As a resident of the State of Arkansas and the holder of an annual out of state fishing license for the state of Missouri, for which I paid $49, I am shocked to hear that people who fish the waters of the far southwest counties of Missouri are harassed by armed landowners and law enforcement officers.
Having purchased an annual fishing license for the state of Missouri, I plan to fish several of Missouri's streams and lakes. During my trips to Missouri, I will purchase tackle, food, lodging and gasoline. Although after reading about how anglers and floaters of the streams in the far southwest counties of Missouri are treated, I hold reserve to venture to that part of the state.
The Supreme Court of the State of Missouri, in Elder vs. Delcour, has granted the right of floaters and anglers to float certain waters in the state without harassment. If local law enforcement agencies and the District Attorneys of the counties of southwest Missouri will not uphold this decision, I cannot see spending my money in said counties and will fish elsewhere.
Thank You,
Don Paradise
Mountain Home, AR