More fish hogs arrested

[IFallsRon]

Anglers caught with 220 sunfish over limit

By Laurel Beager, Senior Writer

[email protected]

Friday, December 17, 2004

A group of Wisconsin anglers faces heavy fines and forfeiture of equipment for taking an overlimit of sunfish near Orr in northeast Minnesota.

Minnesota Conservation Officers Lloyd Steen of Ray and Troy Fondie of Orr recently received a call that four Wisconsin men were taking overlimits of sunfish from Blackduck Lake. The caller had descriptions of the two trucks and boats being used.

The anglers were found with 220 sunfish over their limit. They each face a fine of up to $3,000, one year in jail or both.

"Thanks to a concerned citizen, this illegal activity was identified and stopped," said Steen.

Charged with gross misdemeanor for overlimit of sunfish were Darold D. Strine, 56, Roger M. Hamilton, 65, and Thomas N. Price, 55, all from Lone Rock, Wis., and Richard L. McCollough, 54, of Spring Green, Wis.

In addition to facing fines and restitution, the men forfeited two boats and trailers, two boat motors, and four sets of rods and reels under the enhanced gross overlimits law passed by the Minnesota Legislature in 2003.

In addition, Steen noted that the anglers will lose their fishing privileges for several years.

Steen and Fondie went to the cabin where the men were staying and found a freezer containing 240 sunfish, as well as an additional 60 sunfish in the round between both boats for an estimated 300 in possession. The legal possession limit for the four anglers is 80 sunfish -- 20 sunfish per angler.

Restitution value on the estimated 220 illegal sunfish is $1,100.

"Over the years, the DNR has received valuable information through the Turn In a Poacher (TIP) hotline, assisting us in ending a variety of poaching activities," said Steen. "This case is another example of how the concern of Minnesota sportsmen and women can be used to protect our natural resources."

The anglers would have likely left the area without being caught without the help of the TIP call, Steen said.

"They would've gotten away," he said. "They were definitely stockpiling fish."

Steen said for years law abiding anglers were astounded that anglers could be caught with huge overlimits one day and be out fishing the next day.

"The gross overlimits law is tremendous tool we can finally use. Getting caught definitely has an impact now," he said of the gross overlimits law. "Folks were willing to take a gamble for a few hundred dollars, but now there is a lot more to lose."

Established in 1981, the TIP program allows Minnesotans to call a toll-free number from anywhere in the state to report natural resources violations. Calls regarding violations can be placed anonymously at 1-800-652-9093.

[jlm]

I wish it was lose of privilages for life but I can live with the punishment. Kudos to the people who reported these (Contact US Regarding This Word)!

[Mr.Seaguar]

Why no trucks? They forfeit the trailer but not the truck? They dint pull it by hand. Take their truck.

What is wrong with people?

[Bob Horn]

What`s the hotline phone number?

[Dano_the_jigasaurus]

Statewide toll-free: 1-800-652-9093

24 hours a day, 365 days a year, 366 on leap years

[Birch Haven]

These are the kinds of things that need more press, especially the penalties.

Book-em-Dano!

[Northlander]

That $ fine isnt nearly enough! Take the truck and make them take a buss home!

[upnorth]

We need more of this kinda thing. I am guessing that only a small portion of the actual overlimits and other violations are being picked up on.

Some people are just plain greedy and piggish String em up and make a spectacle of them.

[Esenjay]

I agree about the truck seizure, and this is my line of work. However, our state politicians establish the rules and requirements for vehicle seizures, and as we are all well aware, the meth issue has drawn the most attention. Laws make honest people honest, so a change in their future behavior I doubt will take place. Priveledge loss for life is the most appropriate in my humble opinion, although not allowed in this case, again the rules set by the goofs in the cities.

[waligators]

These are the kinda of guys that ruin it for everyone else. They should take there trucks and put them in a demolition derby along with there boats and motors.

[Ed Carlson]

TIPS work. Sportsman in the field are the #1 tool to stem such abuses.

You have 1 or maybe 2 wardens in a district and 30,000 sportsman likely to roam the same area. So us sportsman are our best allies in the fight against SLOBS in the field if we work with the CO's.

We need to avoid vigilantism but be not afraid to make ourselves known to SLOBS. I like the idea of posting a sign at every access saying "Patrolled by Sportsman who Support TIPS" and list the TIPS LINE number. One thing is for SLOBS to worry about a stray DNR truck, and quit another to wonder who else is eyeballing them on the ice with 50 other vehicles about.

Lead by example too. If you see SLOBS trash an area, pick it up right in front of them. Let them know that by your actions this behavior is not acceptable. You do not need to be confrontational just a very good example of what sportsmen are.

When you see a blatant crime or event document it the best you can and contact the TIPS LINE or CO ASAP. Let them do their thing, make it a team effort.

RAP LINE ND 1-800-472-2121