Scene Revisited

Back in the mid 50's a father and his four sons traveled on a much anticipated trip to Lake Vallecito, Colorado to do a little trout fishing.  They left Farmington, New Mexico early in the morning to make the trip north into Southwest Colorado.  As most young boys would do, they slept along the way while dreaming of catching "the big one".  The bragging rights that went along with the big catch was especially important to the three young brothers, but of course, the older brother and father would never miss a chance to rub it in if they were the lucky one.

Their journey took them straight to the lake marina where the father and older brother were required to purchase a fishing license.  The three younger brothers were less than the required age and a license was not needed.  When asked about the daily limit, the sales clerk informed the father that each person could keep 10 fish per day.  With the purchase of the special "red hot" salmon eggs for bait they were off to the lake in their newly rented boat.

The fish were biting like crazy and practically jumping in the boat.  In a few short hours the clan of 5 had their 50 trout and could not wait to meet mom and sister for lunch.  They quickly went to shore where they cleaned their fish and prepared them for the trip back to New Mexico.  As they passed the marina thy met a Colorado Conservation Agent and he asked to see their licenses and to check their fish.

Now this is where the story really gets interesting.  You see, the limit for children was 5 fish and not 10.  The agent quickly pointed out that law had been broken, despite what was told by the sales clerk.  The family was told to follow the agent several miles to a remote location so they could appear before a Justice of the Peace (can you say kangaroo court ?).  After declaring a fine in excess of $100 and the fact that the father did not have that amount of money, the agent decided to take the gang to the Durango jail until they could get the money.

While the father and older brother remained in jail, the 3 young boys wandered around the city of Durango while waiting for their mother to arrive.  The local authorities did not seem to be concerned about the welfare of the boys, but only about getting their money.

After paying the fine and a few hours of stress, the mother caught up with her family.  With a few hugs and kisses they left for New Mexico (without their fish) only to return the next day to catch their legal limit.

After the mother wrote a complaint letter to the Colorado Game and Fish Department an investigation was initiated and disciplinary action was taken.  The family later received a letter of apology.