Tall Tales

On June 16, 2021, district game warden Alan Howard observed six individuals fishing from a bridge in Ramsey County. Starting with the closest person, Howard started checking licenses and the fish they caught. While checking the first individual, he observed the farthest person on the bridge reel in his two fishing rods and place them in the trunk of his car. The individual entered his car and continued to sit there while Howard checked the next three anglers.

The individual then drove his car towards Howard to leave the area. While he was driving by, Howard asked to see his fishing license. The person stopped the vehicle and handed him an out-of-state fishing license. When asked if he had a current North Dakota fishing license, he stated he had an emergency while holding his hand over his chest. Howard could see the person was possibly in his 60s and asked him if he needed to call an ambulance for his emergency. He said no and added that he just needed to get to Devils Lake.

Warden Howard asked what his emergency was. The individual, who seemed to be in a hurry to leave the area, said he didn’t feel very good. Howard said he would hang on to his out-of-state fishing license and follow him to make sure he arrived safely, adding that if he didn’t feel any better, he should pull over. The individual agreed and Howard turned his pickup around to follow him.

The individual pulled over a quarter-mile later and rolled his window down. Howard pulled up next to the vehicle and asked if he was OK. The first words out of his mouth were, “I’ll just pay it.” Howard asked, he would pay for what? The individual said he did not have a current North Dakota fishing license and just wanted to pay the citation. Howard said he assumed that was the case.

Warden Howard then asked if he felt any better, and the individual said he really had to use the restroom. Howard said he would fill out the citation as quick as he could. A short time later, the individual was on his way.