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Date/Time: 03/28/2024 02:25PM
Right on the Border

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Previous Messages:
Author Message Text
tumblehome 05/29/2020 12:56PM
Bushpilot:



I have also been checked in the winter by border patrol on snowmobile looking RABC permits. They where friendly for the most part. Many times also traveling by snow machine with Minnesota COs and or US Border Patrol. "



If a picture was worth a thousand words, that picture is worth 10,000 words. Can't get any more clear than that!!!!
MooseTrack 05/29/2020 08:42AM
I got a fined $140 for according to the warden, I was 6 feet over the line. When I asked him what the standard deviation of error was with of the accuracy of his GPS he rudely replied if " I would like my boat confiscated as well". At that time I did not have a GPS and was relying on my map, which idicated I was well within the USA.
gymcoachdon 05/29/2020 07:49AM
bobbernumber3: "gymcoachdon: ".... If I get checked for my license, I would be ok, but would they have authority over the border crossing? "



Used to be that the warden didn't care about your camping permit, the park ranger didn't care about your border crossing paperwork, and the border patrol agent didn't care about your fishing license. That was the old days."



Well, I am getting old...
bobbernumber3 05/28/2020 02:25PM
gymcoachdon: ".... If I get checked for my license, I would be ok, but would they have authority over the border crossing? "


Used to be that the warden didn't care about your camping permit, the park ranger didn't care about your border crossing paperwork, and the border patrol agent didn't care about your fishing license. That was the old days.
shock 05/28/2020 01:35PM
as many have stated , this can become a serious issue , know where you are to the point of being cautious and staying well within the U.S. boundaries.
Kendis 05/27/2020 03:25PM
I would imagine that there would have to be an official discussion between the US and Canada before the closure of shared portages went into effect. I haven't heard of anything along those lines. As you probably know, the Webster-Ashburton treaty of 1842 guarantees citizens of both countries access to portages on both sides of the border like at Prairie Portage that you mentioned. Neither Canada or the US could unilaterally withdraw from the treaty without creating unpleasantness - and let's hope they don't!
cyclones30 05/27/2020 08:14AM
Joe, I sent you another email.
joewildlife 05/26/2020 09:44PM
Interesting thread.
I obey the rules too. But alcohol in the boat? Been there done that in Quetico and WCPP. Ooops? It was always used only in camp, for sure.


So what about using shared portages at this time? Prairie Portage and Monument Portage come to mind.


I have a GPS so I know where the border is on the lakes and I wouldn't push that. But Don, I am in the same boat as you...a cancelled Quetico trip but licensed in Ontario and hell I even have a valid RABC permit from a trip I took last fall.


I was supposed to enter BWCA this Thursday but my daughter had a nasty fall and got a face/head injury a couple days ago. Beat up but she will be okay. We might push the trip back a few days or I might go with a buddy somewhere else a few days later. BWCA entry permits are going fast so I don't know what Plan D is at this point. Yes, Plan D. (Plan A Quetico entry this Thursday, Plan B Quetico entry June 1, Plan C Lake One this Thursday. Plan D is June 1 with Daughter for an easy few portages to Lac La Croix, Saganaga, or Basswood. Makes me ask the off topic question, where would you go of the three for the best fishing? If she can't go, it is Plan E out of Snowbank to hit lots of the same places I was going to go with my daughter if we went in at Lake One, but with a buddy...those permits are long gone now.... Plan F is solo if my buddy can't make it. What a screwed up year! This is supposed to be my 13th trip to the Northwoods. Figures.... Where is the restart button for 2020?
Joe
Bushpilot 05/26/2020 06:56PM
I have been harassed many times by the Canadian Border people. Know the laws and were the border is. Have a good map or gps so you can confirm your position. I have been told I was fishing in Canada when I wasn't and pointed it out on a map. Never a friendly exchange. They don't like being told they are wrong. If you get a ticket you will never beat it later in court. I have never got a ticket. Prairie Portage is famous for this below the dam. Some have been known to "troll" there, not for fish.


If TGO was still around he would have a lot to say about this. RIP


Also don't get caught will alcohol in your boat in Ontario. You might need a get out jail card for that beer in your canoe. I don't drink so I am not very familiar with the liquor laws.


I have also been checked in the winter by border patrol on snowmobile looking RABC permits. They where friendly for the most part. Many times also traveling by snow machine with Minnesota COs and or US Border Patrol.
gymcoachdon 05/26/2020 06:24PM
Now, just for fun, I have already purchased my Ontario fishing license and outdoor card since my trip was planned for Quetico this year. I assume that there are border agents, and there are natural resources guys. If I get checked for my license, I would be ok, but would they have authority over the border crossing? Just a fun question, I will stay on my side of the border this year, I am a rule follower.
cyclones30 05/26/2020 11:58AM
I have heard of rangers waiting on shore out of sight to catch people fishing the wrong side. Not worth the risk to me
thegildedgopher 05/26/2020 10:59AM
Yeah, I'll be watching my GPS/map and staying on the US side of Gunflint this year. Probably won't be dragging over to North to avoid that narrow border stretch.
Mocha 05/26/2020 10:42AM
Don't risk it. Canadians have no sense of humor. Fines can range from $$ per rod, per live bait, per attitude, to confiscation of all property and perhaps a float ride to Canadian jail. I've seen all but the plane ride happen to one guy who thought he could do just what you describe. His fine was thousands of dollars. I think some got tacked on for having a minor cold along and breaking laws in front of the kid.



To the other post about boats on North lake... Most of that lake is Canadian. But, the people who own the cabins way on the far end tend to use entire lake and have been known to put big rocks in rapids so Americans can't get up with their boats.


All true!
tumblehome 05/26/2020 07:11AM
This question is asked quite often.


People usually use the angle of pleading ignorance to the location of the border if they are caught. Others use the angle of possibly receiving grace from law enforcement if caught.


Truth be told, neither angle would work. And fishing illegally in another country can cause a substantial legal issue for the offender if the LE person has the time and will to pursue the violation.


Tom
taco 05/26/2020 07:01AM
I just got back from a Gunflint->North->South->Rose->Duncan loop. Was surprised to see all the Canadians fishing on the American side on North lake. I assume they were all Canadian because the border is still closed, and the boats were too big to portage from Gunflint.


Sorry, doesn't answer your question. I was just surprised at the flaunting of rules from our friendly neighbors to the north.
billconner 05/26/2020 05:45AM
I believe I have read here of exactly what you describe happening - Quetico rangers with GPS in Basswood.
Jack001 05/26/2020 02:20AM
How concerned would you be about fishing the middle of a border lake that has the border running down the middle? If a Canadian official verified your location via GPS and determined that you were 200' across the border do you think they would make an issue of it? A guy could get in a lot of trouble this year since you would be crossing a closed border.