Definition of "Afield"

[sprestwood]

I have recently thought that one of my harvesting practices could potentially be a violation. As I leave the lake and pretty much only as I leave the lake I clean and gut fish cos the guts are best disposed at the lake and avoid fishy smells in the trash can. I have been cutting the heads of cos this is a waste, but it seems to violate the following rule.

"It is unlawful to have, while afield, any fish which has been altered so that its species and/or total body length cannot be determined."

If I have met a lenght limit and just so by zero to a few inches the remains are no longer an accutate indication of a legal harvest. Does this rule dictate that such fish will have to be fillet or just gutted with the T cuts to the abdomen? Does anyone have experience or unrumored knowledge of this situation being ticketed?

 

[Guest]

I am not a game warden but I believe the law you quoted speaks pretty much for itself. It would not be worth taking a chance of getting a ticket. Find a way to deal with the waste or release the fish. JMHO

 

[BackOnTheWater]

I agree...I think that's in violation. Clean them at home and freeze the scraps until garbage day.</p>

 

[3391]

It is illegal to alter the length of the fish while on or in proximity of the water (i.e. the boat ramp). If you are found in possession of any fish that have been altered it is assumed that they were either "short" or that an attempt to exceed the bag limit is taking place. Understand your reasoning but I definitely would wait till I got to the house.

 

[NRG]

Ditto .. wait .. dont want the game warden on your back