Bennett Springs Traffic Officer

[Thom]

They were simply doing their job. I have seen the park officials checking for violations several times and in fact on day witnessed and reported a violation of a morning, noon and evening family being ticketed for over 100 fish in their van and another huge bunch at their cabin. I causually mentioned that i had observed this guy filling stringers and to the guy fishing next to me. He marched him out of the water and searched his van. He was an agent of some sort. I got a letter from his department from the info that I provided a $400 fine and lost priviledges to fish Mo for 3 years was assesed. The violater was out of state, Kansas Ihink.

[Born to Fish]

Was with a guy who also got busted for expired tags about 30 years ago at Montauk. We were at our campsite when the sheriff drove through the campground and hit the lights when he got to our site. Was surprised he didn't hit the siren also. Luckily, my friend had is new tags in the glove box. Must be easy pickins. I would probably spend most of my days in the park too, if I was the sheriff! It's good to have them patrolling the campgrounds with everything that is left out while camping.

[Wayne SW/MO]

The park rangers patrol the park including the roads.

As far as the stream goes, yes I have seen agents checking the stream. I might add that the only reason I saw agents was because the were writing tickets, dress in vests and carrying flyrods.

[XP 590]

Thanks for all the input and information. That is why I asked for "perspective". I'd like to think I'm smart enough to know that I don't know everything.

[NoLuck]

I remember an officer of the law saying something about a "Blue Flame Syndrome", that could be the cause. It had something to do with being a young cop trying to prove something. Could be the case.

[Gilly]

My daughter's a cop, U.S. Marshall actually. It is my prayer that everyone would just do what they're suppose to do and put officers of all kinds out of work.

[Idylwilde]

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.

The Park ranger also has the authority to write game violations, ALL enforcement officers can enforce game violations. Even the Highway Patrol can write game violations, The ranger has the same powers of arrest as the Highway Patrol in his bailiwick.

[jdmidwest]

The Park ranger also has the authority to write game violations, ALL enforcement officers can enforce game violations. Even the Highway Patrol can write game violations, The ranger has the same powers of arrest as the Highway Patrol in his bailiwick.

I knew Sheriff Deputies have the authority in Missouri, did not really know what the scope of a Park Ranger entailed. Not all states enforce the laws with the same individuals.

[brittsnbirds]

I remember an officer of the law saying something about a "Blue Flame Syndrome", that could be the cause. It had something to do with being a young cop trying to prove something. Could be the case.

That be me Rich!! I think we were setting around drinking a couple swapping stories!!

My flame went out a bunch of years ago!! Maybe after getting called into the Captain's office for the 50th time.

[Wayne SW/MO]

I've been doing Bennett for about 60+ years and I've never seen a park ranger on the stream or far from his vehicle for that matter. I don't think it's where their focus is. The few times I can remember seeing agents they were as I said earlier, mingling with he fishermen and then writing tickets. I'm sure there have been times they have been around and no one, including me, noticed.