File this one under “things you can’t unsee.” In early February, at Van Damme State Park, a wildlife officer with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife spotted a couple collecting purple sea urchins when he noticed the woman tuck what looked like an abalone into her pants. That sure seemed to be an unconventional tackle box, to say the least.
When contacted in the parking lot, she produced one abalone… and then, after backup was requested, another. It turns out, pants pockets aren’t a legal limit workaround. She was cited for illegally taking two abalone, while her partner was found in the clear.
And stories like this…well, let’s just say we’re awfully glad Montana doesn’t have ocean access—because with many (not all) Californians here attempting to turn Montana into their home state, who knows what folks would be stuffing where to smuggle seafood home. Plus, breaking the law is breaking the law.
