Jump to content
  • GUESTS

    If You  want access  to member only forums on FM, You will need to Sign-in or  Sign-Up now .

    This box will disappear once you are signed in as a member.

DNR Question????


natelee

Recommended Posts

A relative of mine and his girlfriend were up last weekend staying in their wheelhouse. On Friday evening they were watching movies in the dark, when they heard a snowmobile pulling up. Within 20 seconds of the snowmobile shutting off they heard 3 quick knocks then a CO walked right in. Didn't announce himself just walked right in, then went right into the bathroom to check without saying a word. I guess I am not a 100% for sure, but isn't this illegal? There were no problems as they had 3 legal fish for the 2 of them, but still I thought they couldn't do that? This relative of mine wasn't mad about it at all, but if it were me and my wife I would have been really mad!!!!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

My husband and I were up over the extended weekend and we also had a problem with this, however the CO was actually some young girl about 20-25 impersonating a CO, that pushed her way into our house when my husband opened the door and wanted to see our fishing licenses, meanwhile there was a guy on the back of her sled with a santa hat on. I was pretty upset about the situation. Before it really dawned on us that this shouldn't be happening, my husband showed her our licenses. When she walked out, I realized that this was against the law to impersonate DNR/CO's. The resort that we went out of tried to expain it off as a joke, but I don't find it very amusing when someone pushes their way into our home, whether it is our fish house or our actual home.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I would have been pissed if this would have happened to me. It is my understanding that DNR must present itself at your door; but I don't think they are allowed in your house if you don't answer the door. I believe they have to have some special permit or authorization to get into your house without you giving permission. I am going to look this one up as I am curious myself.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I asked the DNR this morning about this as I was calling to confirm the type of license you need to have on portables, and she said they cannot do this unless they have reason to believe there is something illegal going on. This makes no sense because it was dark and he pulled up and went straight for the door. The only light on was the one from the TV. Once he got in the house he only checked the bathroom, fish, and licenses. IMO if he thought there was something going on, wouldn't he search the house???

Link to comment
Share on other sites

these are older case, there are many, but they pretty much say the same thing. you have the right to privacy in your fishhouse and are protected against illegal search and siezure.

http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/scripts/getcase.pl?

court=mn&vol=apppub%5C0112%5Cc501980&invol=1

http://www.co.anoka.mn.us/departments/co_attorney/2002-february-15-update.pdf

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Ya know what, if you don't want someone in....lock the door. If you are doing something you do not want anyone else to be part of, lock the door. If you are doing something illegal, lock the door.

I recall this "illegal seach and seizure" thing reference back to a citation that was given by a DNR officer that busted some potheads in their fish house. The potheads felt that their house could not be searched and their drugs taken. Charges were dropped. Bunch of crap.

If the DNR or officer wants to enter and I was not smart enough to lock the door, that is my problem.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

My understanding is you can not have a locked door? They must knock and ask to come in? If you do not let them in they will ask you to come outside with your license? I would never denie them access as to me that would be a red flag that I'am trying to hide somthing.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I am not sure if it legal to have the door locke don your fishouse however I lock it anyway as I see it no different than my home or vehicle. I personally always lock the door just out of habit. I also keep the outside light turned off if I would rather not be engaged in social conversation, I figure if the outside light is on it would be an invitation to come and chat similiar to leaving your light on for trick or treaters on halloween.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Roughneck, thats the whole point there was no wrong doing and nothing to hide!! Would you want someone walking in your bedroom unannounced when you were with your significant other? Also, Cookie makes a great point...I thought you weren't supposed to lock the door. I never do, as we never have anything to hide. This is a good reason to start IMO. I have been checked plenty of times with the door unlocked and never had someone bust right in. So if I am in my portable, they can just unzip or flip it open without asking??

Link to comment
Share on other sites

natelee,

Just to clarify this, are you sure this was a DNR Conservation Officer? The second poster mentioned some impersonation was going on that weekend. The incident you describe sounds a bit strange. Conservation Officers know they can not enter without permission.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Something isn't right with this story. I spend everyday on the lake and the CO's just do not enter without permission. Even with our rentals where the CO's know they are always welcome to step right in they have ALWAYS knocked and asked first. This just not sound like it was a CO.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I am totally positive it was a CO. He got his name, not because he was mad though. He said the CO was totally respectful aside from the fact that he walked right in. There was nothing fishy (haha) about the check aside from just walking in.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

A few years back it was decided in the Courts, that you could have the door locked, and were not required to let a CO in, a privacy issue, like a dwelling.

With the new MN Law changes, the Legislature, threw in the statement again, about being required to have an access from the outside available at all times...but did not say it could not be locked, or that you must let COs or Anyone Else in.

These type cases will likely end up back in the Courts, and hopefully, Privacy will be upheld.

You certainly have the right to Authenticate any Officers Identity and Authority, before letting them enter. They cannot Legally, Forcefully, Enter, without a Warrant, or Direct, Credible, Eyewitness Testimony, of a Serious Crime, in Progress...of course if the door is Unlocked, it might not be considerd Forceful...

The Old Practise, of simply walking in Unannounced, or with only a Quick Knock, was one of the most Disruptive, and Rude Behaviors, and I found it quite Annoying and Disrespectful.

During the day I usually leave the door unlocked, and at night lock'er up tight. I don't want anyone stumbling into my home without Permission...

All Impersonators, or Questionable Behaviors, should be Documented, and turned over to the Sheriffs Department Immediately. Impersonating a Law Enforcement Officer, is a Serious and Potentially Dangerous Crime, and Should be Stopped! shocked.gif

If he was a Legitimate CO, he may have checked the Bathroom to see whether you had one, and were using it, or using the Ice, also MDP...Minnesotas Dumbest Poachers probably think this would be a good place to hide fish, or the remains, as "No one would look there." ... blush.gif

Link to comment
Share on other sites

In my case, it was a impersonation of a CO on Red on December 29th by a young woman about 20-25 years old. She definately was NOT a CO but said she was and pushed her way into our fishhouse wanting to see our licenses. She was just someone out there fishing with a bunch of guys...like I said in my earlier post...the resort said these people thought it was a joke(ha ha). We did not think it was funny at all to have someone push their way into our home, even tho it is just our fishhouse. Some people just have no respect for others or their property!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest
This topic is now closed to further replies.


  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

    • mulefarm
      With the early ice out, how is the curlyleaf pondweed doing?
    • LakeofthewoodsMN
      On the south end...   The big basin, otherwise known as Big Traverse Bay, is ice free.  Zippel Bay and Four Mile Bay are ice free as well.  Everything is shaping up nicely for the MN Fishing Opener on May 11th. With the walleye / sauger season currently closed, most anglers are targeting sturgeon and pike.  Some sturgeon anglers are fishing at the mouth of the Rainy River, but most sturgeon are targeted in Four Mile Bay or the Rainy River.  Hence, pike are the targeted species on the south shore and various bays currently.   Pike fishing this time of year is a unique opportunity, as LOW is border water with Canada, the pike season is open year round. The limit is 3 pike per day with one being able to be more than 40 inches. All fish 30 - 40 inches must be released. Back bays hold pike as they go through the various stages of the spawn.  Deadbait under a bobber, spinners, spoons and shallow diving crankbaits are all viable options.   Four Mile Bay, Bostic Bay and Zippel Bay are all small water and boats of various sizes work well. On the Rainy River...  Great news this week as we learned sturgeon will not be placed on the endangered species list by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.     The organization had to make a decision by June 30 and listing sturgeon could have ended sturgeon fishing.  Thankfully, after looking at the many success stories across the nation, including LOW and the Rainy River, sturgeon fishing and successful sturgeon management continues.   A good week sturgeon fishing on the Rainy River.  Speaking to some sturgeon aficionados, fishing will actually get even better as water temps rise.     Four Mile Bay at the mouth of the Rainy River near the Wheeler's Point Boat Ramp is still producing good numbers of fish, as are various holes along the 42 miles of navigable Rainy River from the mouth to Birchdale.   The sturgeon season continues through May 15th and resumes again July 1st.   Oct 1 - April 23, Catch and Release April 24 - May 7, Harvest Season May 8 - May 15, Catch and Release May 16 - June 30, Sturgeon Fishing Closed July 1 - Sep 30, Harvest Season If you fish during the sturgeon harvest season and you want to keep a sturgeon, you must purchase a sturgeon tag for $5 prior to fishing.    One sturgeon per calendar year (45 - 50" inclusive, or over 75"). Most sturgeon anglers are either a glob of crawlers or a combo of crawlers and frozen emerald shiners on a sturgeon rig, which is an 18" leader with a 4/0 circle hook combined with a no roll sinker.  Local bait shops have all of the gear and bait. Up at the NW Angle...  A few spots with rotten ice, but as a rule, most of the Angle is showing off open water.  In these parts, most are looking ahead to the MN Fishing Opener.  Based on late ice fishing success, it should be a good one.  
    • leech~~
      Nice fish. I moved to the Sartell area last summer and just thought it was windy like this everyday up here? 🤭
    • Rick G
      Crazy windy again today.... This is has been the norm this spring. Between the wind and the cold fronts, fishing has been more challenging for me than most years.  Panfish have been moving in and out of the shallows quite a bit. One day they are up in the slop, the next they are out relating to cabbage or the newly sprouting lilly pads.  Today eye guy and I found them in 4-5 ft of water, hanging close to any tree branches that happened to be laying in the water.  Bigger fish were liking a 1/32 head and a Bobby Garland baby shad.   Highlight of the day way this healthy 15incher
    • monstermoose78
    • monstermoose78
      As I typed that here came a hen.  IMG_7032.mov   IMG_7032.mov
    • monstermoose78
      So far this morning nothing but non turkeys. 
    • monstermoose78
      Well yesterday I got a little excited and let a turkey get to close and I hit the blind!!
    • smurfy
      good......you?? living the dream..in my basement playing internet thug right now!!!!!! 🤣 working on getting the boat ready.......bought a new cheatmaster locator for the boat so working on that.   waiting for warmer weather to start my garden!!!
    • monstermoose78
      How is everyone doing? Holy moly it’s chilly this morning I stayed in bed and will hunt later today when it warms up.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.