Idaho Prosecutes Illegal Guide
A Victor, Idaho man pleaded guilty to illegally guiding fishermen. According to the Idaho Fish and Game Department Chase Putnam had been paid to lead two anglers on the Henry’s Fork but is not licensed to do so in Idaho. The state says Putnam is licensed in Wyoming. In a release issued yesterday by Idaho Fish and Game, officials say that the state allows a limited number of outfitters and their boats to be on a particular stretch of river at a time. This, they say, ensures that a river is not overrun and exploited with commercial trips and keeps the high quality of Idaho’s fisheries intact. Putnam now will have to pay $1000 fine plus court cost, about $1600 in restitution to the State of Idaho and spend two years in unsupervised probation during which time Putnam is not allowed to fish in Idaho.
