P.W-Sounders: Be good!...

[Redƒox]

Last trip out I was randomly stoped by a boat with what I assumed to be "Fish&Wildlife Officers" ? They were courteous and all that; but the driver of the fast rigid-hull inflatable lacked good boating skills something terrible!! (almost ran into me) I stopped when I saw them come closer and wave at me while we were on our way across Port Wells that afternoon (last week) Stopping in plenty of time and coming to a complete stop, I wondered if the young man operating the boat was just copping an attitude or if his skills were really that bad . Anyway.
It sure does wreck the place for the wilderness experience it used to be. Even though the other boat we met (2 Troopers citing my friends for "poaching" the cabin in South Culrose) were courteous, they are out in force! Beware, make sure you have your licences and your al 'lagit... when they come asking for your "Papers" (LOL )
A friendly chat with one of them that day, i was asked if I saw there "120-Footer" stationed off Perry Island. The following afternoon I seen it while on my way out again.
The purpose of this message is simply to raise your awareness and to help ease you into the idea --- you may not have the wilderness experience you are used to out in the Sound...

What's been your experiences out there in this regard...

[Catman]

Thanks, RF. Well, in our Sound the wilderness experience has been dutifully eroded in the four decades I've been plying said waters. Bird and mammal populations have plummeted. Puget Sound's water quality is dangerously threatened.

At least your Sound is mostly free of self-aggrandizing nitwits with more money than brains, who see nature as just another element to destroy or conquer. Mind you, I'm grateful for the many who indeed think of others, and of generations to come.

[Redƒox]

I hear ya Bro! There is one thing I keep in mind when it comes to all this policing: If it were left open to be a big free-for-all the place would be loaded with poachers ("poaching" is not always "evil" if your a Sound resident and really need the resource) or just the unconcerned and unethical (plenty of them everywhere!) not keeping in mind how fragile natural resources are! The Sound would become like another port not far away: almost completely wiped-out of certain species of fish.
Thnx for the comeback on that CM

[MOOSE]

This discussion of policing reminds me of the time a couple years ago where enforcement officials on both sides of the border on our lake decided to have a joint field day. We had members of the Ontario Provincial Police, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, County Sheriff Deputies, National Park staff, US and Canadian Customs and Immigration, and the Coast Guard all plying the waters of and skies over our fair lake. (My apologies to any enforcement agencies I happened to have left out.) Boy did that ever tick off the locals! And to think there are actually international treaties that recognize the unique nature of our waterway and guarantee "free and equal access" to both sides of the lake by citizens of both countries.
Al

[starcrafttom]

We were pulled over by the wdfg boat in the san jauns. they must have been trianing a new guy because he all most hit my new boat. if we had not fended him off he would have put his bow thru the side window. nice big alum cat that sat much higher then we did.

[Catman]

Starcrafttom, who pulled you over? Whoever it was, they better be respectful about pulling alongside. I simply will not tolerate those not conscious of this obsessive-compulsive's um, needs.

[Catman]

I get it. Washington Department of Fish and Game. I hear the Coast Guard in their inflatables are quite respectful.

[Billy]

Fox,

What papers were they concerned about? I'm stickered for Registration but don't carry additional registration or ownership proof on board. Should I? I also carry what ever fishing papers necessary but that's about it. What did they ask you for? Also a question for our more southern brethern; what are you required to carry as far as paperwork is concerned?

Many thanks,
Bill

Also, wrong place to ask I know... but any of you other Alaskans thinking of doing the spray insulation give me a PM. Maybe we can pool our efforts and do it or several together?

[AK Angler]

Billy-

Here in AK you need to carry your registration that you got at the DMV anytime the boat is in the water. I think that may be the papers in question.

[Billy]

Thanks Rod! Looks like I better find that. I guess I've been lucky so far because I have never had them on board.

Bill

[Redƒox]

If this puter holds up while replying I'll be happy tonight
Getting back here: I was simply reflecting on history and Germany "vere are your papers " seems it ain't too far off some times!

A little more of the story: (I did not want in my "Boat-stories")

I was asked by the officer "I need to see the a responcibles-party's ID" (that was me of course ) . I putted-on-over on the kicker to him, to avoid a boarding and be cool-as-I-can , threw him my AK-Drivers Licence. (nothing more was required---actually I put my wallet in a sock and tossed it to him while he and the nice lady officer were still standing on shore)

Just be ready folks! (being just human might cost ya!) The PWS is so ultra-popular right now, and there is no end in sight soon... me thinks

[Butch]

RF... what were the culprits poaching? I can only dream about plying waters such as the PWS... we are working to get the Chesapeake Bay back in some resemblance of shape. We have a long way to go... The marine police are really cordial over here. They are strick, however, without hem the upper bay would be a zoo. You know boaters (and fisherman) with more money than brains. Catch you all later! Butch

[Redƒox]

Hi Butch! I don't know since I don't hunt at all. Did get a moose in my life (back when I was just-a-kid )

There is just too-danged-many of us 'peep me thinks... even up here!--less ya live on the Aleutian Chain!

[Billy]

Butch,
Might have been bear poachers. They caught a couple of guys snaring black bears for the gall bladders back a week or so. They got them for 20 bears, but believe there were many more.

Bill

[Redƒox]

holymoly!!! Well thats good news! Glad to hear their catching some of them sorts of criminals More power to em!
Poesy-sniffer Greg