BigGameHoundsmen.com

This reply is also posted on another houndsmen site but it is important information that everyone should read and understand. In particular, it is in response as to why a houndsmen site may or may not be an "open" site that is open to anyone on the internet.

One of the reasons a site may not be open to the public is that the fish cops use these sites for information. Of coarse they never ever post anything or contribute in any discussion. And as all of you know, reading something on the internet takes a bit of interpretation. I had the fish cops show up at my place a year ago with warrent in hand accusing me of guiding illegally. They had a whole handful of pictures taken from several of the hound dog sites that were open to the public. After I showed them legal contracts for each picture they had, they left with their head between thier legs. These types of things are happening every day and innocent guys are being accused of all kinds of things they didn't do. The fish cops are waisting thier time (and our money) chasing every thing they can to try and drum up a case. The guys that are aware of this are less likely to post pictures, stories etc. on the sites that are open to the public because they've seen these problems first hand. Just keep this in mind when posting anything on these sites.

thanks Dean......

I agree with this also. I made it a sticky.. I think that means it will stay up for people to read.

Right now we are re-building. Once we rebuild something I think this should be a discussion that needs to be had on this site as well.

Buddy

I agree but fish cops aren't the only ones to worry about. Bunny huggers and tree dwellers are watching too. Real easy for them to get some ammo. I'll hold my vote till you ask though!

We have good membership #'s now I"m comfortable with going either way. someone start a poll and we can vote, otherwise I'll start one shortly.

To my knowledge of the internet there is no such thing as a completely private or "safe" post, if they want information it can be gotten, and it doesn't take an expert. I believe the board should have a code of ethics in support of ethical and legal hound hunting and not condone unethical or illegal behavior. This I believe is the best defense against the anti hunter, tree hugger etc. I say leave it open,I have nothing to hide. Just my 2$ wourth nothing more nothing less.

I agree with having it a forum rule that no illegal or ethical behavior is allowed by members. It should also not be allowed to be discussed favorably. Too many young hunters see that stuff and learn bad ways. I personally will not hunt with someone who takes game out of season or undersized or out of the proper zone or in any way even a "little bit illegal".

i agree with arachyd, vet bills,gas,and dog food are high enough who needs a fine on top of it.

agreed.. now what to do!

they just do this because they have no clue how to catch a real poacher! If only the boyscouts would have taught them to hunt,they might have be able to actually make a difference...

Anybody who is stupid enough to post illegal activities on the internet, probably isn't that sharp. But you read how many lies and tall tales are written on the internet I think it would be hard for them to get it to stand up in court(unless you posted pictures of yourself with an endangered species or something).

If your legal you have nothing 2 worry about right ? I'm always legal just because I hate looking over my shoulder.
The F&G here in Utah are some of the best peolpe I know. Some of them have run hounds and are involved with the local Gov. trappers.
They pay a visit 2 me once or twice a year cause some tree hugger called on me 4 no reason at all, and have always done their job and stayed long enough 2 BS.
We are in the eye of the public out there and on here, so if you'd like 2 keep running those dogs remember that.

I know there is no talking to the State Police in eastern Oregon.
I helped a man fill out a bobcat tag a few years back. Now this man could not write or read very well. Asked me if I would show him how to fill out a tag. I could see the embbaresment in his face. So I helped. It was a $300.00 fine.
So this shows you can break the law and not even know it.
I always try to go straight but sometimes shit happens

I agree 100 percent with Tracker, if you arent doing anything illegal then no worries. I also agree with slidecreek there is so much stuff now days that you may do wrong and not even know it. but other than that If you are illegal, then thats your fault you broke the law, so deal with the consequences.
Pat