Hi Bill,

When did you hear they were doing that? After August? Where on the river were they spotted? Were they actually using SCUBA tanks? Do you know or suspect where they parked and entered the river?

The Sac County Rangers are on our side-- there is a County Ordinance against anyone being in possession of spear fishing gear anywhere on the American River Parkway.

So DFW Regs may allow spear killing in the water of the American river, but the only way someone could do it legally without violating the County Ordinance would be to launch a boat from somewhere on the Sac river not including Discovery Park (because that's part of the AR Parkway). If they kept their spears only on the boat and in the water, and never took them onto the river bank... Either that or if they were to launch or enter the water with permission from a private homeowner of which there are only a very few with houses right on the river bank.

Two summers ago this was debated hotly on the Forum and the Spear guys know very well about the County Ordinance and they know they are breaking the law when they park & launch from the AR Parkway. The Rangers have confirmed to me several times that they will enforce the ordinance and Fine the spear guys. We know this, and they know when they are illegal on the run. All you have to do is patiently keep calling the Sac Co. line until they answer. Report their description and location.

Let me emphasize, the last Ranger I spoke with emphatically said that possession of disassembled spear gear is just as illegal as fully assembled spear gear. He said he would ticket that guy just as fast as he would ticket a guy with a disassembled handgun. Spear guys know when they're breaking the law and hope to escape enforcement. Just think how satisfying it would be to help get one of them fined vs. listening to their apologists on this board. PLEASE use your camera and GPS and phone and your persistence and lets get this done.

I urge everyone on this board to work together with the Sac County (Sherifs). If you see someone spearfishing on the AR and suspect illegally, call the Sac Co Rangers at 916-875-7275, Then post a note on this board. Better yet send a PM to me and the others on the forum who are on the side of law enforcement with details. When you call be patient; the county has budget/staff complaints but they have always answered, and Ranger called me back every time I've called. Keep calling and your patience will pay off.

Best regards,