If you can't trust the NRP who can you trust?

[rgminer]

Whoever this a$$HAT was needs to lose his or her job. I have had run ins with the NRP on 3 different occasions where they overstepped their authority or in one case their jurisdiction. (checked my catch on the water inside Virginia, I never went into MD waters) If this story is true, and I have no reason to think it's not, this officer doesn't qualify to be dog catcher.

http://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2010/12/17/good-samaritans-face-fine-after-rescuing-deer-from-icy-water/

[27 sailfish]

Something does not read right in all of this.

No specific violation was mentioned ???? - then how do they know what is the citation for ????

I'm thinking there is more to this story then reported.

[shaddart2004]

LOL,Most cops are cut from the same cloth,I had a friend that was MSP for 12 years and worked undercover drug ops the last 4 then just quit one day.He told me he couldnt deal with his fellow officers anymore due to the fact that they were mostly zealots.I have always felt that way about cops and most dealings I have had with them proves the point.NRP seems to have some real cocky d#@#$bags.A few years ago an outfitter I have hunted with was hit with 11 charges stemming from a hunt I was on with him and an undercover NRP officer.It was a huge case of entrapment not to mention the cop was driving a state truck way way drunk and smoking dope with some other guy before we went on the scariest ride of my life.The cop included my name as a witness on 4 of the charging docs HAHA.I COULDNT WAIT to get called as a witness,but the state decided against prosecuting the case.I figure they wanted to save the NRP some embarassment.So for all you fellas that preach more enforcement and tougher penalties carefull what you wish and who you wish to give those powers to because one day it just may be you dealing with a zealot.

[Lt Dan]

I agree with 27 Sailfish.......I hope there is more to the story then is being reported. If there is not more to the story thats why we have Judges to sift thru the facts and come to a reasonable decision under the guidlines of the law and common sense. As far as for shaddart 2004, dont believe everything your friend tells you. I have been in Law enforcement for 26 years and nobody after 12 years on the job quits and says they did it because they were tired of there co workers work ethics.........I would venture to say he was let go and fired for some reason or another that he is not telling you.....Also....its one thing to have your views on law enforcement officers and to group them all as the same...... but its another to post your views public......Its pretty sad that you think this way. I have dealt with people from all walks of life. Some Rich....some poor.....Many people are good citizens who just make mistakes and sometimes we as law enforcement have to get involved whether we want to or not .....After 26 years, I can honestly say I have never thrown everyone in the same basket and stereo type them all.......

[skirtchaser]

Well said Lt. Dan. You da man!!!!. Even though you stiffed me last week-end:):):):):) Sandi said no more breakfast's fo you!!!!!!! I parked my own car's and Randy ate all the oysta's.

Frank
"Skirtchaser"

[crabby and son]

I am certain that there is more to the story. It might have been that NRP cited them for endangering their lives to save a deer. Hardly worth it. The story will come out but any police officer can charge any one with anything but the courts decide if it was just. Just like any one can sue any one. As for shaddarts comments, being retired law enforcement..........I won't comment...........Gary

[Lt Dan]

I am so sorry for not coming to your party. By the time we got done fishing.....cleaning fish and getting home I was beat!.....Tell Miss Sandy I will make it up to her!!......PLEASE......She cant cut me off that fantastic breakfeast....Man...that was good stuff!!

[rgminer]

If that is the reason, then the NRP officer had a duty to inform them they were breaking the law, but I don't think it's illegal to endanger your own life if you are not doing anything illegal. If that was the case, bungee jumpers and skydivers would be in court constantly. I am interested to see the outcome of this case. I may journey down to Ol Assapolis on that day to see the results. From the look of the citation there is no specific infraction checked off. I wonder if it was written because they were in possession of a live deer? (against the law in Maryland without a permit) That would pretty much prove my A$$HAT comment.

[reel addict]

Sandy,Sandy,Sandy,Sandy,Sandy,Sandy well i guess you get it. if it's HOT it BURNS.

[rhahn427]

Well ......... it was on the news last night ......... seemed the reporters were puzzled to ......... they even showed the citation that had no reason for the citation checked and a $90 fine ......... it will be thrown out of court on that alone ........ shame someone doing a good deed has to take time off of work to go to court and maybe spend money on a lawyer for this sloppy DNR work ....... guess no good deed goes unpunished

This DNR officer has created a PR problem for a good agency .......... while I'm always respectful of the law, courts and police and fully support them, there are officers that are good cops and ones that are bad cops ....... and I have a couple of friends that are cops ........... My father worked in the police radio shop for years and I heard the stories they told while picking up or waiting for their radios the times I went with him ......... but I've never seen an officer that didn't fully support the other officers no matter the circumstances .......... including my father

[klgladhill]

I saw a pink fairy floating across the highway yesterday.

[crabby and son]

Here's a bit more of this story. Remember though, every story has 3 sides......His, Hers and the truth.:eek2::amen:..........Gary

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/bs-md-deer-rescue-fine-20101218,0,6721485.story?track=rss

[Southerly]

Maybe they didn't have a permit? from COMAR :

08.03.09.11

.11 Deer Cooperator Permit.
A. Scope. A deer cooperator permit issued by the Service allows the permittee to conduct deer removal and handling operations. The fee to apply for this permit is $100. A permit expires 1 year from the date it is issued. If the Service does not issue the permit, the fee shall be refunded.

B. The requirements of this chapter are in addition to any requirements imposed by any other agency of State, federal, or local government relating to the:

(1) Possession or transportation of deer;

(2) Possession of drugs for anesthetizing deer; or

(3) Delivery of anesthetizing drugs to deer.

C. Qualifications for a Deer Cooperator Permit.

(1) An individual may not apply for a deer cooperator permit if the individual has been convicted of any State or federal natural resources violation within 5 years at the time of the application.

(2) An individual applying for a deer cooperator permit shall successfully complete a written examination administered by the Service.

(3) The written examination for a deer cooperator permit shall contain questions relating to:

(a) Deer ecology;

(b) Deer conflicts with humans;

(c) Lethal and nonlethal deer management alternatives;

(d) Current statutes and regulations pertaining to wildlife, weapon, and equipment details;

[shorerunner]

Those guys are lucky they weren't charged with 'Failure to Obey a Lawful Order' for going out without PFD's, if NRP told them not to. The officer had every legal right to physically arrest them if an order was given and they refused. If one of them had drowned trying to rescue the deer and it came out the officer could have prevented it, said officer would have some serious explaining to do, not to mention the probable lawsuits against him and the Dept. BTW - At least one of these guys will feel very comfortable in a court room. Just my opinion, but judging from the one guy's history, this officer was probably given a load of crap at the scene, as well. I think he was very retrained in just issuing a PFD citation. Don't always believe the slant the self-serving media puts on in these newscasts.

[C-Hawk18]

Wow - so much MIS information here it isn't funny......


If that is the reason, then the NRP officer had a duty to inform them they were breaking the law,

Since when? Ignorance of the Law is no excuse.


..... they even showed the citation that had no reason for the citation checked and a $90 fine ......... it will be thrown out of court on that alone .......

You do know that everything on the Defendant's copy of the citation is made from the carbon paper backing, right? The court copy is the only one that is actually written on, right?


It is a different story for sure but the NRP Officer was still a prick for citing them. This was not a normal situation where the guys plan a trip out on a raft and check all of their safety equipment in advance. His ego was probably damaged about $90 and I applaud their actions. There is folllowing the letter of the law and doing the right thing. In this case, he should have cut these guys a break.

Hey Jim the Md Judiciary Case Search will tell you alot about someone................(Khalil Abusakran)........seems he was "involved" in a situation about 13 years ago (among others - this is not his first charge) where the Fire Dept was apparently involved and he was interfering.......kinda sound familiar?

[C-Hawk18]

I guess you had to be there.

That's probably the most sensible thing said in this post!

[C-Hawk18]

If that was the case, bungee jumpers and skydivers would be in court constantly.

Bungee Jumping and Skydiving are both LEGAL activities in Maryland....however - being on a vessel without PFD's on board for each person is NOT!

[DAndrews]

If the two rescuers get into trouble then NRP and the fire dept have to possibley endanger their lives to save them. It sounds like the officer was attempting to give them a lesser fine since their good deed was successfull. Just something to think about.

[BigWillJ]

Once again the anti-establishment comments seem to want to crucify the authorities, when it's not warranted.

A contradiction I see in the details is whether or not PFD's were onboard. Easy outcome if they weren't. If they were, there must be more to the story than any internet judging can conjure up.

....I hate the off-season.....

[rgminer]

What if this had been a person instead of a deer? Would the citation still be warranted? Would the officer have written the citation had it been a human? How about someone's dog? The law has been broken the citation MUST be written right? This story made national news today. I will be surprised if this ever goes to court. If these guys are found guilty the backlash for the NRP will be huge. For those of you who think the citation was justified, put yourself in these guys place. Would you feel the citation was justified then?

And C-Hawk, thanks for taking my quote out of context. Too bad you had to do that to make your point.

[rgminer]

I just checked the COMAR. No mention of PFDs required on rafts, it only mentions kayaks and canoes. It may be IMPLIED but a mediocre lawyer would be able to make a case that there is no requirement for inflatable rafts. For that matter, a GOOD lawyer could make a case that the raft was nothing more than a swimming pool toy. There are no PFD requirements for pool toys. If there were, the NRP could have a field day at Sandy Point.

This officer might have been just "doing their job" but they certainly have no conscience. I am a former law enforcement. I have seen a lot of "hard ass" cops who thought they could save the world, one ticket at a time. Then I have seen a LOT of GOOD police officers who knew when to cut someone a break...This apparently wasn't one of those

[Southerly]

if i understand important parts of the story, the rescuers endangered themselves and potentially endangered the emergency personnel that would have had to pull them out if they had flipped over. if they felt a moral obligation to go after the deer that made disobeying the officer necessary, it doesn't seem like they should have a real problem with the fine. sort of just giving ceasar what belongs to ceasar.

doesn't the nrp get tasers?

[rj]

From most of the comments that I see here,I can deduct that most of you are not trained in the procedures of Ice & Cold water Rescue. the first & foremost thing to be considered is the personal safety & survivability of the RESCUER. jumping into a situation such as this ,without the proper training & equipment,often results in more victims!
The DNR & fire Dept were absolutley correct in their actions, the ones at the scene were not equiped or trained for such a rescue. there is a lot more to it than just jumping into the water on a rubber raft to rescue someone. their advise to the "good samaritans" was right!

for an Amateur to atttempt a rescue in this case was STUPID, they could have easily become the victim. I doubt that either one of them are trained in the methods of how to handle a situation (person or animal) such as this! if they were trained they would have realized the stupidity of their actions!
as far as a citation,if they didn't have PFD's , they deserved them. too bad stupidity is not illegal-they deserved a citation for that also

[mrobertson]

Lets just get rid of NRP and do whatever we want out there.

[C-Hawk18]

I just checked the COMAR. No mention of PFDs required on rafts, it only mentions kayaks and canoes.


Here's a little help......http://www.dsd.state.md.us/comar/comarhtml/08/08.18.04.02.htm

08.18.04.02
.02 Life Saving Equipment.

A. The operator of each vessel not subject to inspection by the Coast Guard shall be required to carry one lifesaving device of a type approved by the Coast Guard for each person aboard.

B. In this regulation the term "vessel" has the meaning stated in COMAR 08.04.01.25 and includes any sailboat, ice boat, sailboard, canoe, kayak, rowboat, paddle boat, raft, or any other device capable of being used as a means of transportation on water or ice.



What if this had been a person instead of a deer?

What if?..........come on we could do this all day.....it WASN'T a person it was a DEER! If it had been a person......since you were "former" law enforcement you would know the SOP would be different. Most LOE agencies give Officers the "power" to dispatch an injured and suffering animal........people and deer on the same level?...didn't think so.



This officer might have been just "doing their job" but they certainly have no conscience. I am a former law enforcement.

Now I see why you are always having "problems" with what Law Enforcement Officers do.....I'm guessing you didn't make out via retirement huh.


FYI - I didn't take any of your statements "out of context" just shortened them so that the post isn't 100 pages long.

Again this is apparently a YHTBT situation and 2nd guessing without "ALL" the facts if just that....guessing

[uno]

According to the account of the incident in the papers, the DNR Officer advised the two would be rescuers NOT to go into the water or interfere with the operation. The ticket was written for failing to obey the order.

[Walleye Pete]

Fellas,

I was also a cop for 22 years.....main mission in life....protect the public. Well.....i to feel horrible for a deer stuck in the ice but the officers were now responsible for the safety of the guys making the deer rescue. In the eyes of the police, they were trying to protect the guys with the raft. Guys with the raft didn't obey.....not good. What if the guys in the raft died and the cops did nothing to stop their rescue attempt? If that would have occurred the cops would really get some bad ink. I don't know what occured on scene exactly but the cops were attempting to do their job. As far as the ticket goes...well.........the cops made the choice based on the circumstances of the incident. With all the great cops and supervision I'll bet a "jack ass" cop wouldn't last long on a department. I believe almost all are great cops and people.

[27 sailfish]

Even seen how sharp deer hooves are ?

They could cut a rubber raft to pieces.

[crabby and son]

Even if this NRP officer used poor judgement (I don't think he did) it is certainly not a reason not to trust NRP as a whole..........Gary

[Francis]

Maybe he was a member of PETA!

[rhahn427]

With all due respect guys .......... if you follow this train of thought then the rescurers may have endangered themselves but so did the cops ....... if the cops were doing their jobs then these guys wouldn't have been able to go out on the ice in the first place because the officers would have prevented it ......... there's a lot of stuff that doesn't make sense ........... how could these guys have had enough time to see the situation, find a raft, blow it up, find oars and sticks and rope then break 50-100 ft of ice rope the deer and lead it back to safety without the police/DNR stepping in and preventing it. If they were so concerned about the rescurers lives they would have prevented it instead of giving a verbal warning that the rescurers said never happened .......... think about it ....... would you do all this if you were threatened with arrest .......

Initial reports on TV said these guys did this while the water rescue and DNR were talking among themselves .......... sounds to me like someone was embarassed and made it worse by giving a ticket that would never hold up in court and getting national negative attention that make's the DNR look bad ........... Police are fully trained in controlling a situation and saving lives ............ if this was controlled then these guys would have never made it out .........

[rhahn427]

Even if this NRP officer used poor judgement (I don't think he did) it is certainly not a reason not to trust NRP as a whole..........Gary

Amen !!!! .......... but unfortunately it's received national attention

[C-Hawk18]

..... Police are fully trained in controlling a situation and saving lives ............ if this was controlled then these guys would have never made it out .........

While I could post a bunch of responses to your reply I'll stick to just the above (at the chance of taking your statement "out of context")

Based on the above it is readily apparent you have NEVER been even remotely close to a situation anywhere similar to this one, or any other resulting in a situation where authorities had to "control" someone.

You have (unless I missed it somewhere in the article) 1 (that's ONE!) Officer on scene trying to coordinate efforts with Fire Dept personal over how to safely rescue this deer.

So lets say the officer has a taser, doubtful but let's give him the benefit. After he uses the taser on one of the two would you suggest he shoot the other? What if no taser then what? Shoot both? Surely you are not suggesting that he engage himself in "Hand to Hand" combat with these two......are you? If not then please let use know how he would "control" them.

Just as an FYI - Steven Segal might really be a "Lawman" (Sheriff) but he's not using any of his Bull$hitt martial arts that you see in his movies in any real life situation like above.

For those who have similar opinions you really need to contact your local law enforcement agency and do a ride along on a Friday or Saturday night.

[C-Hawk18]

maybe they need to be retrained.

Jim please see my above reply - What method of "restrainment" would you suggest the Officer use? Even if he had handcuffed them then what? Look at some of the replies with them just getting a ticket. God forbid they would have been arrested, then what? Man they could have really blown that one out of whack.

[crabby and son]

http://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2010/12/19/update-deer-rescuers-without-life-jackets-fined/

Well there you go. There is more ways than one to deal with some one who won't listen.............Gary

[crbfisher]

C-Hawk18 - You are my new hero. Bravo for all of your input in this matter.

[C-Hawk18]

C-Hawk18 - You are my new hero. Bravo for all of your input in this matter.

No problem Rich - glad I could help you out!

[hackeyfly]

I'm guessing none of the folks endorsing the saving of a single deer that made an error in judgement have ever been injured, had freinds or family injured, or lost property due to conflict with a deer, either via motor vehicle or by having one jump thru your plate glass window or sliding glass door. Nature is a harsh mistress, and there are entirely too many deer in suburban areas. They seem to be thriving despite us, we don't need to save every one that makes a mistake.
Pat in Joppa

[SteveL]

http://www.tidalfish.com/forums/showthread.php/296801-Be-careful-out-there!-Death-is-very-close

Death is always close by in cold water for humans--ambient water temps are in the 30s in most places. The initial shock of immersion can be life threatening, someone in the water without proper gear has a 12 or so minute life expectancy, and any rescue attempts can put the responders at risk. A deer is simply not worth putting human safety on the line, the deer are pests in urban and suburban areas.

[crabby and son]

Wish I was there. You can't shoot a deer seeking refuse in water but after those guys rescued him, I could have shot him:eek2::hysterical: Love them tenderloins, especially already frozen!:thumbup:.............Gary

[Baldzilla 2.0]

Wish I was there. You can't shoot a deer seeking refuse in water:.............Gary

Im no hunter, I bet you could shoot a deer seeking refuse, most of the bay is refuse...probably not one seeking refuge though

[crabby and son]

Im no hunter, I bet you could shoot a deer seeking refuse, most of the bay is refuse...probably not one seeking refuge though

BUSTEDdoh I went to school at High Point.PG Co.:hysterical:............Gary

[LY2000]

It is hard to make a judgment without seeing the situation first hand. Initially I thought the guys were in the wrong trying to save the deer and possibly putting others at risk who would be forced to save them (lots of people do this on the Bay all the time- don't pay attention to the weather, ignore ice at the dock, take out small craft in big water you know little about, plane out at night etc). And we do this for fun, not as a good (percieved) deed. I shake my head when I hear of people getting caught in current while swimming and others have to risk their life to save them- can't you see the sign (dangerous undertow) and the ripping current? Rich children with state of the art yachts sailing solo around the globe comes to mind- yeah we will send the CG to the Indian Ocean to save the darling.

Another part of me can see it happening- Authorities telling everyone "we know best, stand back why we think this through, lets wait for more equipment , is this a job for your agency or mine etc"...while two private individuals see it is really a simple task to break the freaking ice, act and don't expect to be paid for doing it and certainly don't act like heroes. Must we rely on the state for everything? There is too much of everything in the suburbs, nothing wrong with alleviating some suffering. One deer won't make a difference either way.

Again, I see both sides but it is really hard to make a judgment w/out being there.

[Hockleyneck]

Anybody been perch fishing, I may head up to Owens and give it try.

[BILL H]

Neither the state nor the individuals should risk their necks to rescue a deer. We have plenty of them, and we don't need to make it easier for the dumb ones to reproduce. That applies to the rescuers and rescuees, alike.

[Fishwachr]

And once again the Do Nothing Right agency of Maryland comes through; first off look at the Vision and Mission statements of the Agency to which your tax dollars pay the employees salaries, last time I looked NRP are employees to this agency, that said:

Vision Statement
In a sustainable Maryland, we recognize that the health of our society and our economy are dependent on the health of our environment. Therefore, we choose to act both collectively and individually to preserve, protect, restore, and enhance our environment for this and future generations.

Mission Statement
The Department of Natural Resources leads Maryland in securing a sustainable future for our environment, society, and economy by preserving, protecting, restoring, and enhancing the State’s natural resources.

The NRP on the scene should have been proactive and worked with individuals to expedite the rescue in a safe and controlled setting; Col. Johnson needs to go back and learn and comprehend what his own Mission statements mean, I guess that means just ticketing people who care more about the environment. The NRP didn't have a few pfds in his trunk or survival suites for the conditions. "I have full confidence that the officer on the scene performed his duties as required by law. We are all very grateful that there was ultimately a safe outcome--for the citizens and the deer." from Balto. Sun. Yeah, no thanks to your people who are supposed to be trained in these exact situations, Go Figure. Thats right, from what I've heard he did exactly as he should, Do Nothing Right!!!!!

[uno]

Having been in a position of authority with a major metropolitan Fire Dept., I can tell you that I would NOT have sent anyone out onto ice to save a deer. The risk to the personnel would not be worth the life of a deer in exchange. I would also NOT send anyone up a tree to rescue a cat. How many cat skeletons have you seen hanging in trees? Sometimes people let their emotions overrule their common sense.

[C-Hawk18]

And once again the Do Nothing Right agency of Maryland comes through; first off look at the Vision and Mission statements of the Agency to which your tax dollars pay the employees salaries, last time I looked NRP are employees to this agency, that said:

Vision Statement
In a sustainable Maryland, we recognize that the health of our society and our economy are dependent on the health of our environment. Therefore, we choose to act both collectively and individually to preserve, protect, restore, and enhance our environment for this and future generations.

Mission Statement
The Department of Natural Resources leads Maryland in securing a sustainable future for our environment, society, and economy by preserving, protecting, restoring, and enhancing the State’s natural resources.

The NRP on the scene should have been proactive and worked with individuals to expedite the rescue in a safe and controlled setting; Col. Johnson needs to go back and learn and comprehend what his own Mission statements mean, I guess that means just ticketing people who care more about the environment. The NRP didn't have a few pfds in his trunk or survival suites for the conditions. "I have full confidence that the officer on the scene performed his duties as required by law. We are all very grateful that there was ultimately a safe outcome--for the citizens and the deer." from Balto. Sun. Yeah, no thanks to your people who are supposed to be trained in these exact situations, Go Figure. Thats right, from what I've heard he did exactly as he should, Do Nothing Right!!!!!

Two words - NO CLUE!

[27 sailfish]

As cruel as it would be - sometimes best to allow nature to take it's course.

If the deer had died in the water - most likely provide a lot of food to various critters - like crayfish / minnows.
These - in turn - provide food for other critters - like Bass , Herons and even Raccoons.

Few years ago - 3-4 whales got trapped in the ice. News cameras showed them all bloody from breaking open a hole to get air.
Big deal was made of Russian and US ice breakers working together to break about 4 miles of ice - giving the weaken whales a path to open water.
Once free - everyone cheered - TV showed the whales pass the ice breakers.

What was left out from the news - the whales were attacked and killed by a pack of Orcas ( killer whales ) - the next day.
They followed the blood trail right to the whales.

[sunman]

Having been in a position of authority with a major metropolitan Fire Dept., I can tell you that I would NOT have sent anyone out onto ice to save a deer. The risk to the personnel would not be worth the life of a deer in exchange. I would also NOT send anyone up a tree to rescue a cat. How many cat skeletons have you seen hanging in trees? Sometimes people let their emotions overrule their common sense.

You don't see cat skeletons in the tree because they fall when they die. lol
I'm a nuisance animal trapper and I do rescue cat's from trees. I had one that was in the tree for 11 days about 60 feet up. At first I did it for free but decided I was risking my life and limb and started charging.

[C-Hawk18]

You don't see cat skeletons in the tree because they fall when they die. lol

Or is it the other way around?......cats really don't always land on their feet......especially those on their 9th life

[SteveL]

MD DNR Press Release: http://www.dnr.state.md.us/dnrnews/pressrelease2010/122010b.asp

Natural Resources Police (NRP) Superintendent Col. George Johnson has issued the following statement regarding the December 16 stranded deer incident in Baltimore County:

I have reviewed the reports of last Thursday’s incident in which two apparently well-meaning citizens rescued a deer from the frozen waters of the Patapsco. Unfortunately, the citizens involved disregarded the orders of numerous public safety officers on the scene -– including Baltimore County Police and Fire Officers as well as the NRP -– by entering the icy waters on an inflatable raft and remaining in the water after being ordered back to shore.

Contrary to widespread reports, the raft was not equipped with the legally required safety equipment. Given the conditions of the water, what began with an animal in distress could have quickly led to a human tragedy, requiring an emergency response that could have endangered even more lives.

The Maryland Natural Resources Police are charged with protecting public safety as well as enforcing the laws of the State of Maryland. I have full confidence that the officer on the scene performed his duties as required by law. We are all very grateful that there was ultimately a safe outcome – for the citizens and the deer.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


December 20, 2010 Contact: Josh Davidsburg
410-260-8002 office I 410-507-7526 cell
jdavidsburg@dnr.state.md.us <jdavidsburg@dnr.state.md.us>

[hackeyfly]

Maybe if folks had to start paying for the efforts of first responders when engaged in high risk behavior(solo 'round the world sailing, mountain climbing, polar bear plunging with wild animals, etc.), they might think twice. Oh, hell, who am I kidding ...
Pat in Joppa

[Dashaway]

I have great respect for the law, but avoid LEO's at all cost, not much good comes from a meeting with a lawman.

[Hippie Joe]

I haven't heard any assessments of the sobriety of the rescuers. I wonder what that would be?

[ciccofish]

Another vote of support for DNR. It is too easy to underestimate the dangers of cold water and the requirement of life preservers is very reasonable. This thread is almost as much fun as the 3-mile limit discussion in the Virginia Forum.

[Gerald]

News from the DNR Office of Communications
Natural Resources Police (NRP) Superintendent Col. George Johnson has issued the following statement regarding the December 16 stranded deer incident in Baltimore County:

I have reviewed the reports of last Thursday’s incident in which two apparently well-meaning citizens rescued a deer from the frozen waters of the Patapsco. Unfortunately, the citizens involved disregarded the orders of numerous public safety officers on the scene -– including Baltimore County Police and Fire Officers as well as the NRP -– by entering the icy waters on an inflatable raft and remaining in the water after being ordered back to shore.

Contrary to widespread reports, the raft was not equipped with the legally required safety equipment. Given the conditions of the water, what began with an animal in distress could have quickly led to a human tragedy, requiring an emergency response that could have endangered even more lives.

The Maryland Natural Resources Police are charged with protecting public safety as well as enforcing the laws of the State of Maryland. I have full confidence that the officer on the scene performed his duties as required by law. We are all very grateful that there was ultimately a safe outcome – for the citizens and the deer.

[capt.george]

With my many years on Earth , All Associated with the Great Outdoors , I have found that the HUNTERS ,FISHERMEN, WATERMEN, & FARMERS have a Ingrown Passion for Creatures of the Wild ,Water & Land borne, This is also a Passion for Any DNRP officer , Whom Is Driven by the Picture from Both Sides -The Deer's Struggle for Life & Two Outdoorsmen , that have the Same Feelings of Wan'ting to Rescue A Living Thing --The Officer Has the SWORN duty to Protect us ALL from ourselves & Our Feelings --nuff said -geo.

[BigWillJ]

Yeauhp....all emotions aside, the officer was doing his job.

[Bottom Knocker]

That deer is probably road jerky now..

[Hippie Joe]

That deer is probably road jerky now..after all our blah blah on the subject, that is quite possibly true and funny

[klgladhill]

is this ever going to end? is there no one other than me fishing?

[C-Hawk18]

is there no one other than me fishing?

Today? probably not.....but I guess you're posting from your phone?

[Gerald]

Little windy for me.

[FishingRod]

Doesn't Maryland have a deer population problem? This article

http://www.dnr.state.md.us/dnrnews/pressrelease2010/021810a.asp

says, “Controlling the deer population in the suburban areas of the state is a challenging task". These "good samaritans" didn't help the situation. If anything, I think the NPR should have euthanized the deer before the "good samaritans" got out on the water. If the NPR put the deer out of it's misery then no ones life (guys in raft, rescue workers saving guys in raft) would have been in danger. The deer would no longer be suffering and possibly eliminate the chance of a deer\car accident in the area. My guess is the "good samaritans" must own an auto body shop.:wink44:

[capt.george]

As Capt. Croakerhead Says Dead CAMM out front --