03-06-2015, 03:46 PM
[#0000FF]I am sure my vehicle has been checked multiple times. I see the ranger trucks patrolling the parking areas. But I wonder if they always know when a vehicle without a trailer has been parked by someone with a floating device other than a boat.
My statement was mainly about never being checked on the water...even for a license. I did get hailed and checked by a park ranger one time, while on the water, but only for having a floatation device. And I did have it to show.
The opposite (and laughable) situation happened on a trip with a boater. He put his park pass and invasive species form on the dashboard of his truck before we launched. But when we returned there was a notice under his windshield...right on top of his paperwork below. When we drove up to the park fee booth on the way out and showed them the pass and certificate they accused us of failing to display it and only bringing it out later. But it ended well.
I have encountered quite a few DWR biologists on various fishing excursions...and even a few COs. But whether I look perpetually compliant or too stupid to try to get away with anything I have never been asked to show my fishing license.
I understand and empathize/sympathize with the DWR officers. They have vast (half vast) areas to supervise...with numerous fishing and hunting areas to oversee for potential violators. On any given day...at any given venue...there are countless violations that never get seen or cited. That has led to a proliferation of happy harvesters who know the odds and continue to fish without licenses and to transgress slot and possession limits. And,
ly, when we witness some of those incidents we are often without cell service...or there is little or no followup when reported later...even with license plate numbers, etc. The COs cover lots of miles and work long hours but really have a thankless job and one that has more responsibility than reward.
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My statement was mainly about never being checked on the water...even for a license. I did get hailed and checked by a park ranger one time, while on the water, but only for having a floatation device. And I did have it to show.
The opposite (and laughable) situation happened on a trip with a boater. He put his park pass and invasive species form on the dashboard of his truck before we launched. But when we returned there was a notice under his windshield...right on top of his paperwork below. When we drove up to the park fee booth on the way out and showed them the pass and certificate they accused us of failing to display it and only bringing it out later. But it ended well.
I have encountered quite a few DWR biologists on various fishing excursions...and even a few COs. But whether I look perpetually compliant or too stupid to try to get away with anything I have never been asked to show my fishing license.
I understand and empathize/sympathize with the DWR officers. They have vast (half vast) areas to supervise...with numerous fishing and hunting areas to oversee for potential violators. On any given day...at any given venue...there are countless violations that never get seen or cited. That has led to a proliferation of happy harvesters who know the odds and continue to fish without licenses and to transgress slot and possession limits. And,
ly, when we witness some of those incidents we are often without cell service...or there is little or no followup when reported later...even with license plate numbers, etc. The COs cover lots of miles and work long hours but really have a thankless job and one that has more responsibility than reward.[/#0000FF]
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