SIGNS - about no Bait Fishing below the dam

[Brian K. Shaffer]

The signage below the dam is awful.

What if I don't speak English ?

 

[Phil Lilley]

We’ve talked to the conservation department at length back in the 90s and since about the language of the signage but that’s about all they can say legally. They can’t use brand names like Berkley in there signage. Plus I don’t think signs are going to help really. Most people don’t care and or they don’t think they’re gonna be caught.  Take pics and text them to agents. 

[tjm]

they don’t think they’re gonna be caught. I've been seeing bait in the fly only stretch of RRSP for 30 years. I don't think I've seen an agent there in probably 10 years, too few agents and too much territory for each of them. How often are agents walking the banks of Taneycomo?

10 hours ago, Brian K. Shaffer said:

What if I don't speak English ?

In the words of SCOTUS “ignorance of the law will not excuse any person, either civilly or criminally” But if they don't get caught, what does it matter?

[fshndoug]

Lets put 190 signs in every language, arrest the ones that don't read them.

[tjm]

There are currently 4,065 written languages in the world, so a sign in each maybe, and then  hire an interpreter to stand by each sign for those who cant read any language.  Or just hire an agent to walk through there at random times and check baits and that "flies" are really "flies" and not squirmy worms. Oh, wait, soft plastic squirmy worms are legal flies in international competitions.

[Devan S.]

Even if they do check baits and write tickets....what's a ticket costs? $150 bucks? What if you don't pay it?

[tjm]

I think the fines are less than that in most cases, don't you lose a day out of work for the court date and if you fail to show up or pay fines you'd be in contempt of court?

And there is the Point System-
 

Quote

 

When you violate the Wildlife Code, an agent issues you a ticket. If you are convicted of the violation, the court may assess a fine (which goes to the county) and/or time in jail. At the time of conviction, depending on the violation, MDC staff assign you anywhere from zero to 16 points per violation.

If you accumulate 16 points, MDC staff will review all the circumstances surrounding your violations and may recommend the Commission consider revoking or suspending your permit privileges for up to one year. If you accumulate more than 16 points, the recommendation to the Commission may be a suspension of more than one year.

Staff consider your points for the past five years in making recommendations to the Commission, including any conviction expunged in accordance with §610.140 RSMo.

The Commission can revoke or suspend your permit privileges for any violation. MDC staff use the point system to identify people with a record of violations, but the Commission does not revoke or suspend permit privileges without due process.

 

But, if the agent is in Court prosecuting a bait fine of $10 + costs, that agent is not out rounding up Elk Poachers, so priorities must be set and who cares about fish poaching when Elk are out there? "New fine amounts include $10,000-$15,000 for each elk or black bear "

[MoCarp]

Lose fishing rights after the 1st offense….

 

[Devan S.]

You guys are still thinking like the people laws are designed for. 

[fishinwrench]

Signs don't do anything without enforcement.   If they did then you'd never see a highway patrolman.