Behind the Badge - Some People Really Love Fishing
Some People Really Love Fishing
District Game Warden Greg Hastings
I’ve encountered an individual fishing without a license multiple times in the past several years.
He’s always happy go lucky when he sees me, other than knowing he’s getting a ticket.
The reason he is in this predicament is because he has other issues with the law that keeps him from being able to buy a fishing license, but all I can figure is he really loves fishing that much.
Now being a repeat offender, on the last encounter I had with him I told him if caught again, he would be taken to jail for fishing without a license.
This still wasn’t enough as indeed I did find him again fishing without a license.
He is one of the few that I have taken to jail for fishing without a license, but sometimes it must be done.
I’m guessing the other jail inmates were giving him a hard time when they found out why he was in jail.
Fishing without a license is one of the most common things that game wardens run into.
With today’s technology, purchasing a fishing license is as simple as getting on your phone and using a debit/credit card.
Fishing licenses are only valid for the state they are purchased in.
Yes, people have handed me fishing licenses from other states while fishing in North Dakota trying to claim that works.
If fishing on tribal waters, you may need a tribal fishing license as well.
So, if you plan to go out fishing, please buy a license for the state you will be fishing in.
In North Dakota a fishing license is required once you turn 16.
New licenses are required April 1 of every year.
There are discounted priced fishing licenses for married couples, senior citizens, military/veterans, and people with disabilities.
Fishing without a license citation in North Dakota is a class B misdemeanor, which has a maximum penalty of a $1,500 fine, and/or 30 days in jail.