I am researching an article for the Janesville Gazette on possible abuse of power by Wis. DNR wardens and wondered if IDA folks would be willing to comment on the record.
This story stems from an incident which occured a month or so ago in Rock county…here’s the skinny….
A sportsman named Chris Cass from Janesville trapped a fisher, tagged it, and contacted the DNR for the appropriate tag.
When Cass took the tag to the local warden he confiscated it and did not offer a ticket, receipt or explanation.
Cass contacted me and I advised him of DNR complaint procedure, also advising that he make it clear to DNR that he was contacting me.
Meantime, I contacted Wis. DNR Chief Warden Randy Stark to advise I was monitoring the situation.
A week ago Cass got a receipt for his property, and an email last nite advises the warden has returned the fisher.
Cass said the warden justified the confiscation of his property as “there wasn’t enough blood on your tag…I don’t think you tagged this fisher at the point of kill”.
As Davy Crockett said “Be sure you’re right, then go ahead”.
Cass did. Justice was served . But a sportsman was rousted and hassled, essentially in violation of his Constitutional rights under the 4th amendment.
I have been advised by many friends to walk softly, less the DNR will come after me. But I’ve rarely walked away from a fight, and NEVER walked away in matters of principle and justice.
Straw poll time…do y’all think an article about the fisher incident is justified?
Gut check time…have you been the victim of Wis. DNR enforcement abuse and are willing to make a statement to that effect?
Don’t get me wrong… for the most part I believe DNR wardens are truly heroes in gray, protecting the resource for all of us. I wholeheartedly support their efforts–until their authority under law is exceeded…with a caveat that says issuing a bogus citation along the lines of “you’re guilty until you prove yourself innocent” is no way to do business.
Those who have unjustified animus toward DNR enforcement policy & procedures need not reply to this post…but if you HONESTLY believe your rights have been violated, your response is genuinely appreciated!!!
January 30, 2006 at 1:34 pm
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