water patrol harassing fisherman

[QUOTE=Duayne;423291]I don't think there is a difference between "water patrol officers" and "KDFW officers". KDFW does have a branch of biologists that will perform on the water surveys and study fisheries but those guys have no powers to enforce law. I've been stopped several times by them and the first thing they say is don't worry getting your fishing license out. Some local law enforcement agencies have the means to patrol waters and can enforce boating and fishing (as well as hunting) regulations. Then there is also the coast guard on occasion on a few waters. But the KDFW officers can and will enforce both the fishing and boating regulations.[/QUOTE]
Now I have had both. One asked to see licsence the other not. Both however check for the usual life jackets, fire extinguisher etc. Only one that checked liscence checked for fish.

Who ever they are waterpatrol or kwfd they remind me of my boss. Pops up out of nowhere!

understand wat ur sayin i fish taylorsville 4 da hybrids n been checked before n at da same time im bein washed around by the cruisers it can b a pain n add the hot weather makes frustrating days. Buddy of mines a game warden around there he does his best to work da cruisers but its hard 2 keep up wit all of them

[QUOTE=Bass_King2007;423336]Pleasure boaters have nothing to do with being able to pay for our game wardens... game wardens salaries are paid by the hunting and fishing licenes sales throughout the year....[/QUOTE]

Yes you are partially correct about the hunting and fishing liscence. Hunting and fishing liscense play a part.But KYFW also recieves money from the federal Govt thru taxes that are imposed on things like Boats, Gas, GUns, FIshing equipment ect. THere is a 10 percent federal tax on boats thats already figured into the price that goes to the US fish and wildlife and they then appropriate funds to each of the 50 states. THe same goes for Gasoline. Both of which I have just spoke about pleasure boaters do they have a boat and gas. KYFW also gets grants from the US coastguard that is why Ky FW officers must spend atleast 400 hours a year on the water. THere is also a tax on guns that is figured into the price. Go to BUds in lex and price a regular glock 23 then price a police issue glock 23 there is about a 100 dollar diffence because the police issue albeit the same gun doesnt have the tax. SO yes your tax dollars are at work and liscense dollars are too. KY FW does not have no state funding but old uncle sam helps them out.

[QUOTE=Bass_King2007;423336]Pleasure boaters have nothing to do with being able to pay for our game wardens... game wardens salaries are paid by the hunting and fishing licenes sales throughout the year....[/QUOTE]

Incorrect. Those little green stickers that are required on every boat go to KDFWR. However, that only makes up a small portion.

The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources receives no general fund taxpayer dollars. As a result, the Department relies on hunting and fishing license fees, boat registration fees and federal programs.

2008 Funding report:
26,000,000 - Hunting and Fishing license sales
3,685,000 - Boat registration fees
16,574,800 - Federal reimbursement/grants
2,925,000 - Income Tax Check-off and Interest Income

I would like to see the state sales tax increase by a half percent - that half percent would be given to the KDFWR. They do that in Missouri, and their wildlife resource agency has three times the budget that KY does. What does that mean? It means more public hunting and fishing opportunities and more dollars to enhance wildlife management areas and fisheries across the state. But for some reason, KDFWR does not want this, for they do not want to be at the state's mercy by accepting handouts......but they really already are, it's just unofficial.

artcarney you should reconsider drinking and boating. There is a reason it is illegal - its dangerous.

Besides that if they catch you (which is just a matter of time if you do it) it will cost you.

Be safe out there guys and THANK a CO the next time you see one. They are the reason we have fish to catch!

I've been checked several times this year. I don't mind at all - if you know the routine, and have all the legal equipment, it only takes a minute or so. I am just glad to see them out. And I have only had good experiences with them - they are pretty good guys around here.

On a side note - On Ky lake I have learned to lie to them about what you are catching your fish on - especially if your in a tournament. They have no problem sharing information with everyone they check. I guess that is good if you need a little help, not so good if you are on a unique pattern.

I have only been check a once in my boat. I was taking my boat out for the very first time and as I unloaded the boat he was standing on the dock. I didn't have registration or anything. I did have the numbers and sticker from the previous owner on the boat. I had read the regulations and "thought" I was ok. As they say, the "pucker" factor was in play. I told him the situation and he said "well, as a first time boat owner lets make sure you are ok." He asked for life jackets, throw cushion, fire extingusher, checked the horn and looked over the boat. He was very nice and I really appreciated it. I was legal and to be honest, I have to idea what he would have said or done if I had not been legal but I am glad I did not have to find out.

[QUOTE=Tim_T;423215]How is that harrasment, because he checked your license?[/QUOTE]

His doesn't sound like harrasment, but mine was. 6 years ago while I was fishing a tournament on Green River I was stopped 3 times by the same officer. The first stop was to check my license. I showed it and told him I was fishing in a tournament. Which is no big deal, but just conversation. Second time he stopped me he checked my fire extinguser, I asked why he didn't check it the first time, I received no answer. Several hours latter he stopped by for a third time and asked too see by throwable flotation device, I was so pissed off I said "Who the hell is going to throw it to me"? You see I was fishing alone. Without seeing it or saying a word he left and I did not see him the rest of the day.

To me this was harrasment!

[QUOTE=geobass;423497]His doesn't sound like harrasment, but mine was. 6 years ago while I was fishing a tournament on Green River I was stopped 3 times by the same officer. The first stop was to check my license. I showed it and told him I was fishing in a tournament. Which is no big deal, but just conversation. Second time he stopped me he checked my fire extinguser, I asked why he didn't check it the first time, I received no answer. Several hours latter he stopped by for a third time and asked too see by throwable flotation device, I was so pissed off I said "Who the hell is going to throw it to me"? You see I was fishing alone. Without seeing it or saying a word he left and I did not see him the rest of the day.

To me this was harrasment![/QUOTE]
ya know...i never get mine out when by myself,since its just retarded for that exact reason...lol

[QUOTE=Col Forbin;423465]On a side note - On Ky lake I have learned to lie to them about what you are catching your fish on - especially if your in a tournament. They have no problem sharing information with everyone they check. I guess that is good if you need a little help, not so good if you are on a unique pattern.[/QUOTE]


A fisherman telling a lie????? Tell me that's not true!!!!!!!!!

sometimes a game warden eats crow, here a little story of a KDFWR officer, that got to eat a little crow. this man that loved to fish for smallmouth at night. fished all night and was to tired to put his fishing gear away. tied the bass boat to the house boat with fishing reels laying on the fishing deck. and went inside and went to bed. his wife took the bass boat, and trolled out in the bay, dropped anchor, rubbed on the suntan lotion, got up on the back deck and lay down enjoying the beautiful day. here comes the KDFWR officer. pulls up and ask to see her fishing license, the woman said. but officer I'm not fishing, the KDFWR officer said, look lady you have all the necessary equipment. as for all I know you could start any time. so I'm giving you a ticket. she said officer when you do, I'm going to start screaming rape. and the officer said, lady I haven't touched you. and she said, you have all the necessary equipment, as for all I know you could start any time. the KDFWR officer Idled away and said, have a nice day lady. :)