West Boggs Illegal Tournament Found, again.

Rangers discovered another unauthorized tournament at West Boggs Lake on Saturday, September 08, 2007. A bass club from the Seymour, Indiana area was questioned concerning a small tournament they were holding with a $55 entry fee. Officials received a tip call as the group was finishing up a weigh-in at the ramp. The person found to be holding the records for the event was issued a written warning and the group was escorted off the property with advice that any return without proper permits would result in trespassing charges. Another club, the Dogwood Bassmasters, was also holding a tournament on the same day, but had met all requirements and was fully permitted for their event. Sportsmen are urged to not participate in an illegal tournament at the expense of the clubs that try to do things correctly.

Managers for West Boggs Lake wish to remind clubs and tournament organizers that any fishing contest of any size on the lake requires a permit. The club found holding the un-permitted event in this story said they thought their event did not need a permit because it was under ten boats. That is not the case on West Boggs Lake. Any fishing contest needs the permit. A fishing contest that does not involve money, entry fees, or prizes beyond a trophy or certificate will be exempt for the $100 tournament fee, but still requires a permit.

West Boggs hosts approximately 40 registered tournaments per year, and the majority of prime dates are booked each fall in a drawing held at the Park office. In order of this drawing, tournament organizers are allowed to set up their event schedules for the following year well in advance. Clubs that wish to participate in this drawing may ask to be advised of the time and date by contacting the Department’s Programs Director, Susan Harrawood, at 812-295-3421, or by email at [email protected]. The information will also be posted on the fishing page of the Park’s website when the date has been set.