[reelangler]

While reading the recent posts about how their should be a new test set in place before granted a fishing license, I had an idea. I'm starting this thread to gather ideas so I can construct a petition-like document to send into DFO to give them ideas on how to increase the effectiveness on the work that they do. So post away... What do you think DFO should do?

I'll start...

In regards to the new test that people have been saying should be put in place, i've heard some flaws in it :

That test is a very valid point. It would be great if everyone out there on the waters would know how to care for the fish, but there are idiots who drive like idiots even when they pass with flying colors on their drivers test neh?

I believe there won't be much agreement on the idea of having a test for a fishing liscense, because it would ruin profit for both tourism and our local tackle shops. It would have way too big of a negative impact,,, thus creating more illegal fishing.

In response to his first point, about idiot drivers, IMO, people are misinformed on how to proplerly handle fish. They don't exactly know what to do, this test will not only ensure that people know how to handle the fish, but it will make sure that those people that choose to mis-handle fish know that it is unethical and illegal (is it illegal?). This way, they don't have the illegitimate excuse that, "I didn't know," not that they had one in the first place. Those idiots that drive like idiots, know the law, they just choose to break it. There will always be those people.  


Second point; there should be an asterix beside the licenses that have been purchased by tourists or those that don't fish regularly. This asterix should make sure that the tourists fish with those that have taken the test, so they are at least influenced by the right idea. For those that don't fish regularly, normally don't know how to fish, so will probably go fishing with someone that knows what they are doing, again making sure they are influenced by the right idea. For those that purchase a license a few times a year and know how to fish, I believe it is still in their best interest to take the test, even though they may not believe it is worth their time.

There will always be those people that will say, "$%^& the test, I just wont fish." For those "fisherman" that feel that way, it is probably better that they don't fish alltogether. If the government is worried that these people will actually effect the economy, they should think again. I'ts not really worth the few dollars lost over the fish lost.

No learners guide necessary... its called BC Fishing Regulations manual. Add a little section on proper river ethics and there you go. You fail the test, you don't get a license. It's just like a drivers exam, they don't put everything in the drivers manual into the test, they randomize the questions. If you read the book, you pass the test. It's simple.

Sustaining a reliable resource is better than those few people that won't fish because of a test that simply informs people and makes sure that they understand the rules behind sport fishing.


Please, add your input.

 

[Jiff]

Hi Reelangler, I love your idea for the asterix.

I can't think of anything off hand to help put the test to work, but there is a point that i want to mention.

Supposedly in the fall of 2007, Online Liscensing was going to be available, doesn't seem to be out yet but
if someone wants to purchase a liscense they will just need to fill out their info. How will there be a check for this?

I'm not trying to dissagree with you, i'm just wondering how to get people to care for fish.
If there were to be a long terms/agreement most people would automatically click "I Agree" and skip onto the next
page.


Anywayz... i only got 3 hours of sleep last night so i can't think straight... I'll rattle my brain a bit tommorow.
If i come up with something i'll let ya know.

-Jiff-

 

[reelangler]

Jiff, easy solution. (If I am comprehending what your saying correctly).

I would say just make an online test mandatory before they can get into the final section of filling out their license. If you don't pass the test, you don't continue on to the completion of your license.

 

[Summit]

I support this idea 100% and I support Fishnfvr's idea of Volunteer enforcers. I think with both as part of our arsenal to combat malpractices againts the conservation of our fishieries, we will see notable improvements fast.
Sign me up for the testing and training to be a volunteer.

 

[Jiff]

Jiff, easy solution. (If I am comprehending what your saying correctly).

I would say just make an online test mandatory before they can get into the final section of filling out their license. If you don't pass the test, you don't continue on to the completion of your license.

Ha! What an easy solution... sorry man should have thought of that

 

[STLHDR]

Jiff, easy solution. (If I am comprehending what your saying correctly).

I would say just make an online test mandatory before they can get into the final section of filling out their license. If you don't pass the test, you don't continue on to the completion of your license.

Ha! What an easy solution... sorry man should have thought of that

Problem is you could have the book right in front of you to cheat. One of my buddies got his boaters card online with another buddy telling him the correct answers.

 

[reelangler]

A flaw... hmm.

Well, I guess if the DFO did decide to take on this idea, then they would have to take away the convenience of getting your license done at home on the internet. A multiple choice test would most likely take 10-15 minutes on a book that size, given an adequate amount of knowledge. I would have no problem taking the time to do this, as would any other fisherman concerned about the conservation of our fisheries, I hope. As for those that aren't concerned, they shouldn't be fishing in the first place.

 

[Junebug]

The idea of volunteer enforcers is a good idea however I don't think current legislation allow volunteers to write tickets or arrest culprits. Without those powers they are nothing more than witnesses which in itself is not a bad idea. Further I don't think the CO and PSAC would be too keen of having volunteers doing the work of their members. My .02

 

[reelangler]

The idea of volunteer enforcers is a good idea however I don't think current legislation allow volunteers to write tickets or arrest culprits. Without those powers they are nothing more than witnesses which in itself is not a bad idea. Further I don't think the CO and PSAC would be too keen of having volunteers doing the work of their members. My .02

I'm not caught up on the system, but what about citizen's arrest. Is that still around?

 

[Merc]

The idea of volunteer enforcers is a good idea however I don't think current legislation allow volunteers to write tickets or arrest culprits. Without those powers they are nothing more than witnesses which in itself is not a bad idea. Further I don't think the CO and PSAC would be too keen of having volunteers doing the work of their members. My .02

I agree with you on that one. Kind of like how the Guardian Angels aren't really popular with the cops.

As to testing for your licenses. In theory, not a bad idea. In practice, probably won't work so well. Consider the cost. Probably have to have at least two people running the test. At an average salary of $40,000 per year plus benefits it gets expensive. And that's for one location. If you have multiple testing sites more $$$. Who pays for it? And then availability of testing dates. Monday-Friday, probably 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.? Or do they tell you when to come in for your testing date because they book a schedule?

I can see it now.
Me: "I want to go fish next Saturday but I don't have a license."
Test clerk: "Earliest I can book you is two weeks next Tuesday."
Me: "Then catch me if you can."

Of course then what do you do about salmon stamps? Run a separate test? The provincial regs say nothing about identifying salmon as they fall under the auspices of the Feds. Probably a whole bunch of other logistics issues that I'm too tired to think about at the moment.

Not trashing your idea, just playing devil's advocate. I agree that it would help if some people actually got a clue. But the bottom line is that some people won't change regardless. It's kind of like gun control laws. They end up punishing the people who are legitimately trying to follow the laws rather than those who aren't. The legitimate fisherfolks here would write their annual test and jump through whatever other hoops you need to to keep involved in this sport. Those who aren't would just keep on doing what they're doing.

 

[Junebug]

I'm not caught up on the system, but what about citizen's arrest. Is that still around?

It's still around. A word of caution though, I wouldn't be making any citizen arrest unless you have a few of your closest friends around if you get into any trouble. Too many idiots out there.

 

[Merc]

The idea of volunteer enforcers is a good idea however I don't think current legislation allow volunteers to write tickets or arrest culprits. Without those powers they are nothing more than witnesses which in itself is not a bad idea. Further I don't think the CO and PSAC would be too keen of having volunteers doing the work of their members. My .02

I'm not caught up on the system, but what about citizen's arrest. Is that still around?

No. Section 494 Canada Criminal Code:

494. (1) Any one may arrest without warrant

(a) a person whom he finds committing an indictable offence; or

(b) a person who, on reasonable grounds, he believes

(i) has committed a criminal offence, and

(ii) is escaping from and freshly pursued by persons who have lawful authority to arrest that person.

Arrest by owner, etc., of property
(2) Any one who is

(a) the owner or a person in lawful possession of property, or

(b) a person authorized by the owner or by a person in lawful possession of property,

may arrest without warrant a person whom he finds committing a criminal offence on or in relation to that property.




Key words here are Indictable and Criminal offense.

I'm not sure that under the Wildlife Act you can be tried by way of indictment. And, it's not a criminal offense for violating the Wildlife Act. So, no citizen's arrest.

 

[fish or cut bait]

Maybe the licence should say on it that I the undersigned have read and understand the regulations so when CO's tickets violators there is no excuse like I'm from Treble country ,I NO UNDERSTAND ENGLISH or I'm just plain stun ya all. Fines should be printed on Regs. Make fines stiffer and confiscate gear. $150 fines dont slow speeders down either. :2cents:

 

[fishnfvr]

Well I think with the boaters license - they set up a booth at the local Canadian tire and it was done by volunteers once again! There are volunteers out there that do sign up for these things. And the firemen also are in a union and they have somehow worked out the fact of having volunteers! (and these volunteers do and can get signed up as actual jobs) I guess I just thought that if in fact they did have volunteers out there - you really wouldnt know who the next guy fishing beside you really is??

 

[reelangler]

I've got some thinking to do

Will post back on Thursday.

 

[fish or cut bait]

Was on Vedder Tuseday 9 and saw Co's for the first time this year. All they did was chit chated and looked at peoples fish but did not ask for any licences unless you had to tag a fish. So no need for any test because they don't check for the most basic regulation (Have A Licence). ???

 

[tooele]

That is what happened to us the last two years. They only checked people with actual fish. It was a little annoying, especially when it got so crowded that a chinese lady casted over me and ended up hooking me in the croch. I got pissed and then she went away the officers didn't even care or check any licenses unless you had fish. They were nice though, a far cry from how they can be in the states, prefer that to the states fish and game officers.

T

 

[fisherforever]

Got checked by 2 CO's yesterday, they yelled at a group of anglers "don't touch your hooks - Conservation Officers", went and checked their hooks and licenses, wrote a ticket for not recording a spring for one guy. Good to see they are putting more time on the Vedder.

 

[reelangler]

Guys... easy on the hijacking please. Title is self explanatory.