sit down at boat launch?

[KevinA]

Rumor has it that our buddies at "drink beer not milk" are planning a sit down protest at launches this weekend (all states?) to prevent folks from launching their boats and maybe catching a fish or two. If you feel a thump when you're backing up (or thump..thump for those with tandem trailers) you'll at least know what you hit. I wonder if boat insurance covers this?

[Grampa_Joe]

This is an oportunity to show what kind of professionals we are. I'm certain they would love to get into arguments and even fights with us evil-doers (fishermen). Don't play into their hands people.
-Joe

[GANGGREEN]

We can win this one without a fight. While they have a right to protest on public property, they can't prevent you from engaging in a legal activiy (ie launching). Calmly make a call to the local or state police department (or the natural resources officer if they have authority), explain the situation and await the police. Most law enforcement agencies have been trained in how to deal with protesters (remove them and/or arrest them) and I'm sure that they would be happy to do so.

[hagar]

I agree, don't give them what they want, publicity. A suggestion though. While you wait make sure you have a veal sandwich and a glass of milk to consume in front of them.

[Westy]

Sounds like a good time for a fish fry!

[Hogger]

I'll make sure to bring my cleaning board and a clean fillet knife. Actually I'm extremely pleased with the responses to the original post and agree 100%, simply call your local law enforcement and then quietly launch your boat for a peaceful afternoon of fishing. Got Milk? Pass the leeches!

[Chris]

What are they protesting?

[EricCO]

They are protesting freedom.

[Eyemadman]

I was on a saltwater board and the same post was on there and several fisherman called the peta media guide and they have nothing scheduled? I think its a hoak. Post next Monday if anyone has any problems. Hopefully I wont have to work this weekend so I should be out at least one day.

[Kevin A.]

I saw it just now. Apparently some guy from Doane College in Lincoln, Nebraska with some time on his hands and no connection to anyone. Practice, practice, practice...I'm sure we'll be down this road again.

[Jeff S]

Good thread here, very positive. I carry a cell phone with me and always have the local Sherriff, DNR and police numbers with me. That way I can call from shore or while I'm in the boat.

[Ness]

I'm with you guys. That's why I always carry my cell phone. You never know when you might run into trouble.

[Gumby]

South Dakota has laws prohibiting anyone from a) being within 50 feet of (State owned) docks or ramps not involved with launching or recovering a vessel and b) interfering with the lawful taking of game. Anyway, I would hope these people would at least have the common sense to get out of the way of a 2100lb boat being moved by a 4400lb truck. Could get awful messy back there on the prop!!LOL

[MPhelps]

Thank you to all for the great responses to this subject. What a joke. Where are these peoples(peta) mind. I just can't fathom what they are thinking. All I can say is what if I hear a thump, thump and I only have one axle. Opps, I backed up to see what I hit. Sorry!

[Floater (MN)]

P.E.T.A. (People Eating Tasty Animals) has never been known for a mindful opinion on any subject matter. From spray painting fur coats, while the owner is wearing it, to loosing caged/pet animals into the unfamiliar wilds of the land, these folks have not shown knowledge of animals or humans who care for or manage them. Why should we be surprized by them wanting to turn themselves into speed bumps on our boat ramps? The starvation, overpopulation, mismanaged habitats, etc have never been on the table for concern in the PETA organisation. Their only goal seems to be to see that humans have no impact on the nature that humans are a part of. Yes, humans are part of nature, no matter what PETA tells us. Just my opinion.....

[cisco]

Ask the PETA folks if they ever swat a mosquito. They forget what the Animal Kingdom contains -- including micro-organisms. Ask if they ever use anti-biotics. Many of our ailments are caused by little animals we have prescription drugs to kill.
Vaccines raise still more questions. If they are to be consistent they would have to oppose ALL animal "killing" -- including the little buggers we can't even see.

Think on this one: How can you drive down the road without killing hundreds (1000s +) of "innocent" animals? An entomologist could trace my steps by examining the remains on the front of my van.

[wally tap]

PETA doesn't understand that the real problem is the overpopulation of the HUMAN race.They can further their cause by having all members of PETA commit suicide.This will reduce the pressure on our natural resources.