DNR and private landing

Saltwater Inshore Discussion
1

Where would I find regulations regarding DNR officer routinely using a private neighborhood landing for going on patrol?

2

I doubt there are any regulations. Not sure why there would be any regulations addressing it.

All the NC and SC officers here on Lake Wylie use private marinas to launch their boats.

3

DNR, if I recall correctly (from the days I interned with the Fisheries division in the 1990’s), can go and check anywhere they want.

You might want to check with the homeowners association about any agreement with the DNR about ramp usage.

Moral judgment under girds the entire structure of laws and is necessary for the rational structure of any significant statute. The idea that our laws can stand independent of moral foundation is senseless.----- Albert Mohler.

4

Does he or she live in the neighborhood? If not why is it worrying you, you do something wrong on a regular basis?

5

I think your vehicle is probably a lot less likely to get broken into as well.

I loved it when I had a police officer living next door. We never had a break in of any sort back then.

Semper Fi
18’ Sterling
115 Yamaha
Big Ugly Homemade Blue Push Pole

6

The HOA has given no permission. The roads are private also. The officer does not live in the neighborhood. I did not say it was good or bad. Just want to know what the law says.

7
quote:
Originally posted by scout

The HOA has given no permission. The roads are private also. The officer does not live in the neighborhood. I did not say it was good or bad. Just want to know what the law says.

I know they are federal officers and can pretty much do whatever they want. I certainly wouldn’t pick a fight with one.

Semper Fi
18’ Sterling
115 Yamaha
Big Ugly Homemade Blue Push Pole

8

I believe SCDNR officers are state constables. They are definitely not federal officers.
They have the authority to enforce DNR regs. on private property for what that’s worth.

9
quote:
Originally posted by TheIslander

I believe SCDNR officers are state constables. They are definitely not federal officers.
They have the authority to enforce DNR regs. on private property for what that’s worth.

You’re right. I really thought that was true until I looked it up.

Semper Fi
18’ Sterling
115 Yamaha
Big Ugly Homemade Blue Push Pole

10

DNR Officers are Class 1 LEO’s and have statewide jurisdiction, just like SCHP Troopers, BPS Officers, STP Officers, SLED Agents and Probation/Parole Agents. City officers and deputy sheriffs are Class 1 as well but generally have limited jurisdiction. Not sure what the deal is with the DNR guy, is he using it for personal use or professional?

11

They have a key to the landing I regularly put in at and are encouraged to use the landing. Personally I like them around. Did they give you a ticket or harass you? What neighborhood are you speaking of?

12

Y’all correct me if I’m wrong, but my understanding is a DNR can pretty much go where they want. I agree with everyone else though, I’d love to have one frequent were I fish and boat. I can not imagine any HOA not giving permission for a DNR agent to use a landing on their property if they do have to have permission.

13

There is no problem, no ticket, etc. Just wanted a valid documented reference that said its OK for wildlife officer to enter and use a private landing in a non-emergency but in the line of duty.

14

They have the key to the WAOMC and can use it for patrol or private use.We are glad to have them around.

Stonoman

15

I’ve got a better idea for you instead of worrying about the DNR using your boat ramp. Go yell at your neighbor for leaving the trash can out too long after the garbage man comes instead of yelling at the DNR officer. Im sure it will be far more rewarding for you.

16

Waldo. Where did you read that a DNR Officer got yelled at?

17
quote:
Originally posted by scout

Waldo. Where did you read that a DNR Officer got yelled at?

I did not read that anywhere. I just see where this is going, and gave you sound advice.

18

Unless somebody is regularly keeping overslot redfish or the DNR guy is taking up too Manu parking spaces I would love to have a DNR guy there!

19

I have a good freind who just retired from SCDNR Law Enforcement, a warden can go anywhere he has a probabal cause for anything.He can write you aticket for littering on a privite road or put you in jail for fishing without a license. If he does not have a key to get in a privite gate he will cut the lock.
I really appriciate the job they do, for what little money they make, even with the perks.

20

If he does not have a key to get in a privite gate he will cut the lock.

You hit it when you said a warden can go anywhere he has a probabal cause for anything, and that would be true. Operative words being probable cause. Probable cause, by definition, means he can articulate a crime has or is likely to occur. He’d be on real shaky ground for destroying private property just so he can use a private ramp. I don’t believe convenience is applicable, nor would using your pool just to cool off on a hot afternoon. Without probable cause, or legislation to the contrary, private is still private even for DNR … :wink: