XP 590 Posted October 25, 2011 Posted October 25, 2011 Has anyone EVER seen the officers at Bennett Springs actually in the stream? Actually checking licenses? Actually looking for fishing violations? Actually writing citations? I've been fishing there for 30 years and never have. But heaven forbid if you happen to have expired tags on your car. (Yes, I'm guilty as charged and not making excuses for it, I'm also sympathetic to public servants like that, they have a pretty thankless job). So here's the deal: After fishing below the hatchery spillway for a few hours on Sunday, I returned to my car and was approached by an officer, with another one in the truck, who said he had been watching my vehicle for "several hours" to ticket me for having expired tags. He appeared somewhat flustered at my flagrant disregard for the law and seemed to be taking it personally that I dare drive through his park with expired tags. He was polite and decided to give me a warning, which I was grateful for, and again, I was guilty, but we were both amazed by the tone of the whole encounter. As he pulled away, at least a half dozen fellow fishermen commented that they couldn't believe what they saw. They all echoed the same feelings I had, basically couldn't believe the officer was hassling me for expired tags with all the other unnoticed/unobserved/un looked for violations in the park. Done ranting now, off to the DMV for new tags. Just wanted to throw it out there for your observations and perspective.
mic Posted October 25, 2011 Posted October 25, 2011 Done ranting now, off to the DMV for new tags. Just wanted to throw it out there for your observations and perspective. Valid rant.
FishinCricket Posted October 25, 2011 Posted October 25, 2011 Not to be contentious, but I've been checked by officers in and on the stream (in the park and on the river) several times in the past 5 years. Most were plainclothed, if it makes any difference. cricket.c21.com
Outside Bend Posted October 25, 2011 Posted October 25, 2011 It's been my experience that two LEO's in one car is always bad news Sucks. I don't hit Bennett often, but I know the agents have been busy at Montauk and Meramec this season. Even made a few drug arrests. <{{{><
FishinCricket Posted October 25, 2011 Posted October 25, 2011 It's been my experience that two LEO's in one car is always bad news Sucks. I don't hit Bennett often, but I know the agents have been busy at Montauk and Meramec this season. Even made a few drug arrests. Impossible! Highly improbably! Most undoubtedly unlikely!! (everyone knows that fishermen are way too level headed to use drugs!) cricket.c21.com
Trout Commander Posted October 25, 2011 Posted October 25, 2011 Impossible! Highly improbably! Most undoubtedly unlikely!! (everyone knows that fishermen are way too level headed to use drugs!) Maybe that's how they stay level headed? I have spent most of my money on fly fishing and beer. The rest I just wasted. The latest Trout Commander blog post: Niangua River Six Pack
Leonard Posted October 25, 2011 Posted October 25, 2011 It's been my experience that two LEO's in one car is always bad news I need to go get my cousin Leon and we need to come raise a little..... HEHEHEHE http://www.taneycomonights.com
junkman Posted October 26, 2011 Posted October 26, 2011 Stopped by the new spillway on Pomme a couple weeks ago. Just wanted to look and see what it looked like. saw two fishermen fishing and yacked with then for a few minutes and listened to them complain about it. But when the boy and I walked off. we both caught a whiff of pot smoke. So I guess there is a few fishermen that have to have other things to mellow out with besides fishing. was awkward trying to explain what the smell was though.
Jack Jones Posted October 26, 2011 Posted October 26, 2011 When I'm out fishing I'm less concerned about the pot smokers, and more about the drinkers. I've encountered to many drunk fisherman who just get belligerent and loud. When my kiddo and I floated the Gasconade this year, there were about 7 of them, in their 20-30's with two boats tied together and lawn chairs in them to sit on. They were all pretty drunk, hooting and hollering. All of that said, I've been known to enjoy a nip or two out on the water, but only one or two. As for the law enforcement, I don't see it at Bennett but I've often seen them at Roaring River. "Thanks to Mother Mercy, Thanks to Brother Wine, Another night is over and we're walking down the line" - David Mallett
jdmidwest Posted October 26, 2011 Posted October 26, 2011 The Traffic Officer you mention is probably the Park Ranger which is usually responsible for Park violations like speeding, camping violations, rowdiness, etc. His duties are not enforcing the MDC Regulations of the park. I have been at that park and visited by a Ranger and a Sheriff Deputy. I drove into Springfield during the day and decided to stay an extra night past what I had already paid for camping. Shortly after returning that late evening, both showed up looking for money. You need a Conservation Officer to handle Game Violations, those can be contacted by looking up someone at the hatchery, stopping a Park Ranger, calling 1-800-392-1111, going to the park store and asking for assistance on the problem. Most Conservation Agents will be blended in to their surroundings. They don't usually patrol the park looking for expired licenses. "Life has become immeasurably better since I have been forced to stop taking it seriously." — Hunter S. Thompson
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