.

The only reason we have such incredible fishing here in Idaho is because people follow the scientifically-based regulations that are in place. Thanks to people like all of you. Thankfully I'm still fishing and having a ton of fun, within the law.[cool]
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ouch !!![pirate]
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a slap on the wrist in my opinion... now lets see if you stay in line this time, in my eyes, once a cheater, always a cheater.

i dont intend this to sound negative, and i really do hope you have learned your lesson and even more, i hope that someone who does poach regularly see's this post then thinks twice.

thanks for posting i was curious where this was going
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Thank you for following through with everything you said you would. You seem to be showing a consistent and changed attitude which is great. Hang in there and try and continue to give back to the sport by helping others.
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Thanks for following through by reporting back. I am confident that you have learned a valuable lesson.
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[quote kochanut]

a slap on the wrist in my opinion... now lets see if you stay in line this time, in my eyes, once a cheater, always a cheater.

i dont intend this to sound negative...

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Glad you didn't intend to sound negative.[:/]
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[quote kentofnsl]Thanks for following through by reporting back. I am confident that you have learned a valuable lesson.[/quote]

since were quoting... what if (i know what if's suck but bear with me here for arguments sake) another person (not this guy, he has already get enough crap from people here including myself) had hooked and landed, then taken home a 7 foot sturgeon? would you be as forgiving?

to the OP, as others have said and myself also, i hope you have learned from this experience and others learn from it as well
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one more thing and dident want to edit the above post. it took a set of [bobhappy][bobhappy]'s to admit to this, but only after he was caught. it took an even bigger set of [bob][bob]'s to follow through with your promise to follow up, like i stated previously i hope you learned from it.
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[quote kochanut]

since were quoting... what if (i know what if's suck but bear with me here for arguments sake) another person (not this guy, he has already get enough crap from people here including myself) had hooked and landed, then taken home a 7 foot sturgeon? would you be as forgiving?

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Yes, because he has had his day in court, been fined, and put on probation. As he has stated, he has accepted the consequences of his actions. I choose to give people the benefit of the doubt until their actions show me that my trust is not warranted.
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all right, i rekon everyone gets one chance
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I admire you for standing up and taking your medicine[]

That alone tells me you are a decent, and will do fine from this point forward.
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If you are over 51 years old you could of bought a lifetime license for less. If you are under it would of paid for 60 % of one.

I am kind of surprised it was only $50 per fish.

At least you didn't deny you did the wrong thing like Rex Rammell is doing with his elk hunting (poaching) charges.
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Sorry that you had to pay that much. $500 is a lot out of most everyones budget that lives in the state of Idaho. I do feel for you, but the saying goes if you wanna play you gotta pay. Hope that you learned from your mistake. I really hope that you will continue to hunt and fish and be a example to others and maybe even a teacher. I know that after reading about your experience I will make sure I know the rules before I go out.
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