You make the call

[luckey]

I was out fishing yesterday on a lake near Brainerd. As I was going out to the area I planned to fish (driving ATV pulling my dads spear house and all my gear)I noticed a couple unattended tipup's. While setting up, a flag went up. A short time later a guy came out on an ATV (from a cabin about 250 yards away). He said this is the best way to fish, watching with binos from the cabin.

Later I got to thinking how it would have played out if the game warden came by. For the record he was using the exact iglo tipup's that I had. Do you think the game warden would believe me that the lines weren't mine?

[Bob_D]

Put your name on all your tip-ups and there won't ever be a problem.

[MuskieJunkie]

I'd say 50/50 if a game warden would have given you a ticket, if he/she is in a good mood and believes you, you're fine, other COs probably make it a point not to listen to guys excuses (even though this one is legitamate). Either way you could have gotten out of it in court. That's an interesting scenario.

[cheesehead]

In my opinion he was fishing with annatended lines. The way to handle situations that could get you into trouble here in Wisconsin is by calling 1-800 tip wdnr. If you report the situation first the DNR would be hard pressed to make any charges in this situation.

[boneyslayer]

Hmm,

Well the regulation is 200 ft. So since a ATV was used it had a licence on it, if it did have one. If not thats another ATV misuse. Then with my new fangled camera phone I would of snapped a shot of the licence and him leaving after reseting it. Then called the DNR and send them the image and video and a verbal complaint.

[howwedoin]

The Minnesota fishing rule book states: "Anglers must remain within 200 feet of their tip-up." I know this doesn't help you in this case but this might help for others. I guess if the DNR shows up and talks to you, you could tell them right away that there are tip-ups out and the do not belong to you?

Too bad there wasn't any snow on the ice. If there wern't any tracks going to the tip-ups from your area then you would have a good case.

[Catmendo]

I guess I'll never get it!!! When it comes to anything we do in life, there are those who play by the rules and there are those who don't! Personally I have spent many years and countless hours pursuing fish. Like millions of others I have done so during the open water season as well as the hard water season and I love them both. Without writing a book on this subject I would just like to say that when I fish, I do so for the pure enjoyment this great sport provides me! Like many others, I too enjoy keeping a few fish from time to time in order that I can enjoy a healthy meal. I also enjoy the sport from the perspective of simply catching a few or two, especially in the company of friends.....it's just a lot of fun.

In Manitoba you must be within fifty yards of your presentation, I feel this is a legitimate rule and I don't have any problems playing by it. If I see someone who is not willing to adhere to the rules....I do not have any problems placing the call!

[BobT]

I haven't checked the regs but has the law been changed to 200'? If I recall it was 80' at one time.

One thing to keep in mind. From my archery days, I remember that in an open area, distance is very deceiving and what we usually perceive is actually much farther than we think. It works the opposite in the forest where what we think is 100yds is typically much closer.

Bob

Bob

[luckey]

It most definatly is 200 feet. I usually step off the distance and keep it somewhat less than the max. I didn't have a cell phone on me but that would be a good idea. I like Bob D's idea to put my name on my tipups. I didn't think to get the atv license but I did see where he went when he left the lake.