Enforcement

[Wayne SW/MO]

Eric, on this topic you and I think a lot alike. I too think we'll get more mileage out of deterrent than punishment. This is a big state, a big rural state, and its hard for law enforcement to enforce laws on pavement, much less in the brush by a very small force.

[ness]

Feels like I'm beating a dead horse with this, but....

If you're seeing violations, or even evidence of violations, call the game thief hotline. That'll draw attention to an area, and the odds of an agent getting out there go way, way up. No new rules, no new people -- just getting the ones out there to go where they're told. Squeaky wheel, and all that.

That number: 1-800-392-1111

again: 1-800-392-1111

Call 1-800-392-1111 within the next 15 minutes and I'll send you some steak knives.

[Dogtown65]

Look at the Missouri Lottery money. It was supposed to go to education, but they "lawmakers" seem to use it everywhere but where it counts. It should be on Teachers Pay, Their Resources, then The Students. Mabe then there would be no kid left behind. I agree, I would pay more, but they would just spend it on something not worth while. PS I am not a teacher .........t

[eric1978]

I stored the number on my phone ness, and you can bet I'll use it if I get the chance...unfortunately I have terrible service, so even if I saw a violation, I wouldn't be able to make the call. But I would try.

[Wayne SW/MO]

Ness I know what you're saying, but its not even a drop in the bucket. I've called only to find they are either unavailable or on the otherside of the county. Its not their fault, they can't be everywhere at once or work 24/7. That's the fly in the ointment, there will NEVER be enough agents to stop those who choose to see wildlife and fish as their personal food supply, or worse simply a moving target.

We should call and if they hear a number of calls it can highlight a problem area for them. Laws and regulations only work for the honest and we shouldn't make adjustments for violators that can't be caught.

[creek wader]

license fee ? I've never bought a fishing license. ... Just joking. ... But, that's a big problem. I've been fishing with countless people over the years, who did not have a fishing license. They were usually the people that fished once or twice a year. Some had said they had never bought a license.

I have to agree with most. If the money received from the increased fee, went directly to enforcement. Then yes, I'm for it. Unfortunately, when the government or a government program gets involved there is much waste and misdirected funds. Case in point, the federal bank bailout and stimulus money. Who didn't see that one coming? I knew it would be misappropriated before they even passed it. If there were a guarantee that the money would go to more officers in the field, enforcing laws. Well, I'd vote to increase license fees. But, there are no guarantees in life.

[ness]

You know, I don't think the end result has to be an immediate bust to have an impact. If you don't have service, make the call when you you do. If the agent is on the other side of the county when you call, that's a tough break. But you've planted a seed.

A couple years ago I called on Crane Creek a couple days after I saw some ya-hoo fishing there with what looked like worms. They said they'd go check it out. Did they do it? Hell, I'll never know. But I sure improved the chances, right?

This is about raising awareness and getting them to pay attention to an area. They've gotta patrol somewhere -- make them think about your stream first. The more (legitimate) calls, the better.

Remember -- just seeing an MDC truck in the area will be a deterrent to some folks. Sure, a bust would be nice, a conviction and fine even nicer, and a front-page article in the local newspaper about CA crack-downs would be ideal. But it all starts with a phone call.

So, act now! That number again:

1-800-392-1111

[fishinwrench]

Here ya go: Put up signs along the river, that say....

You have entered a satellite surveillance area.

To avoid being marked by laser for future prosecution

Please be aware of, and strictly follow

all state and federal game laws.

Compliments of the new world order

[Gavin]

No worries...I wear tin foil under my waders to protect me from the sattelites.

[bigredbirdfan]

I liken this problem to cars on the road. We all know that we don't have wide enough roads in some parts of the state (I-44 & I-70). It is my contention that we have no idea how many additinal cars will hit the road in the future so therefore we will not have enough roads when we need them. The agent situation is very similar. We have a growing state population but the agent count remains the same??

I will agree that GENERALLY people follow rules or don't. But a lot of folks are OK with bending rules slightly when unsupervised.

I disagree that punishment is a deterrent.

Have an agent confiscate your guns, your game, your fish, have them come check your freezer in your house, pay a big fine and then tell me that doesn't discourge law breaking.