Watch yourself around Schoonover Lake, where the City Park Rangers are concerned. Today was the second time that I've been "run off" by a City Park Ranger, by an attempt to enforce the law.
This past winter, my brother and I had drilled a few holes (checking the ice thickness) and were setting up a portable ice shelter. A Park Ranger (lady) was telling us we had to leave, that there's no ice fishing allowed. When I asked why ice fishing wasn't allowed, all she said was it was against the rules. This kinda hit me wrong, as it was more like a "because I'm the mom" statement.
Anyway, long story short, I called the Chief Park Ranger on Monday morning and asked for clarification on the "rules" and recalled the incident with the lady Ranger. He appologized and said he would inform all of his Rangers, that Schoonover is a ODNR regulated body of water and ice fishing is legal and allowed.
Yesterday morning, I was doing some bowfishing and got stopped by another lady Ranger, that said bowfishing isn't allowed. Again, when I asked why, she said that it's not allowed in any of the city park ponds, nor the city reserviors. Well, all of these bodies of water have ODNR signs posted, which means you have to have a fishing license and they're under state regulations.
Just the same, I've made another call to the City Chief Park Ranger and am waiting for a return call to get this straightened out...again. If the city doesn't allow bow fishing, then they have to post it, to be legal. This pond is within the city limits, but is under ODNR regulations.
I'll post my findings, after I talk with the Chief Park Ranger.
Well, as that wasn't enough... This morning, my brother and I were on Fergeson Reservoir and there were GWs all over the place. As my brother was getting out of the water with his kayak, a GW asked if he'd caught anything and my brother held up his catch of the day...a 17" largemouth bass. The GW questioned the legal length of the fish. (there's no length minimum on this reservoir) As he was measuring it, my brother asked what is the minimum length and the GW said he'd have to check the regulations, but that's something you should know before you show a fish to a GW. :smiley_arrogant:
My brother said, "Isn't it your job to know the regulations, since you'd be the person citing someone, IF there's a violation?" The GW measured the fish and said, "Here! Nice fish, it's 17 inches long."...and the GW walked away, back to his spotting scope.
What an ass! I've never cared for GWs. I understand that they have a job to do and may see a lot of negetive stuff in their line of work, but a professonal attitude would be a refreshing thought. Just the same, it has always been my opinion that GWs think you're guilty of something as soon as you pull out of your driveway.
Here's my brother's largemouth bass. It was a personal best for him! :smiley_blink:
Good hunting, Bowhunter57
This past winter, my brother and I had drilled a few holes (checking the ice thickness) and were setting up a portable ice shelter. A Park Ranger (lady) was telling us we had to leave, that there's no ice fishing allowed. When I asked why ice fishing wasn't allowed, all she said was it was against the rules. This kinda hit me wrong, as it was more like a "because I'm the mom" statement.
Anyway, long story short, I called the Chief Park Ranger on Monday morning and asked for clarification on the "rules" and recalled the incident with the lady Ranger. He appologized and said he would inform all of his Rangers, that Schoonover is a ODNR regulated body of water and ice fishing is legal and allowed.
Yesterday morning, I was doing some bowfishing and got stopped by another lady Ranger, that said bowfishing isn't allowed. Again, when I asked why, she said that it's not allowed in any of the city park ponds, nor the city reserviors. Well, all of these bodies of water have ODNR signs posted, which means you have to have a fishing license and they're under state regulations.
Just the same, I've made another call to the City Chief Park Ranger and am waiting for a return call to get this straightened out...again. If the city doesn't allow bow fishing, then they have to post it, to be legal. This pond is within the city limits, but is under ODNR regulations.
I'll post my findings, after I talk with the Chief Park Ranger.
Well, as that wasn't enough... This morning, my brother and I were on Fergeson Reservoir and there were GWs all over the place. As my brother was getting out of the water with his kayak, a GW asked if he'd caught anything and my brother held up his catch of the day...a 17" largemouth bass. The GW questioned the legal length of the fish. (there's no length minimum on this reservoir) As he was measuring it, my brother asked what is the minimum length and the GW said he'd have to check the regulations, but that's something you should know before you show a fish to a GW. :smiley_arrogant:
My brother said, "Isn't it your job to know the regulations, since you'd be the person citing someone, IF there's a violation?" The GW measured the fish and said, "Here! Nice fish, it's 17 inches long."...and the GW walked away, back to his spotting scope.
What an ass! I've never cared for GWs. I understand that they have a job to do and may see a lot of negetive stuff in their line of work, but a professonal attitude would be a refreshing thought. Just the same, it has always been my opinion that GWs think you're guilty of something as soon as you pull out of your driveway.
Here's my brother's largemouth bass. It was a personal best for him! :smiley_blink:
Good hunting, Bowhunter57
