Posted by Walt on June 11, 2004 at 09:55:17:
In Reply to: DFG warden shortage posted by Chris on June 10, 2004 at 23:51:19:
The more logical question is: "Where do our fishing license fees go?" They continually increase while the game decreases. The basic problem is they are siphoned (ripped) off into the general fund and are used for everything but their intended purpose, namely to preserve and protect our fishing resources. Whether this is by enforcement of laws and limits, research, fisheries management, environmental monitoring, etc. - it isn't happening and we see game decrease. There is a serious poaching problem going on - made worse by lack of enforcement. and we're not talking about most recreational and commercial fishermen. There are a few skunks out there who rip off catch from legal traps, flagrantly disregard limit and size restrictions, catch off season, etc. Not for personal use but for sale - visit some markets in certain communities and you'll see where the catch is going....follow the money.