DNR visit

Never had a visit, and don't expect one today, since they are probably sitting at home with the gov't shutdown.

 

Also never had a visit and hope it continues. What state are you in Monty?

 

The only time a DNR visits in KS is normally when they are researching a poaching case trying to find out all the information they can. KS is a very easy state as far as the DNR goes. Of course when they show up, all you can do is give them all the information you have on whatever they are looking for. I have never had a run in with a KS game warden that was anything other than nice. They understand I'm trying to do a job and I understand they are doing a job.

 

What specifically did they look for other than having birds properly tagged?

 

Thanks or the heads up Monty. Were they local guys or out of county like that last time they made their rounds around the state?

 

I have had a few visits
Never a problem with these guy
i have to admit they do their job and do it well
it is like anything else
you don't break the law you don't need to worry
CL

 

I see the local warden every once in a while and it's always been a pleasant visit. They know I don't break the law so they are here for a friendly hello and chat. Being in business as long as I have they checked me out many times with no problems found so they don't bother me. I've seen some that were A>>holes but those were new wardens and they soon learned that a good attitude gets you a lot more respect.

 

Definitely agree JL and Clew. I actually wish we had more in my state but it's not a priority with the legislators. I've also heard the local judges just slap poachers on the hand and the CO's get a little disillusioned by it. However I've heard from my law enforcement nephew, and another nephew that raises whitetails, that we have a new young one that is out to prove himself. Actually struts around. A real attitude. I have not met him yet.

I too have nothing to hide, but it's good to know if they are coming around to make sure I didn't get sloppy with a tag or log entry.

Several years back we had every taxidermist in the state descended upon in one or two days by CO's from other counties. Apparently it couldn't be their home area to prevent favoritism? I was treated professionally, but an Amish taxidermist friend was treated poorly. When they showed up at his shop they asked him, "How are you doing to today?" When he replied with "I'm doing fine,'' the response was something like, "Well we're going to make your day miserable." They wrote him up for something really silly but it was never submitted. I just think that's uncalled for.

 

Also know a taxidermist that told C.O.'s to get the "****" out as they didn't have a warrant. They came back with a fed and made life hell for him. He ended up getting all of his birds confiscated and probably made a mint for his lawyer. Just not a smart thing to do, although we've seen people here pump up their chests and say they would never let them in.

 

Just had a visit this past week, New guy transferred from another county just doing a routine inspection. I have never had any problems with the co's just be polite and let them do thier job.

 

Heard from another taxidermist that there were two more visits in two counties. Doesn't appear to be an all out one day sting like the one several years ago.

 

I have done so much work for f&g that they know I don't break no laws. They have never given me ant trouble.

 

Clew, I'm sorry, but I have to disagree with that last statement. That's a grand way to end up in really hot water. Some of you may need a refresher how "if you don't do anything wrong you have nothing to worry about." I'd direct your attention to the Showers case in Pennsylvania before you ever repeat that. In the end, Showers won but IF HE HADN'T, he'd have been completely destroyed by a game warden with a chip on his shoulder. I've actually witnessed and heard one game warden say "Taxidermists are just like hunters. Every one of them is a crook and if you look hard enough, you'll find it." There's also a great commentary on YouTube about opening your mouth to a law officer as it pertains to the Lacey act. Give it a listen and put that together with what that jerkoff warden said. ANYONE can be found guilty of the Lacey act. Ask Greg Ritz.

 

I've had many visits over the last 25 years and all turned out ok. they are just doing their job.

 

Any replies happening?????

 

Hey George go ahead and pump up your chest at them. I just don't see the point besides potentially getting scrutinized closer and paying for a lawyer's next vacation in the Bahamas like a friend of mine did. It's like telling off a state trooper when they stop you for a traffic stop. Just not a wise thing to do.

Some fights are worth fighting. Some are not. And in this case there is nothing to fight about. They are doing their job. Now if they are out of line or do something shady that's another story.

 

My guy called last time and left a message telling me my number came up and he needs me to get back to him asap so he can swing by. After 20 years they know I'm on the up and up. I called him back immediately and cracked a beer when he stopped by. He had a water and we shot the sheet for 10 minutes talking about fishing. Then before he left he had to have me sign a sheet of paper stating I was there when I was checked. I got a little huffy with one CPO once as I had had a bad day and didn't need to waste an hour sorting thru my freezer. I was actually a bit of a jerk and cited the Showers case and how I really didn't have much time today. He never heard of the Showers case and he was actually pretty cool and said no problem, I understand this will only take five minutes. He spot checked a couple of fish and again had me sign off his paperwork. I apologized for losing my cool and he was fine with it. We laughed and he went on to his job as I did mine!

 

Here in Michigan you don't need a taxidermy license to do fish.