Friends without license...

Hey, so I know legal questions always have grey areas but I was out ice fishing with a few buddies when one of them informs me he doesn't have a license... So as un likely as it is, when a Conservation Officer walks up to my hut and asks for our outdoors cards, is it possible for me to get in trouble, as there would be more rods in the water and fish caught than there are licenses.. or would the blame be automatically put on the guy without the license?

Just wanted to know what everyone else does or would do in these situations, it be nice if everyone just sucked it up and paid the license fee...

Depends on the CO. I'd say if you've got 4 lines in the water and 4 guys but only 3 have licenses, the odd man out will be dicked for sure in my opinion.

Tell him to get a licence

Since you're the guy with the licence, you're over your limit of fish and lines in the water. If I've got someone's wife or gf out with us, I just make sure we only set lines for those with licences and same with catch limit.

Blame probably would go to the odd man out.

Cripes tell him to get off his effing wallet and buy one. It's $27 if you buy the conservation license.

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Originally Posted by Bluebulldog

Blame probably would go to the odd man out.

Cripes tell him to get off his effing wallet and buy one. It's $27 if you buy the conservation license.

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Oh I agree! I don't go out fishing/hunting with people if I am aware that they don't have a license, very unfair.

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Originally Posted by maskedburito

Oh I agree! I don't go out fishing/hunting with people if I am aware that they don't have a license, very unfair.

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I make one exception. I will hunt with people who don't have licenses, like my son. To educate, and allow them to participate. I have a friend who I duck hunted with for years, he didn't have a license, he just came out for the fun of it....he was also given the boat and paddle and functioned quite well as a retriever of game.

Fishing is another story altogether. You don't need a course to get a license.

for the $27 bucks it simply isn't worth the potential loss. Heck your buddy prob spends more on coffee and lunch for the day then the actual license cost.

Well, there is also one other thing to keep in mind. The CO has the right to cease everything that you have including vehicles you have. Is that a risk you want to take just cause someone does not want to purchase a licence.

I actually had this happen to me. it was a friend of a friend that came along on an hut rental on couch. The co came nocking and this guy quickly fessed up that he had no license ( to my complete surprise ). The co took him outside and made the other 3 of us pull our lines up and checked everything of ours he could. After they were outside for about 10 min the co let him back into the hut told us not to let him use any equipment of ours and went on his way, no ticket or anything, LUCKY!
I never fished with this guy again. He told me he had a license!
When I book a hut with people I don't know I ask to see there papers before they even get in the truck.

I;am sure he would get nailed good. If your friend is an adult not a child it is not your responsibility make sure he is legal. Now if it was a hunting situation being a group hunt for deer or moose that could be a very big problem for all involved.

For the life of me, I have no idea what gets into some guys heads? Are they so cheap that they'd rather keep the price of a case of beer, and worry constantly about the CO showing up?

I'm sure there are a few of them out there but they neither have a space in my boat, or anywhere near me for that matter.

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Originally Posted by Hainer

I actually had this happen to me. it was a friend of a friend that came along on an hut rental on couch. The co came nocking and this guy quickly fessed up that he had no license ( to my complete surprise ). The co took him outside and made the other 3 of us pull our lines up and checked everything of ours he could. After they were outside for about 10 min the co let him back into the hut told us not to let him use any equipment of ours and went on his way, no ticket or anything, LUCKY!
I never fished with this guy again. He told me he had a license!
When I book a hut with people I don't know I ask to see there papers before they even get in the truck.

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Think you got lucky for sure and it can down to the guy who came out and told the truth! The CO's don't see that to much so he took that in consideration.

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Originally Posted by Bluebulldog

For the life of me, I have no idea what gets into some guys heads? Are they so cheap that they'd rather keep the price of a case of beer, and worry constantly about the CO showing up?

I'm sure there are a few of them out there but they neither have a space in my boat, or anywhere near me for that matter.

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some people think that they don't fish very often, and have never seen a CO so why worry about it. I understand the guy who forgets to renew in January, or just plain forgets, but have no sympathy for those that don't get one just cause.
I always have to convince my GF that we are going to buy a license, cause she thinks that it is not worth it for the 4 times we fish together per year, plus she doesn't take fishing seriously and doesn't understand the costs it takes to maintain the resource. either way I make her get it, or I am going alone, or I take her out during one of the free weekends.

You aren't responsible for anyone's behavior on the ice, but your own, period.
Now if you drive your unlicensed buddy home with you and you got over your limit of fish per licences in the vehicle, your taking the hit unless your friend owns up to it.

My lines dont look like any other lines (self painted and hand carved), so I doubt a CO would get on my case for too many lines since its obvious they are not mine.

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Originally Posted by bowj

some people think that they don't fish very often, and have never seen a CO so why worry about it. I understand the guy who forgets to renew in January, or just plain forgets, but have no sympathy for those that don't get one just cause.
I always have to convince my GF that we are going to buy a license, cause she thinks that it is not worth it for the 4 times we fish together per year, plus she doesn't take fishing seriously and doesn't understand the costs it takes to maintain the resource. either way I make her get it, or I am going alone, or I take her out during one of the free weekends.

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The guy that forgets to renew certainly should remember when he's headed out....lets see, rod, tip-ups, bait license....Oh yeah....

If your GF wants to fish and doesn't see the need? Gee honey, it sure is nice having this boat.....be a shame if it got seized...all for want of a $27 piece of paper.....

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Originally Posted by Bluebulldog

I make one exception. I will hunt with people who don't have licenses, like my son. To educate, and allow them to participate. I have a friend who I duck hunted with for years, he didn't have a license, he just came out for the fun of it....he was also given the boat and paddle and functioned quite well as a retriever of game.

Fishing is another story altogether. You don't need a course to get a license.

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Other then just watching, participating is considered hunting.

We have always just put out enough lines for the number of licences. Someone who doesn't have a licence doesn't get a line. They are welcome to join in the fun, but no lines for them, it's usually a teenagers girlfriend who decided to tag along or something like that.

It has happened a couple of times in years gone buy, where we have a relative visiting from out of province on the Christmas/New Years holiday and can not buy a licence when trout opens on the first, and they decide at the last minute that they would like to join me, they just don't technically get a line - sure they have checked and rebaited a line inside the hut where they can't be observed, but big deal, no limit on fish or lines was exceeded. You can probably buy a licence on a holiday on-line nowadays, so that shouldn't be an excuse anymore.

MC

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Originally Posted by onelessarrow

Other then just watching, participating is considered hunting.

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If a CO charged me for allowing one of my kids to retrieve a duck or grouse for me I would have him cut up my outdoors card on the spot.

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Originally Posted by onelessarrow

Other then just watching, participating is considered hunting.

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Yes. And that's basically all they're allowed to do.

For migratory birds, you do not need to hold a license to operate the boat, nor do you need to be a licensed hunter to assist in the retrieval of birds, any more than you need to be licensed to construct your duck blind.

It's the guy without the licenses problem not yours. What would happen if he hadn't told you? The CO charges him and him alone. If he admits to having a fish well then I think that's another charge. It's not your problem.
Dan O.

This still falls under SSS. Many do it and I doubt if a CO would care if it is a young child. Just never talk about it.

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Originally Posted by GW11

If a CO charged me for allowing one of my kids to retrieve a duck or grouse for me I would have him cut up my outdoors card on the spot.

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2 scenario's

probably about 10 years ago, lady wanted to come speck fishing with me, never had a license before, told her no license no fishing, she get's a license, sure enough stopped for a check at the river, ( first time seeing one there in 15 years. )

last weekend on Simcoe, get gas on way up, stick wallet in console ( hurts my skinny when driving ) get there, get out to hut, realise license is in truck, but don't want to go all the way back. about 10:00 am hear skidoo show up, you know who that is, luckily I had just renewed it for 3 more years in Dec. he took down my info, called it in and yes, confirmed I did have a license, told me he could have fined me $125. but let me go, probably the first time I've been without my license.

so bottom line is, MAKE SURE they have a license unless it's family fishing week....

Hes poaching. I will not take a person fishing without a license and I always ask them if they have one beforehand. There is no grey area.

Keep in mind any equipment he using (even if it belongs to you) could be seized.

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Originally Posted by blasted_saber

Hes poaching.

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When it comes right down to it, that's exactly what he is doing. And if you condone it and let him fish with you, it probably could be considered by the C.O. that you are assisting him. Fine line there, but I wouldn't want it known that I knowingly took part with his poaching activities.

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Originally Posted by blasted_saber

Hes poaching. I will not take a person fishing without a license and I always ask them if they have one beforehand. There is no grey area.

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I'm right with you on this one....speaking as a hunter. But it didn't occur to me that we should maybe be checking each other's credentials till this year... A young fella in our shotgun group, was digging up his paperwork the night before the hunt when he (we) all realized he didn't have the controlled validation (and probably never applied for it)... This could easily be the case with someone every year??

We were hunting deer a few years back,during a controlled hunt. My friend is sitting with his 78 year old dad and they only have one gun with them. As we leave the bush the co checks us. We start showing our tags to him, then he asks how come they only have one gun and my friend says his dad is only sitting with him. So the co says he better have a tag with him to be out in the field, which he did. That left a bitter taste in my mouth.

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Originally Posted by fishing1

We were hunting deer a few years back,during a controlled hunt. My friend is sitting with his 78 year old dad and they only have one gun with them. As we leave the bush the co checks us. We start showing our tags to him, then he asks how come they only have one gun and my friend says his dad is only sitting with him. So the co says he better have a tag with him to be out in the field, which he did. That left a bitter taste in my mouth.

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Wouldn't stand up if the CO charged him. Which is why he didn't.

I wouldn't blame ya, I'd be PO'd too. Can't see the problem of picking up a bird.
But you know the way it is, there's lots of "what if' guys out there.

A couple of years ago we went with a group from my work to one of the outfitters on Cooks Bay. My buddy didn't have a license. Got $125 fine. I got yelled at for leaving him in the hut with my line, while I visited the hut next door. THAT CO was a little exciteable. As he was looking for me hut to hut with his hand on his sidearm the whole time LOL. (That was a little over the top).

If he didn't have a license and was fishing, I would have done the right thing and reported him to the CO. Fishing without a license is POACHING. By allowed the individual without a license to fish with you is another way of condoning your friend to break the law. In such situation, it would be most appropriate to issue a fine to the person without a license and the other 3 people each a fine for keeping fish over the limit.

Went a few weeks ago to the BOQ meet and greet, 3 hrs away for me. Realized half way through I had my wife's license. Must of got it mixed up will putting together the new wallet for Xmas.
Felt crap all day long because of it.
My wife doesn't even fish but I bought her a license so there would be no problems being in our boat while I did.
Anyone know what would have happened if I'd been checked that day????
Apparently they can check now but will they??? Would I still get a ticket because my license was not on me????
Would it depend on the co??? Could I fight it??
I would hope in this case they would understand.
There will not be a next time...just wondering.

FSHN 247
Jay

They'll check if they have time but they dont have to check. They get really unhappy if you dont have a license and you bs them.
Dan o.

And rightly so....
But I do have a license and I wouldn't have been BS'n.
So back to the questions.

FSHN 247
Jay

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Originally Posted by icecap

If he didn't have a license and was fishing, I would have done the right thing and reported him to the CO. Fishing without a license is POACHING. By allowed the individual without a license to fish with you is another way of condoning your friend to break the law. In such situation, it would be most appropriate to issue a fine to the person without a license and the other 3 people each a fine for keeping fish over the limit.

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If you didn't know or he deliberately lied,no other charges could be laid against anyone else and the "extra line" would simply be immediately removed. To put others in that position would be a crappy thing for someone to do. I'd make sure they never got the opportunity to do it,again and he could even come away with a fat lip.

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Originally Posted by FSHN 247

And rightly so....
But I do have a license and I wouldn't have been BS'n.
So back to the questions.

FSHN 247
Jay

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A number of years ago got spot checked opening day waterfowling Lake St. John by 2 co's in a canoe. Buddy in the blind forgot his wallet on the table at his cottage. one of the co's pulled out a satellite phone out from under the bench. Verified he had a small game license however could not verify migratory stamp as its federal. The Co's said they where going to check the rest of the lake and on the way back would follow us to the cottage so my buddy could show them the stamp. Finished the morning hunt and sure enough they were back followed us to the cottage and all was fine. The man isn't out to get you. If you treat them with respect and courtesy you'll get it back in spades.

About four years ago I headed out off of Gilford road perching on Dec. 27th. I had only been purchasing the one year licences and for the next year decided to buy the 3 year licence. When I received the 3 year licence I threw out the old one. CO was stationed at the end of the road checking people as they came off the ice. He looked at my 3 year licence which was good for Jan 1 of the next year, so technically I didn't have a licence, I told him I threw out the old one when I received the new one. He was good enough to let me off with a warning.

Out recently and had the CO's come and check. I had my licence and all was good, but let him know I was happy to see them out checking. It really is our resource to support and try to ensure everyone uses it respectfully.

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Originally Posted by DanO

They'll check if they have time but they dont have to check. They get really unhappy if you dont have a license and you bs them.
Dan o.

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Sorry jay i think it came across wrong. I didnt mean to imply you were BSing them. My buddy was stopped on Go Home lake a few years back. The CO asked him for a license but he'd forgot it at his cottage. The CO said I can check with a phone call but don't waste my time if you dont have one. They would call in your case I'm sure.
Dano.

No worries Dano...
Maybe I took it wrong.
I would like to think like Finsfurfeather said "treat them with respect and courtesy and you'll get it
back in spades". Anyone that knows me would know that is the way it would have been.

FSHN 247
Jay

Lying to the CO will often get you a separate bigger fine than the original offence.
Been checked by COs three times in 56 years. Two of the three we were still in the vehicle before the start of the days activities.(once was the day before the moose season opened while we were out cruising for birds)

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Originally Posted by FSHN 247

Went a few weeks ago to the BOQ meet and greet, 3 hrs away for me. Realized half way through I had my wife's license. Must of got it mixed up will putting together the new wallet for Xmas.
Felt crap all day long because of it.
My wife doesn't even fish but I bought her a license so there would be no problems being in our boat while I did.
Anyone know what would have happened if I'd been checked that day????
Apparently they can check now but will they??? Would I still get a ticket because my license was not on me????
Would it depend on the co??? Could I fight it??
I would hope in this case they would understand.
There will not be a next time...just wondering.

FSHN 247
Jay

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Jay, same as me last Sunday, left it sitting on the dash of the truck , truck was probably a 1/2 mile away from the hut, realized it about 1/2 way out but didn't want hut operator to make a special trip as the driving was pretty tough. so about 2 hours later CO showed up, told him it was sitting on shore,he asked my name, date of birth, made the phone call, saw I had my license, wrote my name down and just said your good to go, but also told me , if he wanted to it could have been a $125. for not having it with me......

and at that time, we didn't have any fish to show for the morning either, so never know , that might have had something to do with it.

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Originally Posted by onelessarrow

You aren't responsible for anyone's behavior on the ice, but your own, period.
Now if you drive your unlicensed buddy home with you and you got over your limit of fish per licences in the vehicle, your taking the hit unless your friend owns up to it.

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I have a hut on Rice Lake, where it is panfish only and I have had guys out to my hut that have caught walleye and wanted to keep them. I told them they weren't allowed to keep them and if they did they wouldn't be allowed out to my hut again and would also be walking back in.

I'm not sure I would be held responsible, but because it's my hut and truck, there's no way either would be put into jeopardy.
I have a very good relationship with the CO in our area and would like to keep it that way. I couldn't live with myself if I condoned poaching and lost the respect of our local CO.

I love eating walleye, which is why I head to the BOQ when I need a feed.

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Originally Posted by finsfurfeathers

The man isn't out to get you. If you treat them with respect and courtesy you'll get it back in spades.

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So true! I've been stopped by the CO's probably 7 or 8 times in the past few years and they're all really nice guys, one even gave me bait advice to catch a few more crappie (which worked like a charm!) When I was a student some of my buddies wanted to go out ice fishing with me and 2 of them didn't have licenses or the money to buy them. I was looking forward to the company and paid for their licenses...

Honestly I've paid for probably 5 or 6 licenses over the years for other people. I'd rather know for certain everyone has their license than be BS'd by one of my buddies only to have them charged and their gear (which was probably my gear) confiscated. Almost all of my buddies I've bought licenses for in the past bought their own in the years after, sometimes it only takes one or two outings for people to become hooked and be lifelong anglers. I set myself as an example, if the fish is 1cm too big, it goes back, OOS it goes back. I want our fisheries to be healthy well into my great-grandchildrens lifetimes, proper conservation is an individual basis and it starts with us having the right attitude and respect for the law.

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Originally Posted by icecap

If he didn't have a license and was fishing, I would have done the right thing and reported him to the CO. Fishing without a license is POACHING. By allowed the individual without a license to fish with you is another way of condoning your friend to break the law. In such situation, it would be most appropriate to issue a fine to the person without a license and the other 3 people each a fine for keeping fish over the limit.

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Would you also ask him what the view is like from under the bus?

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Originally Posted by GW11

If a CO charged me for allowing one of my kids to retrieve a duck or grouse for me I would have him cut up my outdoors card on the spot.

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Hm, I wouldn't think it counts as hunting to help bring back downed game. At least I hope it doesn't, since I've definitely had a non-license holder help me carry a deer out. My interpretation was always that participation = hunting if it's helping you get to the point of killing the animal, for example pushing, spotting or calling. But that's just that, my interpretation.

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Originally Posted by maskedburito

So as un likely as it is, when a Conservation Officer walks up to my hut and asks for our outdoors cards, is it possible for me to get in trouble, as there would be more rods in the water and fish caught than there are licenses.. or would the blame be automatically put on the guy without the license?

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Just to point out, unless the lake is listed as an exception in the regs, each person is allowed two lines when ice fishing. So unless every person was taking full advantage of that with a tip-up or set rod as well as their jigging rod, the number of rods wouldn't be the problem. If there were more fish on the ice of a particular species than the sum of every license-holder's limit, that's a big problem, either a licensed angler has been keeping more than their limit or the unlicenced guy has been catching fish. But enough people on the thread have addressed that issue already.