over da limit loss a boat,.

[Lee Borgersen]

DNR NEWS - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
                                                                   Dec. 22, 2014

                    Fishing over the limit nets big fine, loss of boat,.

An Illinois angler faces nearly $2,200 in fines and restitution, plus the loss of his boat and equipment, following an investigation by conservation officers with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Charles H. Siegerdt, 54, Keenyville, Illinois, was recently found with a gross over the limit of 21 bass (42 fillets) and 19 northern pike (38 fillets) at an Itasca County resort. The daily possession limit in Minnesota is six bass and three northerns.

"Mr. Siegerdt admitted to possessing an over limit in the initial contact, about 14 bass and northerns combined," said Conservation Officer Jayson Hansen of Big Fork.

When asked where he kept his fish, Siegerdt pointed to the resort cabin he had been staying at and said the fish were in the cabin freezer.

Siegerdt led the officer into the cabin and opened the freezer.

"The freezer was full of plastic bags with frozen fish in them. I immediately recognized this as over the legal limit," Hansen said.

When asked if he had skin patches on all the fillets, Siegerdt said, "No."

Minnesota law requires anglers leave at least a one-square-inch patch of skin with scales so fish species can be identified when transporting them.

Siegerdt said he had been coming to Minnesota to fish for 35 years.

Siegerdt asked if he had to pay the fine and restitution immediately; he was told he could, or he could pay it later, or he could go to court.

"Mr. Siegerdt said he wasn't going to fight anything," Hansen said.

Conservation officers also confiscated Siegerdt's boat, boat motor, and boat trailer. He also surrendered two rods and reels. Those items will be auctioned off at a later date with the proceeds going to the DNR's Game and Fish Fund.

Siegerdt was cooperative during the investigation.

"After collecting his personal items from the boat he reached out and shook our hands, said he understood, and said it wouldn't happen again," Hansen said.

Hansen added, "Basically I want people to understand that if they are caught with a gross over limit they will face large fines, loss of privileges in all Wildlife Violator Compact states, and the loss of their equipment."

The Wildlife Violator Compact is an agreement between states that recognizes the suspension of hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses in member states. Minnesota is one of 43 states that participate in the compact.

Anyone witnessing a fish or wildlife violation is encouraged to contact the 24-hour, toll-free Turn In Poachers (TIP) hotline at 800-652-9093. Cell phone users can dial #TIP.

[Boar]

Good!!!!!

[DDSBYDAY]

   Bass fillets?   

[Fawkinnae]

Oh great. So he'd been doing that for 35 years.

[JohnWester]

i wonder what kind of boat?

[Lee Borgersen]

   Bass fillets?   

Guys like that keep everything that swims!

[JohnWester]

i'll have you know that smallies are pretty damn good eating.

[glenn57]

  hmmm Itasca county? I know that county pretty good.

[Lee Borgersen]

I just noticed that this guy is a flatlander that's (folks from Illinois). It figures it would be one of those darn lowlife bums.  Wouldn't ya just know it. If I was the warden I would a..... hey wait a minute...... I'm from Illinois.

[attachment deleted by admin]

[Boar]

Samllies are good, but dem dam largies are ishy to me muddy fatty tings. yuck.

[glenn57]

I'd throw largemouth in pickling fish. My brother smoked some but haven't had any. Smallies are good on the grill kuje walleyes.

[deadeye]

At least he took it like a man and accepted the fines and loss of his boat.

[snow1]

Someone was alert,makes ya wonder how many anglers our CO's miss,what a game PIG!

[Lee Borgersen]

Here's a DNR photo taken of just some of his plunder.

[attachment deleted by admin]