Some Family Traditions Aren't Meant For Passing On!

DUBOIS - Recently, Idaho celebrated Free Fishing Day, a time set aside to help introduce new anglers to the fun of fishing. While most Idahoans do an excellent job of passing on values and traditions that honor the piscatorial pastime, Clark County Magistrate William Hollerich had the opportunity to hopefully nip some bad traditions in the bud and get some kids back casting in the right direction. On opening day of fishing this year, Senior Conservation Officers Lew Huddleston and Don Jenkins were patrolling Medicine Lodge Creek in Clark County. Most of the anglers they came across were being both successful and law abiding, but one family group they encountered was being very successful, but hardly law abiding. When all the fish that could legally be claimed were doled out, the group consisting of grandpa, his daughter and five grandchildren was still 37 fish over limit! Worse yet, when confronted with the situation the grandchildren reportedly told officers, "We knew the limits, but grandpa said not to worry about them." No citations were issued to the minors, but officers issued citations for the over-limit fish to Elmer Wilde of Roberts and Lisa Stibal of Idaho Falls. When the case came before Clark County Magistrate Judge William Hollerich, rather then giving the minimum penalties, he used the latitude of the law to make a lasting impression not just on the adults cited, but also hopefully on the children involved. Lisa Stibal received a $500 fine, $175 civil penalty, court costs and probation fees of $106.50. She was given 180 days jail time that was suspended pending her successful completion of two years probation. Her fishing privileges were revoked for one year. Lisa's father, Elmer Wilde received a $1,000 fine, $175 civil penalty, court costs and probation fees totally $106.50. He was given 180 days jail time that was suspended pending his successful completion of two years probation. His fishing privileges were revoked for three years. Fishing is a peaceful pastime to some and an exciting sport to others and like all sports there are certain rules to play by that define the game. Break the rules and you not only spoil the game, but you potentially spoil the future of the sport for those sitting on the sidelines observing your every move. It is the duty of all sportsmen to pass on not only the skills of their craft, but the ethics and traditions that define it.