Justice Served

Bait O' Eggs · 10-15-2001, 09:09 AM

I started a post last week about the spotlighters I ran into called "thieves of our wildlife". I have mixed emotions about the outcome of the process.

I had several people telling me to turn them in on subsequent post to the thread. Well, I did just that, I contacted the authorities and informed them via email and phone calls, of what I saw and where I saw it at. The gammies sat on the clearcut this weekend thru the night and nobody showed up to spotlight. I am told the gammies did pick up 2 other spotlighters on a nearby ridge in the same general area. So I guess I am hunting a hot bed of illegal activites, probably like everywhere else. [img]images/icons/frown.gif[/img]

Based on my information (I never signed a statement to the story) the police obtained a search warrant to the spotlighters residence. I guess I should be happy with what was found when the seach warrant was served Sunday morning.

Hanging in the spotlighters garage Sunday morning was a fresh doe just brought in that night/morning. This guy got a half dozen tickets for things such as, hunting with the aid of a light, having a doe when no doe season was in progress, shooting a doe with a 22 caliber, etc ..... I am sure the tickets will have serious financial implications, curbing this guys future night activity. He lost his gun and who knows what else the OSP may end up taking from him.

I am sure the OSP would not have made this case without my assistance. Turning in the poachers/snaggers and general low life of our community is a requirement for the OSP to catch the bad guys. Otherwise the police are out there running around blind trying to catch the bad guys not knowing where to look.

My mixed emotions are for a couple reasons. I am not sure I like the idea of the police having the authority to search my house on a phone call and email somebody sends in complaining about me. In this case it proved to be a good lead, but I can see somebody complaining because I beat them to the fishing/hunting hole and lying about the situation and my house being searched
[img]images/icons/confused.gif[/img] I hope there are enough safeguards to prevent the abuse of search warrants, I really dont know how they work, this is my first experience with a search warrant and I was just an outsider for the most part.

Secondly I am concerned about hunting this area again. The poacher saw my truck when I first met him. I can envision parking my truck along the road and taking off on a hunt, and returning to a trashed or burned truck with somebody trying to get revenge. Worse yet, find myself in the woods face to face with this guy who may try to trash and burn me. [img]images/icons/frown.gif[/img] Is he hunting me down now as I write this? I Guess I may be using my concealed weapons permit in the near future.

I guess this is all still fresh in my mind and I may change my opinion after I digest it for a few days. I'm having thoughts about changing my signature from "proud to be an American" to "stool pigeon". [img]images/icons/confused.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/frown.gif[/img]

Anyway one poacher just got a ticket, I hope it changes his ways. I guess there is nothing to keep him from doing it again tonight.

If Oregon had a system to give me hunting preference points like Washinton did, I may feel a little better about feeling like I have made an enemy who may be trying to get even with me. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

[ 10-15-2001: Message edited by: Bait O' Eggs ]

SureSet · 10-15-2001, 09:31 AM

Roy,

Even if you don't feel like you can use that area for a few years (or at least until you get another truck), you must have a clear concience and a good feeling about the example you set for all of us.

I salute your potential sacrifice of a good area for what will probably mean some good opportunity for others to legally take game that would have otherwise been stolen.

I know a bunch of people on a BB supporting you is not really allot, and it may seem like you got more involved than you wanted to, but remember that what comes around, goes around. Maybe a few others will take the same action. I know I will now that I hear something actually happened.

Steve

jet · 10-15-2001, 09:33 AM

Great Job Roy

It is kinda of like serving on jury duity. I know it might feel like you are a tattle tail but these guys are were clearly in the wrong. If you witnessed a hit and run would you come foreward I bet you and all of us would.

We have millions of acres to hunt and you might just need to move to a better spot to hunt, not the hot bed of pocher activiety.

We are Americans with a voice and you have spoken out against wrong. We all need to speak up, not just Roy.

Jet~~~

birdhunter · 10-15-2001, 09:44 AM

Great job BOE. You didn't want to hunt there anyways. I'd be more than happy to show you some of my spots if you'll keep an eye on them when I'm not there. We need more hunters like you in the woods. Thank you very much for doing what isn't always easy, but is definately the right thing.

Zen Leecher aka Bill W · 10-15-2001, 10:00 AM

Keep right on hunting there. Should be a warning to the poacher, if he thinks of poaching again, that people are watching him.

I don't understand why you were/are reluctant to turn in a poacher... and also why you'd be afraid of retaliation...

He's got more to lose.

You really think he'd mess with a vehicle, knowing the owner is out there somewhere with a gun.

Geez...

I might see things more black and white than others, and also be a little less timid to stand up for my rights...

Don't sink to their level, make them toe your standards (or mark)

Dogfish · 10-15-2001, 10:06 AM

You did the right thing! Your second thoughts show that you have a conscience, but in the end you made the right decision. The poacher obviously didn't.

The search warrant was issued because of a credible witness. Since you know the outcome, the officers involved also knew who you were, and how to get in touch with you. The fact that there was no "written report" makes it better for you. These guys may have talked with a number of other folks out there. They were stupid enough to talk to you. People usually turn to crime because they aren't smart enough to figure out how to do things the right way.

Excellent job!

Andy

bigshark · 10-15-2001, 12:02 PM

Thank you BOE.
You did what needed to be done. Cops don't get warrents unless there is good reason to issue one and these guys could have been on a suspect list for several seasons. It may not be the first bust for them also. The odds are there are a lot more people who knew what they were up to besides you.
You distinguished yourself as being
above the bottom-feeder that talks about being a sportsman but doesn't have the guts
to do what is right.

local_hooker · 10-15-2001, 12:11 PM

RIGHT ON MAN!

That is very admirable, and I appreciate it.

Sean

Hoosier Daddy · 10-15-2001, 12:23 PM

SWEET!! Good job Roy.
We all appreciate it.
As a side note. I wouldn't worry too much about someone turning you in on a false lead for kicks. If they did, you would have some inconvenience, but thing of what the OSP would do to the OTHER guy that turned you in when they found no evidence of anything in your house. They would not be happy about a false lead. I don't know what the penalty is, but they are serious about wasted time/effort.

Once again, Great Job and thanks.

Rauly · 10-15-2001, 01:19 PM

BOE In the last 3 1/2 huors since you made your post 10 people have responded with a "you have done the right thing" respone. Also everyone of them looks at you with high esteem. If I were you I think I would be feeling pretty good about myself right now knowing that I have saved some animals lives that would have been taken illegaly.

Thanks for doing the right thing. I am sure everyone on this board appreciates what you have done.

Pilar · 10-15-2001, 02:25 PM

Roy, those guys have been doing that for years. You are welcome in my boat any time. I also have a *** truck you can borrow for the hunt, anytime. Too ugly to steal and if they burn it, they'd be doing me a favor.

Turning them in was something we should all be doing. Thanks for leading by example. Having the dangling pair of brass ones to brag about it on the internet well ... Let's just say that you are my hero Roy.

Get Bit · 10-15-2001, 03:36 PM

Roy,
The question is always the same in choosing right or wrong. Are you willing to do the right thing no matter what kind of heat you're going to take ? By turning those guys in, you have shown the the utmost integrity. My hat goes off to you !

Get Bit

JCJ · 10-15-2001, 04:09 PM

Congrats to you Roy.I commend your actions and if I ever meet you I sure would like to shake your hand.More of us need to be like you and do the right thing.The problem a lot of times we run across these kind of idiots either hunting or fishing and we have no way of tracing them back to their address with a license plate number.Many times I have been around dummies doing things like this and wished I could get a plate number to turn them in.Just this year I was fishing at Sauvie island and here is 3 people and 6 rods,but the nice thing when I pulled in, here comes a game cop I met out there and he explained to them the error of their ways with a few pieces of paper that will cost them a little bit.

Mr. Fisherman · 10-15-2001, 06:09 PM

Roy,

That's just like you.... Doing something like that [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img].

You are welcome to use my rig any time you need to. Just as long as you don't bring it back smelling like your boat [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img]

Sorry Roy, just had to try and lighten you up a bit. I know that your boat smells like a fresh damp morning (With a rotten Carp in the sun).

All kiding aside, Nice work, good job, Thank you. May your next hunt have results that reward you for a lifetime [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img].

When are we going to get out and play?

Ray

Joe Schwab · 10-15-2001, 07:05 PM

Roy, Thanks for being a hero! Don't fret too much about retaliation. Being on the inside of this stuff for 25 plus years I know how most of these guys think. They don't. It doesn't take a genius to go out and smoke a deer at night. When these guys are caught they are meek and frightened. The few who actually issued threats to either officers or citizens who turned them in were quickly reminded that any, and I mean ANY acts committed toward anyone would be investigated thoroughly with them as the prime suspects. These guys will commisserate with their outlaw buddies for a few days and then find some other way to get into trouble. Again, they are not that intelligent and the chances of running into them again even in that area are remote. Don't let those kind of people spoil your fun. Y^ou did the right thing. [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img]

Snapset · 10-15-2001, 07:33 PM

Good Job, BOE. Hook is right. You have courage. Spotlighters don't. I have a good hunting spot in Kings Valley I will share with you if you feel like you need one.

MoJet Driver · 10-15-2001, 11:18 PM

I must say "Good Job!" too.

You can always borrow a buddy's truck and that way you won't have to worry about yours being thrashed. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

Hopefully the gammies will learn that particular area is a hot bed of crime and clean it up for you so that honest law abiding citizens can go into the field without fearing for their lives.

Fishful Thinkin' · 10-16-2001, 01:18 AM

Hoooweee! A nat-u-ral bone He-row! And dats no lie. Roy, we've never met but I'd like to shake your hand. You've got the set you needed when the time came. Now stop second guessin'.
Someone said that the police don't get a warrent very easily. Well it goes father then that. They can't get a warrent unless they have "probable cause". A Email or a phoned in tip isn't enough for a warrent. However multiple tips can do it! So you probably weren't the only one turnin' them in.
Great Job and keep up the good work!

Flathead · 10-16-2001, 08:11 AM

BOE, no doubt about it you did absolutley the right thing. Each and every one of us that enjoy hunting and make it a part of our lives owe you a debt of gratitude. It is only through stopping these illegal activities that we will present a positive image to the non-hunting public and protect our hunting rights and huntable game populations. Each and everyone of us must follow your example to get these scum out of the woods and protect our rights. Thanks for your selfless act!!

crabbait · 10-16-2001, 08:14 AM

Way to go, Roy! I agree that poachers are not likely to hunt anyone or anything that they cannot use a spotlight on.

Besides, I bet you still have their plate number.......

Bait O' Eggs · 10-16-2001, 02:01 PM

Everybody thank you for the kind words [img]images/icons/blush.gif[/img]

I just wanted to throw in an update to the case. Sunday they got the mastermind [img]images/icons/rolleyes.gif[/img] of the pair of spotlighters. Since then his partner in crime confessed to the same offenses, and lost his gun also.

I dont have that feeling like he is hunting me down anymore. Funny thing is there are 2 of them that are ticked at me today and I am not really worried about it anymore.

Zen Leecher aka Bill W · 10-16-2001, 02:46 PM

Mastermind???

That must mean one of them was smarter than the other.. or one was more gullible.

BUGLEMAN · 10-16-2001, 04:02 PM

Three cheers for BOE!!!!

BOE that is sweet! Remember you didn't just effect 2 people, it was there entire family and friends. These things are learned and taught and you taught them that paoching is wrong, they can get caught and has consequences.

Fishful Thinkin' · 10-22-2001, 12:39 AM

Hip, Hip, Hooray!

Hey BOE,
We'll be singin' your praises for quite some time.

So they got the Mastermindless too. Good news Alround.

CAGEY · 10-22-2001, 08:06 AM

BOE, i as well as others thankyou for doing your civic duty. Turn those buggers in every chance you get. Law enforcement sometimes ticks you off when you are on the receiving end of a ticket but they are there to do a job and it is a difficult one to do without help from people like you, I e-mailed you regarding your concerns of search warrants. Its good information to know. The information i sent to you does not cover the whole spectrum of search warrants but it should alleviate any fears you may have. By the way, if any of you have concerns about how or why police do something just contact your local law enforcement agency and ask them. We have some guidelines attached to our laws that the average citizen is not aware of. Some of those guidelines prevent the officers from doing what you think they should do so ask them and dont set and stew because you did not get the results you think you should get.Happy Hunting, Cagey. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

TheRogue · 10-22-2001, 01:12 PM

The legal system can catch the bad guys, after all. Just needs a little help from us, with shrinking budgets and workforces. Way to go BOE

Predator Dawg · 10-23-2001, 02:25 PM

BOE -
I doubt those guys will even return to that area now that they know they are being watched. Once they scratch up the money to buy another cheap gun, they'll be off to a new area where they think they can hide. Nice part is, next time they will end up in prison. Without your help, that wouldn't be the case. Great job!