US Dept. of Fish & Wildlife Visit

[hardwired]

Yep I know I will be in for the same once I get a business licenses out here. The cops always go see what is going on at my friends house because he breeds snakes. Apparently when you breed snakes you might be a drug dealer here so you get a visit from the cops every year. They are so careful here right?!?

It's a good thing they didn't see the meth lab or those stuffed bald eagles on your mantle.

If you go by the commercial that they are playing in Florida only 15% of meth labs caught are actually due to police work. (The rest are apparently caught due to other peoples work. I always wonder why they would be willing to advertise that?!? It makes them seem so incompetent!)

Unbelievable! I hope things are going better for you now.

[Cam5]

Well I for one applaud the fact that you know so much about your diverse group.

If the fish people knew about all the 'good families' who catch all kinds of native critters every year and then 'release' them once they are near death or dead...they would really be hoppin'. I know the intent is preservation, nut unfortunately the 'tips' usually come from those who know little about what they think they are preserving.

it kind of follows the "No good deed goes unpunished" mentality.

[midnightline]

Oh man, that sucks Misty! At least they couldn't find anything to pin on you (and it sounds like they sure tried!). I'm glad whoever decided to get you in trouble failed at it though. But we'll miss your stories.

[Russell]

Yes, it's sad, but true, we snake keepers tend to be villianized cause we are out in the open about our hobby and thus easier targets for the Government. I know I've had my conversations listened into when talking to my buddy John Meltzer. He's even been hauled into court cause they listened in on conversations between him and another keeper they did try to prosecute and failed. I just find it SO odd that here is someone NOT out to commercialize and make a buck getting a visit! Just so very odd! Why would they waste our tax dollars like that? Seems to me they got told quite a tall tale and had to check it out for themselves. I find it hard to swallow that someone who isn't big in the business gets targeted without someone telling them a big story. Wonder when I'm next! I'm always ready for that knock on the door. I don't do anything but I still expect to get treated like so many I've heard of including you now Misty.

Probably child services checking to see if my daughter is being kept in danger...

Oh no, here, she'd like you to hold her pet rat... he he he

Hmm...maybe I'll have THEM open the drawer to my "pit viper" *HISSSSS!!*

But it does stink how good people are being treated like criminals with a record! It certainly does take something out of you to have this happen to you. Don't let it get you down Misty, you so badly showed them up! Good for you! Those wolves found NOTHING and wasted time and money and got a royal GOOSE egg for their efforts!

[Joanna]

I'm sure it was an awful experience and it must be awful to be made to feel like a criminal when you know you have done nothing wrong.

I will also miss your stories. I am a city girl and I marvel at the wildlife that lives around you, the animals you keep and raise and your knowledge of both.

[hardwired]

I second that!

[Taceas]

Chuck, stop trying to get me in more trouble. They did ask if the giant sheepskin rug I had was polar bear, although I think they were joking. I know where you live! I'll give them your address and tell them about the phasmid breeding colony in your basement.

I'll still post pictures occasionally but only the 100% legal ones I guess. Then I guess I'll add in the disclaimer that the wild animal photographed is actually wild and not caged for the shot. Then if I post pictures of domestic ducks or chickens I'll make sure to include their breed heritage. That'll get 'em!

The fact that they knock on my door out of the blue, I didn't even get a phone call first notifying me of the visit. Maybe that's just Law Enforcement procedure to make sure I don't have time to hide things, I dunno. Otherwise the living room might have been more presentable at least and birthday boxes and wrapping paper not strewn about. lol

It looks like its supposed to be in the 50's and dry for the next couple of days, I guess we'll work on getting the pigeon pen double layered with chicken wire or some other sort of wire with smaller holes because I feel they will be following up to make sure I am in "compliance".

[Scottsquatch]

That really sucks misty. I'm glad to see that, once again... my tax dollars are being used wisely.

If any feds are reading this...Go do your real job and stop harrassing innocent people.

[shedn_my_skin]

I for one enjoy reading your wildlife anecdote posts and will be sad if this discourages you from posting. From the Dept of F&W point of view they probably have an obligation to investigate any anonymous tip, good for you they found nothing. If it was a member here I'd be a bit surprised and disappointed but it could also have been a guest. So did they give you any alternative advice on how to control the chicken thieving hawks or did they just deny that hawks could have done it at all? I'd imagine as a chicken owner it must be really frustrating.

[WhiteValleyHerp]

Yep, your guvmint at work......and they still haven't caught a 6 foot 7 dialysis patient hiding out in Afghanistan/Pakistan.

Sorry to hear of this load-o-crap, Misty.

Dale