Hungrynecker…Your point is taken in context, and it would be innapropriate to dispute it’s legitmacy. I would point out that LE is an extension of the Court, in fact an integral part of it, and as you point out the fines go to the court system. A somewhat circular relationship and logically they share a certain symbiotic economic self interest. To my greater point it is constructive to recognize that costs associated with the day to day operation of a revenue funded state agency must be borne to some extent by that agency itself. In tough economic times rigorous cost containment strategies such as hiring freezes, elimination of overtime pay, reallocation of resources, cost sharing, etc., etc. go hand in hand with 1 other arrow in the quiver of LE agencies…Write More Tickets!!
P.S. How is it that DNR always has the fanciest rigs on the water? For my tax dollar they can get the job done just fine with the same average quality stuff that the average citizen can afford. After all, they’ve already got guns and Blue Lights. I’m just sayin’.
Bonzo…I don’t espouse any conspiracy, or collusion by the DNR or any LE agency with regards to their motivation for revenue producing citations. I believe in my heart of hearts that LE staff is subject to the same economic pressure by superiors and supervisors as the DMV, DOT, etc. with regards to surplus and shortfall. To believe otherwise is naive in my personal opinion, and could lead one to a false sense of security with regards to the “grey areas” of code enforcement. If you believe that all decisions are tightly bound by ethical and statutory provisions that is your personal opionion, and you can hire an attorney to represent those views should you find yourself on the wrong side of that argument. For the sake of the original post, I suggested that a license be purchased as an insurance policy against the distinct possibility that a DNR officer MAY be attempting to fill a “quota” when he stops and visits with you. At my economic level the insurance is a lot cheaper than an attorney and/or the possible multi hundred dollar fine.
As far as the equipment that DNR uses, I don’t see how a luxury Edgewater or Scout is more effective than a standard SeaFox. I believe it portrays arrogance and indifference to the citizens that fund their existance with their tax dollars, and it pisses me off when I see it. I’m just sayin’.
Bonzo…I don’t espouse any conspiracy, or collusion by the DNR or any LE agency with regards to their motivation for revenue producing citations. I believe in my heart of hearts that LE staff is subject to the same economic pressure by superiors and supervisors as the DMV, DOT, etc. with regards to surplus and shortfall. To believe otherwise is naive in my personal opinion, and could lead one to a false sense of security with regards to the “grey areas” of code enforcement. If you believe that all decisions are tightly bound by ethical and statutory provisions that is your personal opionion, and you can hire an attorney to represent those views should you find yourself on the wrong side of that argument. For the sake of the original post, I suggested that a license be purchased as an insurance policy against the distinct possibility that a DNR officer MAY be attempting to fill a “quota” when he stops and visits with you. At my economic level the insurance is a lot cheaper than an attorney and/or the possible multi hundred dollar fine.
I might need somebody to break this one down for my simple mind…if your bottom line is “buy a license” then I am in total agreement with you…
never seen a LEO in a scout, and i wouldn’t call a fast boat with a gun locker “luxury” or “fancy” by nature. lights, radios, and some backup is all i see in the boats that check me.
i think bonzo has the bottom line down… maybe baitman can come along and translate the admirably endeavored verbosity.
1: I know a guy at church that talks like bossdog1 writes. He is legitimate. Ive always wondered if he would write the way that he talks. I guess I know now. :-{] My simple brain loses attention about 20 seconds into his speechs though.
2: I would buy the liscense at 10.00 but if it goes up to 20 or 25 I probably wouldnt.
3: almost forgot, “TRUSTME” if it aint broke, let me try. Is the funniest thing Ive heard in a long time.
Just read in The State this morning both fresh water and saltwater licenses going up to $15. Guess it’s time to sell the boat. lol
Bonzo, I’d pay $100 too. I’m sure most people that go this site would too as most of us fish quite a bit. The thing that has always amazed me is that at $10, it’s not only a great deal for those of us that fish alot, but at that price, it’s a deal even if you don’t fish much and get an oportunity to go out fishing one time during the year.
This past spring I had friend at work that has only been fishing a few times in his life and wanted to give it a try. He went online to buy the license and saw that his $10 license would only be god for a few more months, so he decided to hold off…a senior engineer making 6 figures. Unbelievable.
I’m sure many people on here know this, but for those that don’t, you can always buy a license on the spot while out on the boat should you wind up with someone on the boat without a license that wants to fish. You call in and using your debit/credit card purchase the license. They assign you a number and the license is good as soon as you hang up the phone. The paper copy will show up in the mail.
The number is 866-714-3611. Good number to keep in your cell phone contacts.
I bought a 3 year license this year so I am good until 2014. I definitely would not mind paying a little more if it went towards natural resources, etc… and not into a general fund where lawmakers could piss it away.
