Lake Erie Boaters

To all of those who boat on the waters of Pa.  check this out
 
http://www.meadvilletribune.com/news/pennsylvania-appeals-court-nixes-random-boat-inspections/article_4d72fc2c-3fa6-5e1a-a752-3a6a212c8216.html.
 
Mike

Expect more license checks. Instead of using bino's from afar...expect them to pull right up to your starboard.

BT, clear your cookies then you should be able to read it.

Mike

Worked Mike. Darned pop-up wouldn't leave me alone.

Very interesting and doesn't surprise me. I can't remember the year the very thing happened to the PGC.

They raided a hunting camp in Clearfield County and busted some very prominent people for illegal procession of game. Took several years of court battles but the PGC lost their power. Unlike the PSP the PGC didn't need a search warrant. Even if they found other violations of the law, evidence could be confiscated and turned over to the local police.

This case with the PFBC will reveal Arway's capability as a Admin.

Truthfully, John would best accept the ruling and use the money he saves on his pet SOS project.


****⬅(dam) I was hoping to see more enforcement on the water. I'd love to see some "doorknobs" busted for their stupid antics while running their boats. Nuts!!!

Thanks for taking the time to post the link.


PS. Hows that boat of yours been handling?

I am probably in the minority group here (can I say that ?), but I for one disagree with this. I applaud the job our PFBC does in term of the actual enforcers of the law. I can not say I always agree how they spend their money, but the guys out in the field are an outstanding bunch of guys. 
 
I have always welcomed a boat check, either on the dock or in the water. It is an inconvenience sometimes, but someone has to make sure people are safe, thus helping to keep the innocent people safe (ie....law abiding people). It also helps to keep me up to date on boating laws and regulation, and helps me stay safe. I don't consider them "big brother".....or a violation of my rights. It is a simple 5 minute check. 
 
 I was boarded by the Coast Guard last weekend (Saturday) in Presque Isle bay. We tucked into the bay to get out of the very rough water. I saw the Coast Guard boat roaming around, so I drove to them. I gave them one short blow of the horn, giving them confirmation that I wanted then to board on the Starboard side. I let them know I was leaving it in gear and they could come along side of me. What an awesome bunch of guys (and gals). It took them 10 minutes to do the check, gave me my papers.....and off I went. I am never intimidated or afraid of the people sworn to protect us boaters and fisherman.
 
 This will lead to more injuries, more drownings and more irresponsible boat owners. It also gives people more security to be over the limit with booze, and fish.  

BTDT, since when can the PGC enter your home without a warrant?  You mean to tell me your 4th amendment rights cease with game wardens?  I don't think so.                                http://www.princelaw.com/practice-areas/firearms-lawgun-trusts/hunting-fishing-law/                                                                                                                                           http://www.legis.state.pa.us/CFDOCS/Legis/PN/Public/btCheck.cfm?txtType=HTM&sessYr=2009&sessInd=0&billBody=H&billTyp=B&billNbr=0181&pn=1851
 
I read the appellate decision in full and what I gathered is they can no longer stop and board randomly without probable cause, just like they can't do that now while you're driving your car without probable cause.  This new ruling seems to just extend the probable cause rule to boats now too.  My guess is that they will take this to the Supremes based on the fact that safety and DUI checkpoints have been deemed constitutional so expect "checkpoints" at the marinas in the future.  The key here is standing up for your rights, take out that cell phone and record the encounter AND DO NOT STOP, NO MATTER WHAT THEY TELL YOU (because they can't tell you to stop recording).  Also, if you don't want them on your boat, say "I don't give you permission to board or search".   They may anyway but they better be able to articulate to you a crime you have committed.  Here is the full decision.  http://www.pacourts.us/assets/opinions/Superior/out/Opinion%20-%20Reversed%20-%2010321625422911549.pdf?cb=1
 
 

PA Game Laws and Enforcement.


For some interesting reading and to recommend having a lawyer who knows his poop in the event a lawyer may be needed.

http://www.pennlago.com/t...conservation-officers/

PSSST the PGC can check your boat or person for fishing violation and vice versa.


WAIT...... wait let me get my fingers in my ears 'for you light the night sky.👮🚨

Down at walnut in the 80's we were safety checked 3 times in one month. I just took my business over to Conneaut, Ohio. Have had my license checked twice out on the Lake, and they wanted to see other items which we had. It wasn't like the deal in Pa. where he dug around looking for ? We hadn't even left the dock for the lake yet. Oh yeah the border patrol checked us twice out on the water also, the second time I asked them if they wanted to trade boats but they let me know how much fuel that thing burned so I changed my mind, pretty sure I made the right choice.