Just at dark last night I was pulling my boat out of the river. It was an isolated, dark ramp and no one was around. I was standing in the bed of my truck pulling the boat up (very shallow ramp)when a Conservation Officer pulled up asking if I could use a hand. I was carrying OWB with a jacket over it. I know I didn’t have to inform the officer but thought it best since I would be crawling around hooking up the boat. She thanked me for the notice. Just about that time my landing net hung up on a trailer guide and I had to walk the trailer and climb into the boat to free the net. The officer then helped by pulling the rope and aligning the boat on the trailer.
I pulled the boat out and secured it for the road. During this 5-10 minutes the officer and I chatted about fishing and the river. When all was ready to go, the officer said she was going to check a few things. She made mention that she saw my boat registration was current and then asked for my LTCH. I pulled it from my wallet and handed it to her. She looked it over and looked at my drivers license that was in the open wallet on the truck hood before handing it back and thanking me. She then asked about a life jacket and throw cushion. I had the life jacket on under my coat and the throw cushion was sitting on the seat. We chatted for a few minutes more before both pulling away.
I know this is a nothing happened post but felt compelled to say just how helpful, pleasant and professional this lady was. In thinking back on the encounter she taught me something else too. Fully intentional or not in a non threatening situation the officer was always in the right physical position in relation to her car, the boat/truck and me. Kudos to her. She was doing her job, very professional about it and pretty cool at the same time. I’m glad she’s out there watching our fish and game.
I pulled the boat out and secured it for the road. During this 5-10 minutes the officer and I chatted about fishing and the river. When all was ready to go, the officer said she was going to check a few things. She made mention that she saw my boat registration was current and then asked for my LTCH. I pulled it from my wallet and handed it to her. She looked it over and looked at my drivers license that was in the open wallet on the truck hood before handing it back and thanking me. She then asked about a life jacket and throw cushion. I had the life jacket on under my coat and the throw cushion was sitting on the seat. We chatted for a few minutes more before both pulling away.
I know this is a nothing happened post but felt compelled to say just how helpful, pleasant and professional this lady was. In thinking back on the encounter she taught me something else too. Fully intentional or not in a non threatening situation the officer was always in the right physical position in relation to her car, the boat/truck and me. Kudos to her. She was doing her job, very professional about it and pretty cool at the same time. I’m glad she’s out there watching our fish and game.
OK, disregard that last, but if you got her name, drop the DNR a message. Could be good for everyone. 
