Land Owner Relations/ Rights

[J.A.Say.Tree]

OK... my turn to throw in a wooden nickel!!!

This has been a very interesting exchange, and I've enjoyed the "discussion" thoroughly! I'm well aware of this particular landowner episode Sarge and Jim W have eluded to, and I too have also ran into similar situations while fishing local streams (not to mention attempting to obtain permission to hunt on someones land).

Thank you Bogsucker for your research with the DNR. But as I figured, the law really isn't even defined by them very well. From what I gather, it is indeed legal to fish any river, stream, creek, brook or rill as long as your feet are ALWAYS in the water. However, I think the answer we're all trying to come up with goes a little deeper (excuse the pun) than interpretation of law.

We all want to know why we can't enjoy this wonderful natural resource, when indeed we hold a great respect and appreciation for it. We wonder why someone would restrict us from it, and what we can do to correct the situation.

Well my friends, the answer is not to pull the video camera out and go looking for trouble. Maybe some would find satisfaction in "proving their point," but I really can't understand how or why. Regardless of the law (or interpritaion of it), the answer is certainly not a cocky attitude that shouts, "This is my right!"

No, the answer is to have respect and ask permission. If the response is "no"... so be it. The way I always look at it is that these areas become refuges for fish.... or wildlife... and that certainly is not a bad situation. And who knows, if everyone starts "asking before acting" maybe these few landowners that have obviously had a bad experience with disrespect will have a change of heart.

[This message has been edited by J.A.Say.Tree (edited 09-07-2001).]

[This message has been edited by J.A.Say.Tree (edited 09-07-2001).]

[Bodyman]

J Say Tree. I can see you disagree with me and that's your right. We all have them.Your last post is alittle off the mark. The video cam I mentioned was in responce of hoppers post about land owners using them to video tape fisherman in hopes to catch them slipping up by maybe touching a branch on the bank so they could have them sited for trespass. In my thoughts, that's harassment. As far as permission it's usually not a problem, most owners will allow fishing. Come and fish south and east of LaCrosse, with some of the best watershed streams and ponds around. And most all of which are on private lands. Through easements and a general understanding of the resource fishing is permitted without question most times. If in doubt ask and then you'll hear go ahead. The only places you'll have trouble is where the farm land has been developed and small plots make it all but impossible to attain permission. This is where the law should be clear and to the point. All you need is 1 or 2 owners in a row to say no, then alot of stream is lost. Don't you think?

By the way, since this thread started Wisconsin Law has changed again after 2 years. Now you have to stay in the water,unless you have to go around an obsticle like a hole or log. Another change in the law because of politics. New administration, new laws concerning the resources. To bad they can't make the laws on common sence and what's right for the resource, not what fits the politics of the day.
Good Fishing.

[Guest]

This is a pretty tough topic for me as I do fall into the stream loving do no harm class, yet I have had (note: past tense here) access to some pristine private land on teh lower end of Trout Run and can empathize with landowners.

The bottom line is stay in the water and by no means leave it for any reason - obstacles or not. Access it via public land or get permission are the other variables.

This whole discusion leads to why aren't there more land/stream easements - I know one of the reasons stems from several years ago when the Twin Cities Chapter of Trout Unlimited (TCTU) basically begged, pleaded, and bought off the DNR to give the ENTIRE easement allotment for the year to them so they could restore Brown's Creek, a piece of crap trout stream that runs through a golf course in the Metro (ever wonder why the grass is so green on it? A. pesticides, herbicides, etc. - things trout really love). Easements are getting tougher and tougher to obtain due to landowners unwillingness to sell land. If you owned a stretch of property that had a trout stream running through it, would you post it to your own private regulations?? I sure as hell would. I would get tired of bait containers, trails, beer cans, and fires on my property.

I love the fishing acccess we have, but my point is couldn't it be better? And I'm not indicting the people on this forum as they aren't the problems in this scenario. I'm not sure we'll ever get this resolved, although I have enjoyed the lively and educational banter that has gone on here. Thanks.

[DARK30]

WELL I HEARD BACK FROM MY FRIEND CONRAD THE DNR MINNOW SCIENTIST AND HE SAID "JUST KEEP YOUR FEET WET"....SOUNDS PRETTY SIMPLE TO ME. BY THE WAY, HE'S INVOLVED WITH A NEAT WEB SITE CALLED "nativefish.org" (PRETTY GOOD INFO)

NOW GET THIS....SOME GUY THE OTHER NIGHT TRIED TO KICK ME OFF LAND HE DIDN'T EVEN OWN AND I HAD PERMISSION TO BE ON! I TOLD HIM TO GET BENT AS POLITELY AS I COULD. SOME PEOPLES KIDS..I TELL YA! BEFORE THAT,WHEN I ASKED THE OTHER GUY FOR PERMISSION TO ACCESS THE RIVER HE SAID YES AND I WAS THE ONLY PERSON WHO DID ASK! PLUS I CAME OUT WITH A BAG OF TRASH AND STOPPED TO VISIT A LITTLE.
WET NETS!

------------------
cast,cast,cast,cast......