I haven't watched too many of this guy's videos, but there is something about his personality that I find likable, he seems to have a good sense of humor.
It will be interesting to see how this all unfolds, I hope they don't come down on him so hard that he can't fish the classic.
He won't get time, he won't get his fishing license suspended. The comparison to Rose is ignorant. While he was involved in a contest, it was almost impossible for anyone to believe that he caught the fish with the intent to win big bucks from it.
At most he will get a fine and suspended sentence, including his fishing license. Stay clean for that time and all is gone. I think Milliken should go public and be truthful, then make a deal to end all of this.
He won't get time, he won't get his fishing license suspended. The comparison to Rose is ignorant. While he was involved in a contest, it was almost impossible for anyone to believe that he caught the fish with the intent to win big bucks from it.
At most he will get a fine and suspended sentence, including his fishing license. Stay clean for that time and all is gone. I think Milliken should go public and be truthful, then make a deal to end all of this.
So. you think his license will be suspended or wont be suspended, your statement reads like you're talking out of both sides of your mouth.
He won't get time, he won't get his fishing license suspended. The comparison to Rose is ignorant. While he was involved in a contest, it was almost impossible for anyone to believe that he caught the fish with the intent to win big bucks from it.
At most he will get a fine and suspended sentence, including his fishing license. Stay clean for that time and all is gone. I think Milliken should go public and be truthful, then make a deal to end all of this.
So. you think his license will be suspended or wont be suspended, your statement reads like you're talking out of both sides of your mouth.
Unless he messes up again he would not lose his license. This is a prediction. Nothing more.
I don’t know all the details but from what I have seen, he most likely caught the fish then discovered his license was out if date. Instead of pulling his fish from the program and the embarrassment that would go along with it he chose to deceive and it was found out.
I certainly hope that his license was not expired while he entered a different tournament. That could be embarrassing. It the prosecutor wanted to they could also look and see how long it was expired and see if he made fishing videos during that time.
Unless I'm mistaken you are attempting to troll aren't you.
Yes you are mistaken. I’m not ‘attempting’ to troll.
The last iteration of this ‘story’ lasted how many pages, 15 or more? The vast majority of comments were in support of Milliken by fan boys. Now that the REAL story and timeline are exposed, those same folks have gotten very quiet, WAWI.
That’s my point. Milliken can fish but he got caught in a lie. A big deal for a professional fisherman.
Demonstrates Milliken’s lack of character to me, personally.
Last edited by fouzman; 01/14/2501:49 AM.
"Things turn out best for those who make the best of the way things turn out" - Zachary Troy Schrah - a young man with vision far beyond his years.
p.s. - If y’all think this is overreach by TPWD GAME WARDENS in Nacanowhere I agree! But you can’t be cheating when you’re supposed to be above all that.
Wait until the next story hits the wires. Also SAL related. Your heads will explode!
"Things turn out best for those who make the best of the way things turn out" - Zachary Troy Schrah - a young man with vision far beyond his years.
p.s. - If y’all think this is overreach by TPWD GAME WARDENS in Nacanowhere I agree! But you can’t be cheating when you’re supposed to be above all that.
Wait until the next story hits the wires. Also SAL related. Your heads will explode!
Well break the news, its Monday and cold. We need a good one
If he did not have a fishing license from August to February he most definitely has some tournament results and youtube videos shot in Texas during that time. It is possible he had a year from purchase license in which the end of August expiration would not apply. If he also hunts I'd guess there's a fair chance he had no license during the fall/winter of 2023/24 because the super combo license is not offered in the year from purchase option and always expires Aug 31.
It seems like this guy thrives on drama. I was giving him the benefit of doubt untill it said he didn't have a license for 6 months. I just find that hard to believe. Especially the fact that you fish as a pro. With that being said I think he knew exactly what he was doing and he got caught.
WAWI, all I will say is that the TPWD Law Enforcement Division, under their most recent Colonel, are bordering on overreach. I firmly believe Milliken knew what he was doing and should get hammered for it. However, If the other SAL investigation results in any charges, TPWD LE needs some serious reigning in.
Last edited by fouzman; 01/14/2502:23 AM.
"Things turn out best for those who make the best of the way things turn out" - Zachary Troy Schrah - a young man with vision far beyond his years.
So what is the full story . Can someone point me in the right direction?
Ben Milkingem may have fished from Sept to late Feb without a fishing license in Tx. It was found out in, I think he said, Oct by a warden who was auditing share lunker entries. There may have been other tournaments he was involved in, but no charges at this point Tbend was late Feb, I would think he had to have his license for that
So what is the full story . Can someone point me in the right direction?
Ben Milkingem may have fished from Sept to late Feb without a fishing license in Tx. It was found out in, I think he said, Oct by a warden who was auditing share lunker entries. There may have been other tournaments he was involved in, but no charges at this point Tbend was late Feb, I would think he had to have his license for that
Sharelunker entries are drawn for two $5000 prize packs, since the total comes to $10,000 they charged him with felony tournament fraud. Kind of a stretch to call sharelunker banquet a bass tournament but they have designated it one in this case.
So what is the full story . Can someone point me in the right direction?
Ben Milkingem may have fished from Sept to late Feb without a fishing license in Tx. It was found out in, I think he said, Oct by a warden who was auditing share lunker entries. There may have been other tournaments he was involved in, but no charges at this point Tbend was late Feb, I would think he had to have his license for that
Sharelunker entries are drawn for two $5000 prize packs, since the total comes to $10,000 they charged him with felony tournament fraud. Kind of a stretch to call sharelunker banquet a bass tournament but they have designated it one in this case.
There is no ay you can call turning in a Sharelunker fishing in a tournament. The State of Texas asked people to turn in their fish so they can improve the bass genetics in the State. If you are out just dicking around pleasure fishing and catch a a bass over 13 pounds were you tournament fishing? Not in my opinion
I fish on the edge and stay out of the middle
99 BassCat Jag w/225 Merc Optimax Retired TXU Outage Manager
So what is the full story . Can someone point me in the right direction?
Ben Milkingem may have fished from Sept to late Feb without a fishing license in Tx. It was found out in, I think he said, Oct by a warden who was auditing share lunker entries. There may have been other tournaments he was involved in, but no charges at this point Tbend was late Feb, I would think he had to have his license for that
Sharelunker entries are drawn for two $5000 prize packs, since the total comes to $10,000 they charged him with felony tournament fraud. Kind of a stretch to call sharelunker banquet a bass tournament but they have designated it one in this case.
forgetting to renew your license ranks right up there with failure to zip your life jacket all the way up....here's a guy who bought 5-7 expensive out of state licences to fish the elite series last year....we and the game/fish wardens need to cut him some slack....
What would happen to Joe Smo if he did the same thing ? That is exactly what should happen to Millikin , whatever that is, imo.
Nothing would have happend. At the most, they would have slapped that person with a $130 or whatever it is, no fishing license fine, and disqualified that person from whatever prize pack drawing that they've somehow managed to morph into som sort of tournament fraud, which is a serious stretch.
I really can't believe the DA or whoever decided this was the best use of time. What a waste all the way around. Milliken is in trouble for doing the TPWD a supposed favor by giving them a Sherry to spawn!!!! Give the guy a ticket, take his name out of the hat for the raffle for the stuff he probably doesn't want or need, and move on. Done.
There are much bigger fish to fry penally, focus on that, please.
forgetting to renew your license ranks right up there with failure to zip your life jacket all the way up....here's a guy who bought 5-7 expensive out of state licences to fish the elite series last year....we and the game/fish wardens need to cut him some slack....
forgetting to renew your license ranks right up there with failure to zip your life jacket all the way up....here's a guy who bought 5-7 expensive out of state licences to fish the elite series last year....we and the game/fish wardens need to cut him some slack....
Good grief. All this over an expired fishing license? We had a club tournament s few years ago and when the game warden checked us when we came in two guys had expired licenses. One had an expired boat registration. Did we decide they were cheaters and kick them out of the club? No, we just laughed at them. We thought it was hilarious. It's a standing joke to this day...our outlaw buddies.
Milliken had some limited time offer "Free Milliken" Merch up for sale, but I can't seem to find the link to purchase, anyone know how I can get ahold of some "Free Milliken" merch, he's saying a good attorney isn't cheap. haha.
forgetting to renew your license ranks right up there with failure to zip your life jacket all the way up....here's a guy who bought 5-7 expensive out of state licences to fish the elite series last year....we and the game/fish wardens need to cut him some slack....
A good rule of angling philosophy is not to interfere with another fisherman's ways of being happy, unless you want to be hated. Zane Grey, Tales of Fishes, 1919
I forgot to renew my boat registration once. Got a ticket for I think $90? Game warden said I could keep fishing as long as I promised to renew as soon as I got home. Nice guy. Haven’t forgotten since.
I forgot to place a fire extinguisher in a new boat several years ago, I got a ticket for it , the warden told me to keep on fishing but be sure to get one before I hit the water again.
Good grief. All this over an expired fishing license? We had a club tournament s few years ago and when the game warden checked us when we came in two guys had expired licenses. One had an expired boat registration. Did we decide they were cheaters and kick them out of the club? No, we just laughed at them. We thought it was hilarious. It's a standing joke to this day...our outlaw buddies.
I forgot to renew my boat registration once. Got a ticket for I think $90? Game warden said I could keep fishing as long as I promised to renew as soon as I got home. Nice guy. Haven’t forgotten since.
Good grief. All this over an expired fishing license? We had a club tournament s few years ago and when the game warden checked us when we came in two guys had expired licenses. One had an expired boat registration. Did we decide they were cheaters and kick them out of the club? No, we just laughed at them. We thought it was hilarious. It's a standing joke to this day...our outlaw buddies.
Apparently you get arrested for that now.
Originally Posted by Brent S
Originally Posted by Cuervo Jones
I forgot to renew my boat registration once. Got a ticket for I think $90? Game warden said I could keep fishing as long as I promised to renew as soon as I got home. Nice guy. Haven’t forgotten since.
After further review, i know exactly where milli is, haha
This lake is not in my primary stomping ground, but certainly on the fringe, its a tertiary option on any given weekend, I choose to not put any additional pressure on such a fishery.
How is buying your license after you catch a fish illegally a smart move. That just tells me he knew he had broken the law and was trying to cover for it.
I just see it differently. I think he had no idea his license had expired, and then he got ready to do TPWD a FAVOR by donating a sherry. Somewhere in there he realized his mistake and fixed it, who cares, its a fishing license, he had one, he has one, raise of hands does anyone think this is worth the courts time, smh.
There isn’t anything new or earth shattering in that vid.
The fact that he bought his fishing license 3 minutes before submitting the sharelunker entry, douche move.
He isn’t the first person to pull that but to my knowledge he is the first to be charged like this. I was living in Arkansas when the old dude caught the state record without a license and pulled the same thing. His record was disqualified and he had to pay a fine but no one was arrested or charged with felonies. This whole thing is F%@)in’ stupid.
There isn’t anything new or earth shattering in that vid.
The fact that he bought his fishing license 3 minutes before submitting the sharelunker entry, douche move.
He isn’t the first person to pull that but to my knowledge he is the first to be charged like this. I was living in Arkansas when the old dude caught the state record without a license and pulled the same thing. His record was disqualified and he had to pay a fine but no one was arrested or charged with felonies. This whole thing is F%@)in’ stupid.
That guy also slaughtered his would have been state record.
Ben was donating a Sherry to Athens…different, I think.
The fact that he bought his fishing license 3 minutes before submitting the sharelunker entry, douche move.
He isn’t the first person to pull that but to my knowledge he is the first to be charged like this. I was living in Arkansas when the old dude caught the state record without a license and pulled the same thing. His record was disqualified and he had to pay a fine but no one was arrested or charged with felonies. This whole thing is F%@)in’ stupid.
For the umpteenth time, misdemeanor.
He intentionally entered a fish after discovering that he did not have a valid fishing license. At that point he had a decision to make. Only one of them was honest. He went the other way.
The fact that he bought his fishing license 3 minutes before submitting the sharelunker entry, douche move.
He isn’t the first person to pull that but to my knowledge he is the first to be charged like this. I was living in Arkansas when the old dude caught the state record without a license and pulled the same thing. His record was disqualified and he had to pay a fine but no one was arrested or charged with felonies. This whole thing is F%@)in’ stupid.
For the umpteenth time, misdemeanor.
He intentionally entered a fish after discovering that he did not have a valid fishing license. At that point he had a decision to make. Only one of them was honest. He went the other way.
For the umpteenth time Who really gives a [censored].
Everyone cares because Ben has done a lot for the sport. He’s a fake fisherman that emerged from the YouTube and made it on the elites. It’s been great to follow Ben, his story is unique, that’s why people care, because he is having an example made of him for absolutely no reason.
The real kicker is if they take his fishing license. This would be career ending, even if he moves there's other states that will also strip his license
The real kicker is if they take his fishing license. This would be career ending, even if he moves there's other states that will also strip his license
It ended this guys career, if Ben is treated differently its total hypocrisy
I just see it differently. I think he had no idea his license had expired, and then he got ready to do TPWD a FAVOR by donating a sherry. Somewhere in there he realized his mistake and fixed it, who cares, its a fishing license, he had one, he has one, raise of hands does anyone think this is worth the courts time, smh.
There is close to zero chance an experienced professional fisherman with an IQ over 80 unknowingly fishes without a license in their home state for months on end. It is beyond reason.
He didn’t fix anything. Let’s say you get into an auto accident without auto insurance; then five minutes later you call an insurance company and sign on for an insurance plan. At the time of the incident, you did not have coverage and will not be able to make a claim with the insurance company.
I just see it differently. I think he had no idea his license had expired, and then he got ready to do TPWD a FAVOR by donating a sherry. Somewhere in there he realized his mistake and fixed it, who cares, its a fishing license, he had one, he has one, raise of hands does anyone think this is worth the courts time, smh.
There is close to zero chance an experienced professional fisherman with an IQ over 80 unknowingly fishes without a license in their home state for months on end. It is beyond reason.
I would be surprised if it was more than a couple weeks and for his sake I hope its just a day or three.
I just see it differently. I think he had no idea his license had expired, and then he got ready to do TPWD a FAVOR by donating a sherry. Somewhere in there he realized his mistake and fixed it, who cares, its a fishing license, he had one, he has one, raise of hands does anyone think this is worth the courts time, smh.
There is close to zero chance an experienced professional fisherman with an IQ over 80 unknowingly fishes without a license in their home state for months on end. It is beyond reason.
This is ridiculous- sure no license, get a license- good, time to move on.
I just see it differently. I think he had no idea his license had expired, and then he got ready to do TPWD a FAVOR by donating a sherry. Somewhere in there he realized his mistake and fixed it, who cares, its a fishing license, he had one, he has one, raise of hands does anyone think this is worth the courts time, smh.
There is close to zero chance an experienced professional fisherman with an IQ over 80 unknowingly fishes without a license in their home state for months on end. It is beyond reason.
This is ridiculous- sure no license, get a license- good, time to move on.
I wonder how many you tube videos he put out fishing Texas waters for 5 plus months without a fishing license.
wonder why Texas and all states don't send you an e-mail or text reminder when your license expires? guess that makes too much sense..... I believe this penalizing a fishermen by denying him the right to buy a license in several states because he got a ticket for an expired license in one state is totally uncalled for....guy that buys licenses in several states is not a lawbreaker and doesn't deserve a penalty that jeopardizes his fishing career....
It's a fishing license violation. All the other charges are what drives people nuts. It's not the intended application of the law and I hope the Game Warden and DA get an earful from the public.
wonder why Texas and all states don't send you an e-mail or text reminder when your license expires? guess that makes too much sense..... I believe this penalizing a fishermen by denying him the right to buy a license in several states because he got a ticket for an expired license in one state is totally uncalled for....guy that buys licenses in several states is not a lawbreaker and doesn't deserve a penalty that jeopardizes his fishing career....
I got a lifetime license in Oklahoma over 20 years ago- I never need to do anything again. I’d think lifetime is the way to go in your home state
wonder why Texas and all states don't send you an e-mail or text reminder when your license expires? guess that makes too much sense..... I believe this penalizing a fishermen by denying him the right to buy a license in several states because he got a ticket for an expired license in one state is totally uncalled for....guy that buys licenses in several states is not a lawbreaker and doesn't deserve a penalty that jeopardizes his fishing career....
Once again Beatrap, Couldn't agree more. There are certainly wildlife crimes that deserve stiff penalty (think the idiots that were stuffing their walleye full of lead and had won, tens of thousands of dollars at their local walleye derbys, high end ranger boats, etc.). they got off with a slap on the wrist essentially.
I can't reiterate it enough, Ben was HELPING TPWD, by donating his legacy SHERRY! Nothing was harmed, nobody got screwed out of a raffle prize (Ben's name was removed from both of the pots), I kind of doubt he cares less about a replica. What else? Ben wanted the location of his Sherry catch to remain unknown, TPWD couldn't even do that. Most likely because they want to push an agenda on a few lakes here in Nac. Co.
Stop with the non sense TPWD and Nac Co. DA.
I think we should all find out the date of the court hearing and appear in court, in force, with free Milliken shirts on, I'll be there, and i'll try to let everyone know on here when the court date is.
wonder why Texas and all states don't send you an e-mail or text reminder when your license expires? guess that makes too much sense..... I believe this penalizing a fishermen by denying him the right to buy a license in several states because he got a ticket for an expired license in one state is totally uncalled for....guy that buys licenses in several states is not a lawbreaker and doesn't deserve a penalty that jeopardizes his fishing career....
Once again Beatrap, Couldn't agree more. There are certainly wildlife crimes that deserve stiff penalty (think the idiots that were stuffing their walleye full of lead and had won, tens of thousands of dollars at their local walleye derbys, high end ranger boats, etc.). they got off with a slap on the wrist essentially.
I can't reiterate it enough, Ben was HELPING TPWD, by donating his legacy SHERRY! Nothing was harmed, nobody got screwed out of a raffle prize (Ben's name was removed from both of the pots), I kind of doubt he cares less about a replica. What else? Ben wanted the location of his Sherry catch to remain unknown, TPWD couldn't even do that. Most likely because they want to push an agenda on a few lakes here in Nac. Co.
Stop with the non sense TPWD and Nac Co. DA.
I think we should all find out the date of the court hearing and appear in court, in force, with free Milliken shirts on, I'll be there, and i'll try to let everyone know on here when the court date is.
Good golly let the man up for air, I’m not a fan of the Share a Lunker program as it is now, but evidently the man broke the law. Does law enforcement overreach at times, you bet they do, but come on he didn’t have a license and it wasn’t legal for him to be fishing much less turn a fish into the program. Admit you were wrong, pay the fine. Pretty simple. And please stop with the Sherry, it’s kinda gay! Fish On!
wonder why Texas and all states don't send you an e-mail or text reminder when your license expires? guess that makes too much sense..... I believe this penalizing a fishermen by denying him the right to buy a license in several states because he got a ticket for an expired license in one state is totally uncalled for....guy that buys licenses in several states is not a lawbreaker and doesn't deserve a penalty that jeopardizes his fishing career....
Once again Beatrap, Couldn't agree more. There are certainly wildlife crimes that deserve stiff penalty (think the idiots that were stuffing their walleye full of lead and had won, tens of thousands of dollars at their local walleye derbys, high end ranger boats, etc.). they got off with a slap on the wrist essentially.
I can't reiterate it enough, Ben was HELPING TPWD, by donating his legacy SHERRY! Nothing was harmed, nobody got screwed out of a raffle prize (Ben's name was removed from both of the pots), I kind of doubt he cares less about a replica. What else? Ben wanted the location of his Sherry catch to remain unknown, TPWD couldn't even do that. Most likely because they want to push an agenda on a few lakes here in Nac. Co.
Stop with the non sense TPWD and Nac Co. DA.
I think we should all find out the date of the court hearing and appear in court, in force, with free Milliken shirts on, I'll be there, and i'll try to let everyone know on here when the court date is.
wonder why Texas and all states don't send you an e-mail or text reminder when your license expires? guess that makes too much sense..... I believe this penalizing a fishermen by denying him the right to buy a license in several states because he got a ticket for an expired license in one state is totally uncalled for....guy that buys licenses in several states is not a lawbreaker and doesn't deserve a penalty that jeopardizes his fishing career....
Once again Beatrap, Couldn't agree more. There are certainly wildlife crimes that deserve stiff penalty (think the idiots that were stuffing their walleye full of lead and had won, tens of thousands of dollars at their local walleye derbys, high end ranger boats, etc.). they got off with a slap on the wrist essentially.
I can't reiterate it enough, Ben was HELPING TPWD, by donating his legacy SHERRY! Nothing was harmed, nobody got screwed out of a raffle prize (Ben's name was removed from both of the pots), I kind of doubt he cares less about a replica. What else? Ben wanted the location of his Sherry catch to remain unknown, TPWD couldn't even do that. Most likely because they want to push an agenda on a few lakes here in Nac. Co.
Stop with the non sense TPWD and Nac Co. DA.
I think we should all find out the date of the court hearing and appear in court, in force, with free Milliken shirts on, I'll be there, and i'll try to let everyone know on here when the court date is.
Good golly let the man up for air, I’m not a fan of the Share a Lunker program as it is now, but evidently the man broke the law. Does law enforcement overreach at times, you bet they do, but come on he didn’t have a license and it wasn’t legal for him to be fishing much less turn a fish into the program. Admit you were wrong, pay the fine. Pretty simple. And please stop with the Sherry, it’s kinda gay! Fish On!
This is uniformed or just dumb. You want him to accept being charged with freshwater fishing tournament fraud? That is a bogus charge with real implications for his lively hood and not just a "pay the fine and move on" situation for him. Sports Illustrated picked this up along with just about every other publication in the country. It's a reputation wrecker for a Pro Angler.
BKS, Everything about the TPWD program in Athens could be described by that three letter word, Sherry seems like a perfect name for it, to me at least. Ben is being made an example of, we all know that you, me, or anyone else would not be going to court for tournament fraud for this. Thats the issue we have with this, the government is overstepping, and they need to stop.
Beartrap are you trolling? A week or so ago a gentleman caught a beautiful Toyota Sharelunker at OH Ivie, hes a guide, and this fish is one of many he has submitted to the program. In the interview or on his instagram post about the caught, he referred to the fish as a "sherry". its just his name for a Sharelunker. I kind of like it, but it certainly hasn't gained popularity here.
Beartrap are you trolling? A week or so ago a gentleman caught a beautiful Toyota Sharelunker at OH Ivie, hes a guide, and this fish is one of many he has submitted to the program. In the interview or on his instagram post about the caught, he referred to the fish as a "sherry". its just his name for a Sharelunker. I kind of like it, but it certainly hasn't gained popularity here.
Beartrap are you trolling? A week or so ago a gentleman caught a beautiful Toyota Sharelunker at OH Ivie, hes a guide, and this fish is one of many he has submitted to the program. In the interview or on his instagram post about the caught, he referred to the fish as a "sherry". its just his name for a Sharelunker. I kind of like it, but it certainly hasn't gained popularity here.
wonder why Texas and all states don't send you an e-mail or text reminder when your license expires? guess that makes too much sense..... I believe this penalizing a fishermen by denying him the right to buy a license in several states because he got a ticket for an expired license in one state is totally uncalled for....guy that buys licenses in several states is not a lawbreaker and doesn't deserve a penalty that jeopardizes his fishing career....
Once again Beatrap, Couldn't agree more. There are certainly wildlife crimes that deserve stiff penalty (think the idiots that were stuffing their walleye full of lead and had won, tens of thousands of dollars at their local walleye derbys, high end ranger boats, etc.). they got off with a slap on the wrist essentially.
I can't reiterate it enough, Ben was HELPING TPWD, by donating his legacy SHERRY! Nothing was harmed, nobody got screwed out of a raffle prize (Ben's name was removed from both of the pots), I kind of doubt he cares less about a replica. What else? Ben wanted the location of his Sherry catch to remain unknown, TPWD couldn't even do that. Most likely because they want to push an agenda on a few lakes here in Nac. Co.
Stop with the non sense TPWD and Nac Co. DA.
I think we should all find out the date of the court hearing and appear in court, in force, with free Milliken shirts on, I'll be there, and i'll try to let everyone know on here when the court date is.
Good golly let the man up for air, I’m not a fan of the Share a Lunker program as it is now, but evidently the man broke the law. Does law enforcement overreach at times, you bet they do, but come on he didn’t have a license and it wasn’t legal for him to be fishing much less turn a fish into the program. Admit you were wrong, pay the fine. Pretty simple. And please stop with the Sherry, it’s kinda gay! Fish On!
I find it utterly offensive that you think the word sherry is "gay". I might report you.
Live Daringly, Boldy, and Fearlessly....Embrace the Challenge So That You May Feel the Exhiliration of Victory.
Not sure why my post got deleted but I said what I said. You seem to think it is okay to break the law so I'd rather not fish against someone with your lack or moral character. Also you use the word sherry so I assume you voted for Kamala.
Live Daringly, Boldy, and Fearlessly....Embrace the Challenge So That You May Feel the Exhiliration of Victory.
Remind me to never fish a tournament against nfhbass and harleydude. Clearly they don't mind "bending" the rules
Excuse me? It appears as though you are “bending” the rules, your ain’t strolling, you’ve gone straight to trolling
Been silent long enough. Welcome back little Buddy, Is it Cold in Wisconsin where you live? By the way you have over 600 post in less than a month sense they let you come back. For you to acuse someone of trolling is laughable. At the rate your going you want make it to May this time.
Beartrap are you trolling? A week or so ago a gentleman caught a beautiful Toyota Sharelunker at OH Ivie, hes a guide, and this fish is one of many he has submitted to the program. In the interview or on his instagram post about the caught, he referred to the fish as a "sherry". its just his name for a Sharelunker. I kind of like it, but it certainly hasn't gained popularity here.
not trolling-I missed the part about him referring to the fish as a "sherry" and couldn't figure out what it meant......
Beartrap are you trolling? A week or so ago a gentleman caught a beautiful Toyota Sharelunker at OH Ivie, hes a guide, and this fish is one of many he has submitted to the program. In the interview or on his instagram post about the caught, he referred to the fish as a "sherry". its just his name for a Sharelunker. I kind of like it, but it certainly hasn't gained popularity here.
not trolling-I missed the part about him referring to the fish as a "sherry" and couldn't figure out what it meant......
Haha, fair enough Beartrap. What do you think of it?
wonder why Texas and all states don't send you an e-mail or text reminder when your license expires? guess that makes too much sense..... I believe this penalizing a fishermen by denying him the right to buy a license in several states because he got a ticket for an expired license in one state is totally uncalled for....guy that buys licenses in several states is not a lawbreaker and doesn't deserve a penalty that jeopardizes his fishing career....
Once again Beatrap, Couldn't agree more. There are certainly wildlife crimes that deserve stiff penalty (think the idiots that were stuffing their walleye full of lead and had won, tens of thousands of dollars at their local walleye derbys, high end ranger boats, etc.). they got off with a slap on the wrist essentially.
I can't reiterate it enough, Ben was HELPING TPWD, by donating his legacy SHERRY! Nothing was harmed, nobody got screwed out of a raffle prize (Ben's name was removed from both of the pots), I kind of doubt he cares less about a replica. What else? Ben wanted the location of his Sherry catch to remain unknown, TPWD couldn't even do that. Most likely because they want to push an agenda on a few lakes here in Nac. Co.
Stop with the non sense TPWD and Nac Co. DA.
I think we should all find out the date of the court hearing and appear in court, in force, with free Milliken shirts on, I'll be there, and i'll try to let everyone know on here when the court date is.
Good golly let the man up for air, I’m not a fan of the Share a Lunker program as it is now, but evidently the man broke the law. Does law enforcement overreach at times, you bet they do, but come on he didn’t have a license and it wasn’t legal for him to be fishing much less turn a fish into the program. Admit you were wrong, pay the fine. Pretty simple. And please stop with the Sherry, it’s kinda gay! Fish On!
This is uniformed or just dumb. You want him to accept being charged with freshwater fishing tournament fraud? That is a bogus charge with real implications for his lively hood and not just a "pay the fine and move on" situation for him. Sports Illustrated picked this up along with just about every other publication in the country. It's a reputation wrecker for a Pro Angler.
I appreciate your opinion of me being uninformed or just dumb, you may carryon now!
BKS, Everything about the TPWD program in Athens could be described by that three letter word, Sherry seems like a perfect name for it, to me at least. Ben is being made an example of, we all know that you, me, or anyone else would not be going to court for tournament fraud for this. Thats the issue we have with this, the government is overstepping, and they need to stop.
You sound like your auditioning for a spot on team 6th sense. Maybe when you go back to Minnesota you can rep his baits, maybe even get that valuable 10% discount
Remind me to never fish a tournament against nfhbass and harleydude. Clearly they don't mind "bending" the rules
Excuse me? It appears as though you are “bending” the rules, your ain’t strolling, you’ve gone straight to trolling
Been silent long enough. Welcome back little Buddy, Is it Cold in Wisconsin where you live? By the way you have over 600 post in less than a month sense they let you come back. For you to acuse someone of trolling is laughable. At the rate your going you want make it to May this time.
There's a reason Pakes dad named him the Minnesota icehole.
Remind me to never fish a tournament against nfhbass and harleydude. Clearly they don't mind "bending" the rules
Excuse me? It appears as though you are “bending” the rules, your ain’t strolling, you’ve gone straight to trolling
Been silent long enough. Welcome back little Buddy, Is it Cold in Wisconsin where you live? By the way you have over 600 post in less than a month sense they let you come back. For you to acuse someone of trolling is laughable. At the rate your going you want make it to May this time.
I don’t give him May, maybe sometime in February, obviously the rest of last year wasn’t enough.
wonder why Texas and all states don't send you an e-mail or text reminder when your license expires? guess that makes too much sense..... I believe this penalizing a fishermen by denying him the right to buy a license in several states because he got a ticket for an expired license in one state is totally uncalled for....guy that buys licenses in several states is not a lawbreaker and doesn't deserve a penalty that jeopardizes his fishing career....
Once again Beatrap, Couldn't agree more. There are certainly wildlife crimes that deserve stiff penalty (think the idiots that were stuffing their walleye full of lead and had won, tens of thousands of dollars at their local walleye derbys, high end ranger boats, etc.). they got off with a slap on the wrist essentially.
I can't reiterate it enough, Ben was HELPING TPWD, by donating his legacy SHERRY! Nothing was harmed, nobody got screwed out of a raffle prize (Ben's name was removed from both of the pots), I kind of doubt he cares less about a replica. What else? Ben wanted the location of his Sherry catch to remain unknown, TPWD couldn't even do that. Most likely because they want to push an agenda on a few lakes here in Nac. Co.
Stop with the non sense TPWD and Nac Co. DA.
I think we should all find out the date of the court hearing and appear in court, in force, with free Milliken shirts on, I'll be there, and i'll try to let everyone know on here when the court date is.
Good golly let the man up for air, I’m not a fan of the Share a Lunker program as it is now, but evidently the man broke the law. Does law enforcement overreach at times, you bet they do, but come on he didn’t have a license and it wasn’t legal for him to be fishing much less turn a fish into the program. Admit you were wrong, pay the fine. Pretty simple. And please stop with the Sherry, it’s kinda gay! Fish On!
I find it utterly offensive that you think the word sherry is "gay". I might report you.
Good golly let the man up for air, I’m not a fan of the Share a Lunker program as it is now, but evidently the man broke the law. Does law enforcement overreach at times, you bet they do, but come on he didn’t have a license and it wasn’t legal for him to be fishing much less turn a fish into the program. Admit you were wrong, pay the fine. Pretty simple. And please stop with the Sherry, it’s kinda gay! Fish On!
I find it utterly offensive that you think the word sherry is "gay". I might report you.
It’s probably happening as I type.
Just for that we are livescoping all day Saturday. Oil them spinning reels up, its minnow time.
Live Daringly, Boldy, and Fearlessly....Embrace the Challenge So That You May Feel the Exhiliration of Victory.
Remind me to never fish a tournament against nfhbass and harleydude. Clearly they don't mind "bending" the rules
Excuse me? It appears as though you are “bending” the rules, your ain’t strolling, you’ve gone straight to trolling
Originally Posted by J.H.S.
Not sure why my post got deleted but I said what I said. You seem to think it is okay to break the law so I'd rather not fish against someone with your lack or moral character. Also you use the word sherry so I assume you voted for Kamala.
I never said it was ok to break the rules. My nobody cares comment is in response to the constant felony vs misdemeanor bs and the fact this whole thing being this public is just stupid
I don’t condone government overreach. Milliken being arrested for tournament fraud or whatever it is, because he didn’t have a fishing license is about as far of a stretch as possible, and is a waste of everything. Time, tax money, everything.
JHS you’ll probably be fishing your next tournament alone if you poll your competition at take off, everyone thinks the charges are completely absurd.
You’re really stretching for something if you think me calling a sharelunker a “sherry” equates to me voting for Kamala.
Hahaha, anyway, best of luck, I have nothing else to say in this thread.
I don’t condone government overreach. Milliken being arrested for tournament fraud or whatever it is, because he didn’t have a fishing license is about as far of a stretch as possible, and is a waste of everything. Time, tax money, everything.
JHS you’ll probably be fishing your next tournament alone if you poll your competition at take off, everyone thinks the charges are complete absurd.
You’re really stretching for something if you think me calling a sharelunker a “sherry” equates to me voting for Kamala.
Hahaha, anyway, best of luck, I have nothing else to say in this thread.
In 5 more day he'll get a pardon and all will be forgotten so just hang on there.
The Original Puffball Jig The Original Lions Collar Jig Original Viper head jig Building And Fishing Custom Jigs Since 1977 12.9 Eastman lake 12.5 Eastman lake
I heard Kevin Van Dam got a speeding ticket one time. There is only one possible explanation for his willful disregard for a traffic law...that he doesn't believe in following rules. This undoubtedly applies to fishing tournaments, too. It's just a short hop, skip, and jump from breaking one law to putting fish in a basket! He's a cheater!
Am I following the logic being applied in the Milliken case correctly?
The whole tournament fraud charge is stretching it but the fishing without a license and inter-state compact where he won't be able to buy a license/licenses is not. If it was an honest mistake fishing for just a matter of days without the license I don't think he is in trouble but if they can prove he was fishing for months without one not looking good for him.
The whole tournament fraud charge is stretching it but the fishing without a license and inter-state compact where he won't be able to buy a license/licenses is not. If it was an honest mistake fishing for just a matter of days without the license I don't think he is in trouble but if they can prove he was fishing for months without one not looking good for him.
Evidence has established that it was not a mistake. Thats what the charges are about.
Notice how many other comparisons have been made about this. A guy who caught one went back to TPWD and they took his entry out. Guys who get to weigh in and find out they didn't have a license. Guys who get dq'ed for other reasons.
Now Milliken. He caught a fish with an expired license. He then bought a license then entered the fish into the program. He knew he was cheating when he did entered the fish. He also had to know he was entering a program that gave away prizes, illegally.
Milliken was different. Its not hard to understand.
The whole tournament fraud charge is stretching it but the fishing without a license and inter-state compact where he won't be able to buy a license/licenses is not. If it was an honest mistake fishing for just a matter of days without the license I don't think he is in trouble but if they can prove he was fishing for months without one not looking good for him.
Evidence has established that it was not a mistake. Thats what the charges are about.
Notice how many other comparisons have been made about this. A guy who caught one went back to TPWD and they took his entry out. Guys who get to weigh in and find out they didn't have a license. Guys who get dq'ed for other reasons.
Now Milliken. He caught a fish with an expired license. He then bought a license then entered the fish into the program. He knew he was cheating when he did entered the fish. He also had to know he was entering a program that gave away prizes, illegally.
Milliken was different. Its not hard to understand.
The ol Nebraska boy figured them dumb ol Texas boys would never notice.
Well……them Texas boys ain’t dumb……and seems they noticed.
This is all pretty simple. The example of the other guy who caught a fish and then entered it into the lunker program. He went back and told them of his error. Its likely he didn't know when he did it that his license was expired. Milliken can't have that reason since he bought his license online just minutes before he entered the fish.
This is uniformed or just dumb. You want him to accept being charged with freshwater fishing tournament fraud? That is a bogus charge with real implications for his lively hood and not just a "pay the fine and move on" situation for him. Sports Illustrated picked this up along with just about every other publication in the country. It's a reputation wrecker for a Pro Angler.
I appreciate your opinion of me being uninformed or just dumb, you may carryon now!
I said your take was either uninformed or dumb, not you. If I was speaking about you, I would've said "You" instead of "This". And I was giving you the benefit of the doubt that you might not have known the actual charge. But if you did, then your take was dumb. Everyone on here (you included) would not just "pay the fine and move on" if this was our real life.
This is uniformed or just dumb. You want him to accept being charged with freshwater fishing tournament fraud? That is a bogus charge with real implications for his lively hood and not just a "pay the fine and move on" situation for him. Sports Illustrated picked this up along with just about every other publication in the country. It's a reputation wrecker for a Pro Angler.
I appreciate your opinion of me being uninformed or just dumb, you may carryon now!
I said your take was either uninformed or dumb, not you. If I was speaking about you, I would've said "You" instead of "This". And I was giving you the benefit of the doubt that you might not have known the actual charge. But if you did, then your take was dumb. Everyone on here (you included) would not just "pay the fine and move on" if this was our real life.
I wouldn’t have handled it the way he did to start with, so you don’t speak for everyone on here. Second, actions have consequences and the way he handled it appears to be deceiving and he will have to pay for that. With all that being said Game Wardens take their job very seriously and I do believe there can be some over reach at times, but he put himself in that position.
Does anybody really care what he did. You people wake up very day and see what has been post about this guy I still don't see what the big deal is. 9 pages of quotes. It was just a big bass nothing more.
Last edited by Bassjiggin1955; 01/17/2505:21 AM.
The Original Puffball Jig The Original Lions Collar Jig Original Viper head jig Building And Fishing Custom Jigs Since 1977 12.9 Eastman lake 12.5 Eastman lake
This is uniformed or just dumb. You want him to accept being charged with freshwater fishing tournament fraud? That is a bogus charge with real implications for his lively hood and not just a "pay the fine and move on" situation for him. Sports Illustrated picked this up along with just about every other publication in the country. It's a reputation wrecker for a Pro Angler.
I appreciate your opinion of me being uninformed or just dumb, you may carryon now!
I said your take was either uninformed or dumb, not you. If I was speaking about you, I would've said "You" instead of "This". And I was giving you the benefit of the doubt that you might not have known the actual charge. But if you did, then your take was dumb. Everyone on here (you included) would not just "pay the fine and move on" if this was our real life.
You are so wrong assuming you know how other people would handle it. The right thing to do of course would have been for him to not enter the fish when he discovered that he didn't have a valid fishing license. Instead, he bought a new fishing license online 3 minutes before he entered the fish. Its not that hard to understand.
There was a guy who also entered a fish into the program, around the same time Ben did. He also did not have a fishing license. He contacted the program and his fish was taken out and he was not charged with anything. He did the right thing and was not charged. https://www.facebook.com/sharelunke...-bass-caught-from-lake-/792848776206122/
Is Ben above the law, game wardens will tell you he's not. Guess we will see how this shakes out courts or not but we've all seen that money can make some things go away.
The Original Puffball Jig The Original Lions Collar Jig Original Viper head jig Building And Fishing Custom Jigs Since 1977 12.9 Eastman lake 12.5 Eastman lake
If i was the judge I'd fine him $2.00 then advise the TPWF that in the future they must advise every license holder by text and letter that their license has expired ....no notification,no ticket allowed...this man had 13 fishing licenses from different states plus canada and he donated a fish and his time to the share a lunker program which automatically entered him into a raffle....not a fishing tournament......
If i was the judge I'd fine him $2.00 then advise the TPWF that in the future they must advise every license holder by text and letter that their license has expired ....no notification,no ticket allowed...this man had 13 fishing licenses from different states plus canada and he donated a fish and his time to the share a lunker program which automatically entered him into a raffle....not a fishing tournament......
Didn’t watch his video and don’t care too so if what I say is wrong then so be it. But I know the guy travels back to Nebraska after the elite season and spends most of his late summer and fall up North. If you haven’t fished in Texas for a few months and have 13 other licenses then it’s a little different than us who never leave and only really fish in Texas. Still just a fishing license offense and this should have been over with a long time.
Didn’t watch his video and don’t care too so if what I say is wrong then so be it. But I know the guy travels back to Nebraska after the elite season and spends most of his late summer and fall up North. If you haven’t fished in Texas for a few months and have 13 other licenses then it’s a little different than us who never leave and only really fish in Texas. Still just a fishing license offense and this should have been over with a long time.
Doesn't he live in Texas now? Thought he first got in a beef with TPWD when he was stocking his pond on his Texas property with fish caught out of public lakes, you can't do that due to clean drain and dry rules.
Sounds like this may be why they are going after him little retribution. Not sure if they have proof or not sounds like they don’t or they would charge him for this, so they go after him on the latest violation. Who knows .
Yes, his residence is in New Caney, SWNE of Houston. Yes, he had to have known his fishing license was not valid when he purchased the new one. He said in the video that he was buying a second license but fact is when you enter your information in the TPWD site, they don't allow you to buy a second license. They just show you licenses that you have not already bought.
People complaining about it being ongoing, I agree. Once this came out he should have taken his lawyer to Nacogdoches and met with the DA and ended it. Explain to his supporters that he made a judgement error and was sorry. It would have been over back then.
New Caney is not SW of Houston unless you read maps upside down.
This......thought it was just East of the Woodlands. Bought a boat from a guy down by there many years ago.
Sorry, NE of Houston would have been better. The point is he should have known that he had not had a license for more than 5 months because he lived here.
If i was the judge I'd fine him $2.00 then advise the TPWF that in the future they must advise every license holder by text and letter that their license has expired ....no notification,no ticket allowed...this man had 13 fishing licenses from different states plus canada and he donated a fish and his time to the share a lunker program which automatically entered him into a raffle....not a fishing tournament......
Personal responsibility, not really a new thing, you and a few others should try it. It’s a whole new freedom!😎
If i was the judge I'd fine him $2.00 then advise the TPWF that in the future they must advise every license holder by text and letter that their license has expired ....no notification,no ticket allowed...this man had 13 fishing licenses from different states plus canada and he donated a fish and his time to the share a lunker program which automatically entered him into a raffle....not a fishing tournament......
Personal responsibility, not really a new thing, you and a few others should try it. It’s a whole new freedom!😎
I get TPWD email notifications all the time. Several about the fishing licenses in August. I thought everyone did. I volunteer for half a dozen of their events every year but I seem to remember that I got emails even before that.
66.023
Quote
In this section, “fishing tournament” means a contest in which a prize is to be awarded to one or more participants in the contest based on the weight, length, number, or type of fish caught by the participants or based on any other criteria applicable to the fish caught.
People may not agree with the definition but its pretty clear.
In his interview, Ben said that he was being pushed to donate the fish, but he had to do it on the app. He says he didn't have his license with him at the time but to complete the process he had to have a number. So he bought one online to get the number and to complete the online process. Now not knowing he didn't have a valid one is no excuse as has been beat here ad nauseam. Regardless, to charge him with tournament fraud for a prize package he himself donated and delivered, and awarded by a random drawing will be a field day for his attorney.
In his interview, Ben said that he was being pushed to donate the fish, but he had to do it on the app. He says he didn't have his license with him at the time but to complete the process he had to have a number. So he bought one online to get the number and to complete the online process. Now not knowing he didn't have a valid one is no excuse as has been beat here ad nauseam. Regardless, to charge him with tournament fraud for a prize package he himself donated and delivered, and awarded by a random drawing will be a field day for his attorney.
I’ve heard it all now! His attorney won’t have a defense if the dumarse continues digging himself a deeper hole with his lame excuses.
"Things turn out best for those who make the best of the way things turn out" - Zachary Troy Schrah - a young man with vision far beyond his years.
In his interview, Ben said that he was being pushed to donate the fish, but he had to do it on the app. He says he didn't have his license with him at the time but to complete the process he had to have a number. So he bought one online to get the number and to complete the online process. Now not knowing he didn't have a valid one is no excuse as has been beat here ad nauseam. Regardless, to charge him with tournament fraud for a prize package he himself donated and delivered, and awarded by a random drawing will be a field day for his attorney.
I’ve heard it all now! His attorney won’t have a defense if the dumarse continues digging himself a deeper hole with his lame excuses.
Seems like a valid point he made. He needed a license number, so he bought a new license, smart. I can see how he honestly didn’t know his license was invalid
In his interview, Ben said that he was being pushed to donate the fish, but he had to do it on the app. He says he didn't have his license with him at the time but to complete the process he had to have a number. So he bought one online to get the number and to complete the online process. Now not knowing he didn't have a valid one is no excuse as has been beat here ad nauseam. Regardless, to charge him with tournament fraud for a prize package he himself donated and delivered, and awarded by a random drawing will be a field day for his attorney.
I’ve heard it all now! His attorney won’t have a defense if the dumarse continues digging himself a deeper hole with his lame excuses.
Seems like a valid point he made. He needed a license number, so he bought a new license, smart. I can see how he honestly didn’t know his license was invalid
In his interview, Ben said that he was being pushed to donate the fish, but he had to do it on the app. He says he didn't have his license with him at the time but to complete the process he had to have a number. So he bought one online to get the number and to complete the online process. Now not knowing he didn't have a valid one is no excuse as has been beat here ad nauseam. Regardless, to charge him with tournament fraud for a prize package he himself donated and delivered, and awarded by a random drawing will be a field day for his attorney.
I’ve heard it all now! His attorney won’t have a defense if the dumarse continues digging himself a deeper hole with his lame excuses.
Seems like a valid point he made. He needed a license number, so he bought a new license, smart. I can see how he honestly didn’t know his license was invalid
You can't buy a second license for yourself online. Go try it. You can however view your current fishing license. Click " view my licenses ". It showed my licenses and dates they are valid for. https://www.txfgsales.com/?pk_vid=1b1573170b2dfcd417374958359b8867 At least when I entered my information it gave me my current fishing license number and every license that I do not have.
Allison, just admit it, if this was you instead of Milliken in this situation we wouldn’t even know about it, you would ah e just gotten a fine, no arrest
Allison, just admit it, if this was you instead of Milliken in this situation we wouldn’t even know about it, you would ah e just gotten a fine, no arrest
I would not have entered the fish. When I discovered that my license had expired I would have called them and had the fish pulled. Like the other guy that did this, they didn't even write him a ticket because they could see that it was a mistake. I believe that has been pointed out several times in this thread.
I'm okay with him getting punished for fishing without a license as long as the punishment is in line with the law. Where this thing goes off the rails for me is stretching this into a tournament fraud violation. Any fair minded person can see that is a gross stretch of the law, and way outside the intent of that particular law. It just makes everyone involved look vindictive, and makes people like me have zero trust in Game Wardens as a law enforcement organization. When you stretch, twist, and manipulate the law to create a higher crime I just call BS. Every game warden I have ever talked to makes sure you know that there is very few of them and they have to cover a vast amount of area. They make sure you know they are very busy and stretched thin. I believe that to be true. So why waste time stretching a charge that doesn't fit. It's all very suspect to me
I'm okay with him getting punished for fishing without a license as long as the punishment is in line with the law. Where this thing goes off the rails for me is stretching this into a tournament fraud violation. Any fair minded person can see that is a gross stretch of the law, and way outside the intent of that particular law. It just makes everyone involved look vindictive, and makes people like me have zero trust in Game Wardens as a law enforcement organization. When you stretch, twist, and manipulate the law to create a higher crime I just call BS. Every game warden I have ever talked to makes sure you know that there is very few of them and they have to cover a vast amount of area. They make sure you know they are very busy and stretched thin. I believe that to be true. So why waste time stretching a charge that doesn't fit. It's all very suspect to me
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