My guess is that 23’s issue is that it was a “technicality” to actually fine him for that - his traps on his land - and unlikely the intent for having said law/regulation. Perhaps a warning would have been more prudent (common sense) in that situation???..and makes the other aggravating circumstance (“friend of the dog runner”) more fishy. I haven’t had a bad experience with DNR to sour my impression on all of them and have been fortunate that in my wilder youth, some LEO’s gave me a break where they could have made my stupidity pretty painful. It’s tough job they have that I respect and I’m sure they have bad/off days like we all do. God bless 'em all.
It’s not uncommon to have to properly label your traps with required (regulated) information. That’s common practice all across the country where trapping is prevalent and the regulations are well-documented. True, the LE does have some things available at their discretion and a lesser punishment could’ve been dealt, then again, it’s not an issue if the proper (legally approved) traps are used and properly labeled in accordance with the regulations. Again, I get the sentiment about DNR being on “my land” but personally I don’t have a problem with it because I’m not worried about them finding anything “illegal” or doing anything “illegal” on my property. I think if people took the time to experience/understand the ignorance and stupidity that any type of LE has to endure on a daily basis, there would be less animosity and distrust towards them. Just like I wouldn’t consider all hunters/trappers as “rogues” because some exist in our ranks, I wouldn’t label all LE as “crooked” or “dirty” because some exist in their ranks.
God bless the “ignore” function.
quote:
Originally posted by bangstick Again, I get the sentiment about DNR being on "my land" but personally I don't have a problem with it because I'm not worried about them finding anything "illegal" or doing anything "illegal" on my property.
And its this mentality that has slowly eroded away at the natural liberties of American citizens over time.
Its this mentality that is slowly and methodically giving away our rights as Americans.
Its what you have been brainwashed to think. I used to think that way, but the older I get, the more I realize just how messed up or country is…and is becoming. The government thinks they need to protect the people from themselves and this is a major part of the problem. “If I’m not doing anything wrong, why not let them search me at the airport?” “If I’m not doing anything wrong, why not let them listen to my phone calls as they wish?” “If I’m not doing anything wrong, why not let them just come on my property any time they want?”
Where does it stop? What’s too far? Where’s the line?
“Another poon dream splintered on the rocks of reality.” --Peepod 07-25-2017
Call it “brainwashed” if you want, 23. I see what’s going on and I truly believe there are plenty of people that need to be protected from themselves. There are plenty of people on this site alone that should be protected from themselves.
You’re right, I’m not doing anything wrong so no, I don’t mind them being on my property if they need to be. I’m not giving up any “rights” by doing so. I don’t believe everything (notice I said “everything”) the government (or government agencies) does is some sort of conspiracy. Observation/awareness is a form of vigilance. Just because I have no problem with them being on my property doesn’t mean I don’t know they’re there and what they’re doing there. Again, situational awareness/being observant. The minute anyone crosses a line and violates my trust, they’ll know and I’ll handle that situation as I see fit. Until then, I have plenty of other important things to occupy my time with other than believing everyone is out to get me.
As far as your last three questions, there isn’t one specific answer for each. Every person and their situation is going to require a different answer.
God bless the “ignore” function.
quote:
Originally posted by bangstickCall it “brainwashed” if you want, 23. I see what’s going on and I truly believe there are plenty of people that need to be protected from themselves. There are plenty of people on this site alone that should be protected from themselves.
You’re right, I’m not doing anything wrong so no, I don’t mind them being on my property if they need to be. I’m not giving up any “rights” by doing so. I don’t believe everything (notice I said “everything”) the government (or government agencies) does is some sort of conspiracy. Observation/awareness is a form of vigilance. Just because I have no problem with them being on my property doesn’t mean I don’t know they’re there and what they’re doing there. Again, situational awareness/being observant. The minute anyone crosses a line and violates my trust, they’ll know and I’ll handle that situation as I see fit. Until then, I have plenty of other important things to occupy my time with other than believing everyone is out to get me.
As far as your last three questions, there isn’t one specific answer for each. Every person and their situation is going to require a different answer.
God bless the “ignore” function.
We’ll have to agree to disagree. I hope that position works out for you.
“Another poon dream splintered on the rocks of reality.” --Peepod 07-25-2017
Fair enough.
Has so far. Not saying it’s THE way. Just my way.
God bless the “ignore” function.
Bang and 23, I can and do see both points of view.
To respond to the “right” that dnr has to come on your property, I’m pretty sure that law and concept go back a long way - maybe since the first warden was hired. I think it is rooted in the idea that game belongs to ALL the people, and not to the property owner. Your experience would suggest that dnr stretched beyond the intent of the law.
I have had dogs over-run me many times, and there is nothing you or I can legally do about it according to dnr. Well, the least they can do is not help the doggers invade your property. Having said that, if you recently bought fifty acres surrounded by an old time dog club of five thousand acres, it’s going to be an uphill battle to keep them off.
If you haven’t noticed before, my greatest fear for sportsmen in this state, and ,indeed, future sportsmen, is the willingness of dnr to turn our offshore fishery over to the federal government without any fight. Then dnr hired out our own wardens as enforcers of ridiculous federal rules. I think that’s like selling our soul to the devil. A conspiracy? Darned right it is.
I hate to bring this topic back up because it had gotten completely derailed from the original topic which was “What do you use to measure your fish?”. If you go back and read the posts pertaining to the original topic, you’ll find varying opinions on what to use, but I’m specifically talking about the tape measure stickers issued by the SCDNR.
Last week, I had the opportunity to participate in a L.E.O. Appreciation Fishing Derby. They were mainly SCDNR, but there were a few sheriff’s deputies present representing several counties. All were involved in law enforcement in the marine environment.
I had 2 SCDNR officers on my boat so I had the opportunity to ask a couple questions about how they enforce the laws. I asked about using the sticker ruler to measure and they both unequivocally agreed that regardless of what their ruler says, they will honor those stickers, even if they are wrong, as long as you show them that was what you used to measure your fish. They agreed that if those stickers are wrong, it’s on them, not the fisherman.
They also agreed that the other officers they know would have the same opinion.
Now I know there will be those of you who will not agree with this or believe it, but it is the conversation that I had this past week.
-The size of a fish is directly proportional to the time between when it’s lost and the story is told. - Me
-What’s the best eating fish, you ask? I’ve found that for a lot people, its the ones that they happen to be able to catch, clean, and cook. - My Dad (1/13/37 - 9/27/16 I love you Pops)
-Until you have loved a dog, part of your soul remains unawakened. Anatole France (paraphrased)
-RIP my “Puppy Dog” 10/15/2004 - 1/14/2013. I’ll never forget him. What a special friend he was.
-Team Gonna Fish
Funny you bring this up. I worked with some DNR folks for a few days during the hurricane. I asked the same question and was told if the fish measured legal on the ruler, they would not ticket as it is a ruler offered by DNR.
“Apathy is the Glove into Which Evil Slips It’s Hand”, but really, who cares?
quote:
Originally posted by DFreedomFunny you bring this up. I worked with some DNR folks for a few days during the hurricane. I asked the same question and was told if the fish measured legal on the ruler, they would not ticket as it is a ruler offered by DNR.
“Apathy is the Glove into Which Evil Slips It’s Hand”, but really, who cares?
I’m trying not to derail this topic again, but let me state that it was an honor and a privilege to take those guys fishing. They were extremely appreciative of what we did for them, but I swear that I got more enjoyment out of it…
-The size of a fish is directly proportional to the time between when it’s lost and the story is told. - Me
-What’s the best eating fish, you ask? I’ve found that for a lot people, its the ones that they happen to be able to catch, clean, and cook. - My Dad (1/13/37 - 9/27/16 I love you Pops)
-Until you have loved a dog, part of your soul remains unawakened. Anatole France (paraphrased)
-RIP my “Puppy Dog” 10/15/2004 - 1/14/2013. I’ll never forget him. What a special friend he was.
-Team Gonna Fish
I know some folks here have had some less than ideal dealings with some DNR folks but, I know many of them and they are for the most part, good people trying to do a difficult job. I get mad when I hear that one of them has been rude or disrespectful to someone because that reflects poorly on the rest of DNR as well as other LE departments. Setting the tone by being polite and respectful goes a long way towards a more harmonious confrontation.
“Apathy is the Glove into Which Evil Slips It’s Hand”, but really, who cares?
Hi 23
Curious as to what you are targeting with your traps and what kind of traps you are using on your property
That’s good to hear from a couple of LEO guys about the ruler. Thing is, they can’t speak for other officers. I know for a fact that not ALL of them feel that way. Until it’s made mandatory.
My question is, if everyone knows the stickers aren’t “accurate,” why use them? I realize some said they spoke with a couple of DNR LEO’s and they said they’d honor the sticker measurement but the fact that anyone would even have to ask that question says volumes about the sticker itself and the questions it raises. Why not spend a couple of bucks and go buy a legit fish ruler that would eliminate all of these types of questions and controversy? It’s almost like some of licking their chops for a chance to get checked by a DNR LEO so they can throw the “But such and such DNR LEO said I could use the sticker so I’m going to fight this ticket in court” or “It’s not my fault the DNR’s sticker is inaccurate.”
I know some will come running and say something to the affect of “If the stickers aren’t accurate, then the DNR shouldn’t issue them.” Well, for one thing, then DNR doesn’t force anyone to use those stickers. Two, personally, I see those sticker as more of a novelty item. That said, I’ve always used Gator Grip Golden Rule (Redfish model) so I’m probably not objective enough about the sticker.
The way I see it is, if people would spend a little money (the Redfish ruler from Gator Grip is less than $30…there are probably cheaper ones out there) this becomes a non-issue.
God bless the “ignore” function.