AJMichigan Posted August 23, 2013 Posted August 23, 2013 Thought nothing but highly about my state's DNR until my buddy explained what happened to him yesterday. He was fishing for bass in an area park (highly fished park) when the DNR showed up and asked him for his license. He went to his truck about 50 feet away and presented the officer with his fishing license and his drivers license. The DNR officer then gave him a ticket for "Fishing without a license on your person." Are you kidding me? Is the DNR really hurting this badly for money? $175 dollar fine and a misdemeanor. DNR officer told him he's cutting him a break because he could take his gear too. Buddy plans on going to court to fight this, and hope the judge dismisses this ludicris ticket. I get it, you're suppossed to have it on you but 50 ft away in your truck? Give me a break.
Super User Tuckahoe Joe Posted August 23, 2013 Super User Posted August 23, 2013 I mean, I guess laws are laws and whatever but if your fishing right there by your truck and your license is right there, that's pretty beat. I wouldn't be happy about this at all and I'd probably go to court and fight it too.
Topwaterspook Posted August 23, 2013 Posted August 23, 2013 In Pennsylvania you have to display your license, on your person, while you're fishing. I was stopped earlier this year but the officer was more lenient.
Super User Montanaro Posted August 23, 2013 Super User Posted August 23, 2013 everyone knows you have to have it on you. no excuse otherwise imo 1
wngan9447 Posted August 23, 2013 Posted August 23, 2013 I see this from both sides.... but a ticket is ludacris. They should have just educated your buddy with a warning. Unless your buddy was being rude... I wasnt there, but the conversation could have just went bad and the DNR just felt like being strict.
Zach Dunham Posted August 23, 2013 Posted August 23, 2013 In Pennsylvania you have to display your license, on your person, while you're fishing. I was stopped earlier this year but the officer was more lenient. I always have mine in my box and not displayed. I have been stopped by the guys here in PA multiple times and they never have a problem. I can whip it out in 10 seconds and show it to them. As for the OP: This is a ridiculous ticket this person received. It is not like he was claiming he had a license and had no way to prove it or said he left it at home. He was able to produce a license in 30 seconds. The point of these laws isn't for the state to try to SCAM people for money. Fishing regulations are in place to make sure people are putting in their share for maintaining the fisheries. He put in his share by purchasing a fishing license and some stupid money-making loophole was abused by the DNR officer. The northern states have absolutely archaic laws when it comes to anything wildlife management. 1
Stork Posted August 23, 2013 Posted August 23, 2013 I disagree with this issuing. The purpose of this law is to prevent fishermen purchasing licenses and leaving them at home. If you can produce the license, you shouldn't be ticketed. And truth be told, in this digital age of information, there's no reason for this law whatsoever- except to fleece fishermen.
Super User SPEEDBEAD. Posted August 23, 2013 Super User Posted August 23, 2013 In Pennsylvania you have to display your license, on your person, while you're fishing. I was stopped earlier this year but the officer was more lenient. I've got mine attached to my fishing bag. Never had them give me any grief as long as I can show it to them without having to "go get it." I absolutely can't stand having that thing attached to my hat.
Super User Dwight Hottle Posted August 23, 2013 Super User Posted August 23, 2013 The reason PA requires you to wear your license is so they can visually eliminate who they need to physically check. When boating on erie or fishing the streams they use binoculars from a distance checking for valid licenses. Having the license on you eliminates them bothering me when I'm fishing. As to the op I guess I'm old school. The law is the law. You don't get to interpret it for your own convenience. If you don't like it try and change it through the proper channels. 3
Zach Dunham Posted August 23, 2013 Posted August 23, 2013 And truth be told, in this digital age of information, there's no reason for this law whatsoever- except to fleece fishermen. 100% THIS. I could create a database of this stuff in about an hour that would be easily searchable by name.
Super User MarkH024 Posted August 23, 2013 Super User Posted August 23, 2013 I've got mine attached to my fishing bag. Never had them give me any grief as long as I can show it to them without having to "go get it." I absolutely can't stand having that thing attached to my hat. I always have a copy in my fishing bag as well as I try to have one in my pocket. I've only been questioned by DNR in IL or Wisconsin maybe 3 times in my life. I will say the fine is one thing, but a misdemeanor is a bit harsh. Sucks to hear it but lesson learned I suppose.
Super User deaknh03 Posted August 23, 2013 Super User Posted August 23, 2013 You buy a license, you play by the rules. Not your rules, their rules. Your buddy did get a break, he got to keep his gear. Going to a judge most likely will not help, he disobeyed the law. 2
PABASS Posted August 23, 2013 Posted August 23, 2013 I understand that in PA the licences are to be displayed so the DNR can visually see whom has a fishing licenses which good for them, but I live in a digital world and I have a copy of my licenses on my phone and that should be all that is required. If they need to walk, drive or boat to check this then so be it, its there job. PA gives you the option to print them out in white(ones that are purchased at brick and mortar are yellow), so I should be able to keep one on my phone as well.. With this being said I do wear mine almost 100% of the time...
Zach Dunham Posted August 23, 2013 Posted August 23, 2013 Going to a judge will most likely help, actually. If the person has nothing on their record and it is an offense this minor they will probably not waste the court's time and just lower it to something smaller or get rid of it, similar to what happens for a first traffic offense. And as for the gear, if I have a fishing license less than 50 feet away from me and can produce it in a few seconds, and some DNR guy tries to take my gear, things will not end well.
Super User bigbill Posted August 23, 2013 Super User Posted August 23, 2013 I'm sorry to say in my state these guys have more power than the state police. Your buddy should of said I have a problem losing everything so keeping it in my truck I know where it is at all times. I was checked once in my home state of ct.and I seen the fish n game ranger let others go free with no license. Why do I buy mine? Being disabled I park my car as close to where I'm fishing when I can. I was fishing 10' from my car when the park ranger told me to move my car I was too close to the dumpster. The dumpster was empty so no pick up was going to happen soon. As I packed up to leave he said just move your car. I told him by the time I get in my car the pain will be so bad I have to leave anyway. I thanked him and left. This guy was showing off his power because he had a summer help kid with him. I vt I was checked for hunting licenses while on my land. Since my land isn't posted no hunting I get to hunt it for free. Now as they got out of there truck we put our guns down on the ground right away. It's the right thing to do. They were relaxed and very nice to us. Some of these guys are awesome.
aquaholic Posted August 23, 2013 Posted August 23, 2013 I keep my license in my bag. Dnr around here is hated. Ive tried calling them for help with wild animals multiple times, and never could get any help having an officer sent out. Ive had good experience with people who work for the dnr, but the officers are a different story at least around here. I obviously cant speak for every one in america.
Super User A-Jay Posted August 23, 2013 Super User Posted August 23, 2013 Going to a judge will most likely help, actually. If the person has nothing on their record and it is an offense this minor they will probably not waste the court's time and just lower it to something smaller or get rid of it, similar to what happens for a first traffic offense. And as for the gear, if I have a fishing license less than 50 feet away from me and can produce it in a few seconds, and some DNR guy tries to take my gear, things will not end well. If you are not 100% compliant - the bad ending will undoubtedly be yours. A-Jay 5
Super User roadwarrior Posted August 23, 2013 Super User Posted August 23, 2013 Take a deep breath and calm down. Injustice can be dealt with later, through court or most likely administration. However, during the event cooperation is NOT optional. To threaten law enforcement or a "DNR guy" is a crime in and of itself. If you are implying physical force, you might win the battle, but you will most definitely lose the war. 1
stkbassn Posted August 23, 2013 Posted August 23, 2013 100% THIS. I could create a database of this stuff in about an hour that would be easily searchable by name. Because I seem to get grief on here when I disagree with authority or corporations I am hesitant to respond but I am driven by some demon inside of me that makes me do it....can't stop it! So I'm in agreement with this . I buy my license each year so I don't get a fine(1) and to help support conservation efforts and support of VADGIF(in my state) so they can continue to provide their services. So when they use their authority (or abuse it rather) to turn that around on us sportsman and fine us over a "technicality" , I call that a slap in the face!! SO, in closing, if you can produce the license at the time it's asked for there should be no fine, period!! If they have the time to stop and ask you for it they have time for you to walk over and get it out of your bag, truck, car, etc..... Do I keep mine on me? Yes. Have I left it in the car before? Yep...and I was asked to produce it on one occasion when I did so and there was no issue even though I had to go and get it. Not a true story but could be : I can just hear the officer in conversation with his wife that evening...something like this I'd imagine..... Officer says " honey, you'd be proud of me...I fined this fisherman today over not having his license on him" Wife says" Oh, that's not unusual is it"? Officer replies" No, but this guy did have his license in the car and he showed it to me". Wife says " Well why on earth would you fine him then"?! Officer replies as he puts his hands behind his head and leans back in his chair,chest out " Honey, I followed the law, to the letter . I have to show these fisherman who runs the show in these parts , ME "! Wife replies " Okay Barney Fife, whatever!" True story and one I will always treasure .. . I was out in the middle of a fairly large creek here in VA...a conservation officer approached from the bank and asked me to show him my license. Because I was busy fishing and enjoying my day and, knowing the law , I told him I had it on me but if he needed to see it he would need to come out and check it. He went back to his truck, put on his waders, and he came on out. He was noticably irritated about this but hey, I was doing my thing and didn't have a lot of time that day. He checked it and my ID...he wished me luck and left....this was priceless! Killed my lunch break but had to respond...sorry guys
ClackerBuzz Posted August 23, 2013 Posted August 23, 2013 very sad to hear for both people. i hope the judge has common sense, compasion, social skills and gives ur buddy a warning. and i hope the DNR guy learns more about people and karma sooner than later. no doubt he has and had many problems past, present and future. 'live by the sword, die by the sword' makes for a very long, hard and lonley life
Todd2 Posted August 23, 2013 Posted August 23, 2013 Seems harsh to me, but none of us were there. I've had mostly good experiences here in KY with the DNR, but the nicest one I ran into was in TN. We had crossed the state line, and didn't have our TN license. He "escorted" us to a marina and let us buy the license, with no fines. Very cool.
Zach Dunham Posted August 23, 2013 Posted August 23, 2013 If you are not 100% compliant - the bad ending will undoubtedly be yours. A-Jay Depends on the guy. I have seen really nice people and really bad ones. I have never had a problem yet just keeping my fishing licenses in my box. I always have it with me and I won't lose them then; I can pull it out in 5 seconds and don't even have to walk to my car. Even though it is technically required that I display it, this has not been a problem thus far because it is COMMON SENSE that I am doing what I should be doing. The day it is a problem is the day I will have a problem. Even the DNR officers think it is a stupid rule. The only reason they would ever ticket you for it is because they are trying to make money, and I think that is just dirty. The point of the DNR is to manage fish/game/environment/etc, NOT to make money off of people.
Zach Dunham Posted August 23, 2013 Posted August 23, 2013 Take a deep breath and calm down. Injustice can be dealt with later, through court or most likely administration. However, during the event cooperation is NOT optional. To threaten law enforcement or a "DNR guy" is a crime in and of itself. If you are implying physical force, you might win the battle, but you will most definitely lose the war. I'm perfectly calm. I threatened no one and you implying that I did offends me. I've never been in the least bit uncordial on here. You chose to take what I said that way. I agree with stkbassn here, why is there a huge problem with disagreeing with authority when authority is clearly wrong?
Super User flyfisher Posted August 23, 2013 Super User Posted August 23, 2013 The reason PA requires you to wear your license is so they can visually eliminate who they need to physically check. When boating on erie or fishing the streams they use binoculars from a distance checking for valid licenses. Having the license on you eliminates them bothering me when I'm fishing. As to the op I guess I'm old school. The law is the law. You don't get to interpret it for your own convenience. If you don't like it try and change it through the proper channels. I am actually kind of surprised at how many people are complaining about the law and the requirements. Is it really that hard to have a license on you at all times? Do you leave your phone, wallet, keys in your vehicle when you fish? I have an electronic vesion on my phone and a paper version in my wallet. I was asked once to show my license and i asked if my phone would work and he said that's fine even though technically it doesn't count because you have to sign the license. To many people have the us against them mentality with any kind of authority and it drives me nuts. My dad told me when i was young, unless authority figures are asking you to do something illegal or immoral you need to comply as they are there for a reason and resisting anything will not end up well 9 times out of 10. It is funny how much more smoothly things go when you take that approach.....even when you disagree. 1
Zach Dunham Posted August 23, 2013 Posted August 23, 2013 I am actually kind of surprised at how many people are complaining about the law and the requirements. Is it really that hard to have a license on you at all times? Do you leave your phone, wallet, keys in your vehicle when you fish? I have an electronic vesion on my phone and a paper version in my wallet. I was asked once to show my license and i asked if my phone would work and he said that's fine even though technically it doesn't count because you have to sign the license. To many people have the us against them mentality with any kind of authority and it drives me nuts. My dad told me when i was young, unless authority figures are asking you to do something illegal or immoral you need to comply as they are there for a reason and resisting anything will not end up well 9 times out of 10. It is funny how much more smoothly things go when you take that approach.....even when you disagree. It isn't even about doing it on purpose. If you don't keep your license in your box like I do it is perfectly plausibe that you just forgot it in your car. Or even if I intended to wear it, it is plausible that one day I left it in my box. I really deserve a ticket of over $100 bucks and a misdemeanor after I paid for a license and supported proper fish management? If you actually believe that I feel bad for you. I THOROUGHLY believe in taking care of the environment and giving some money for a license to help manage fisheries. If doing what is right and responsible gets thrown in my face by the DNR because of a moronic technicality, you can bet I'm going to do something about it.
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