10-06-2015, 05:12 PM
[#0000FF]In most states the conservation officers have the power to arrest...not just for fishing violations but for drugs, traffic, littering, violence, etc. But the laws vary by state and these officers also have a lot of personal discretion in how they handle a perceived violation.
I am aware of cases in other states where fishing without a license has been an arrestable offense. But the individual situation is usually made worse by the offender also having felony warrants for other crimes.
I have not heard of any arrests in Utah for fishing without a license. In most cases the violator gets a citation and is told to cease fishing. In some cases there is a confiscation of gear.
But there are a whole lot of violations that go unchecked and unpunished. With our DWR folks spread so thin they can't possibly keep up with all of the potential abuses.
Can't guarantee that YOU would never be arrested. One look at your guilty-looking countenance and they would probably call in backup and the SWAT team. I would...but I know you.
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I am aware of cases in other states where fishing without a license has been an arrestable offense. But the individual situation is usually made worse by the offender also having felony warrants for other crimes.
I have not heard of any arrests in Utah for fishing without a license. In most cases the violator gets a citation and is told to cease fishing. In some cases there is a confiscation of gear.
But there are a whole lot of violations that go unchecked and unpunished. With our DWR folks spread so thin they can't possibly keep up with all of the potential abuses.
Can't guarantee that YOU would never be arrested. One look at your guilty-looking countenance and they would probably call in backup and the SWAT team. I would...but I know you.
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