Andy,

I don't have a "big" problem with the guy who has a permit to carry his "concealed" weapon, but his weapon should remained "concealed".

Obviously he must have a good reason (i.e. you) to have the need to carry a weapon from time to time. My problem is with the nimrod cowboy who hast to "strap" his weapon on his side of his hip, or wears it around his chest to show everybody that he is a real bad dude!
I still believe, If your not hunting, then why the need for the gun when you are fishing? I have been fishing all my life, and never have I had the need to use a handgun on anyone when I was fishing.

I've gone nose to nose with a few guys, and even that didn't really solve our disputed fishing problems. I do know one thing, when you pull a gun on somebody, you may be the guy that ends up going to jail! Apparently, in your case, you got the "bad" guy.

I know you may have your reasons to carry your gun, but I still think when a guy goes fishing he should leave his heat at home or in his car. Sorry, It's just the way I feel!
When I was a guide, I had one rule that applied to all my clients. That rule was; NO GUNS ALLOWED ON THE BOAT! Bring a gun, stay on shore!

As far as it being illegal to do what these clowns did, I would first read what the RCW's say and make up your own mind. Personally, I think it would be an improper use of that law! If someone else knows a different RCW or "law" that was broken, Please let me know what it is. Remember, all fishermen have the same opportunity to equal "pursuit" of their game or fish.

RCW 77.15.210
Obstructing the taking of fish or wildlife -- Penalty.

(1) A person is guilty of obstructing the taking of fish or wildlife if the
person:

(a) Harasses, drives, or disturbs fish or wildlife with the intent of
disrupting lawful pursuit or taking thereof; or

(b) Harasses, intimidates, or interferes with an individual engaged in the lawful taking of fish or wildlife or lawful predator control with the intent of disrupting lawful pursuit or taking thereof.

(2) Obstructing the taking of fish or wildlife is a gross misdemeanor.

(3) It is an affirmative defense to a prosecution for obstructing the taking of fish or wildlife that the person charged was:

(a) Interfering with a person engaged in hunting outside the legally established hunting season; or

(b) Preventing or attempting to prevent unauthorized trespass on
private property.

(4) The person raising a defense under subsection (3) of this section has the burden of proof by a preponderance of the evidence.

Cowlitzfisherman,

Is the taste of the bait worth the sting of the hook????


[ 07-03-2001: Message edited by: cowlitzfisherman ]