Lol Texas a free state.. I dont personally care for the guy but this is ridiculous. Fine him for fishing without license and kick him out of banquet should of been end of story.
Same here. We pay out the ass in property taxes and sales tax. We shouldn’t have to pay for a fishing license if we live here. Been here my entire life. $30 min every year to be legal to fish is BS.
@@jgringo5516 It’s $30 that goes back into the state to help the lakes and overall fisheries manpower. You’ll probably spend that on beer this weekend. I did 😎. Im not sure about TX, but you might pay property tax to the town not the state.
@jgringo5516 contrary to popular belief your property taxes do not pay for everything that allows you to get to and from work and put food on your table. Sorry, that's not enough money. Common sense.
You couldn't be more wrong. That's not how Texas Parks and Wildlife works. I'm thinking you didn't watch the whole video. His company has an awesome relationship with Texas Parks and Wildlife and donates thousands of dollars of tackle to this same program every year. You're wrong on every account.
Muslims say their God is the best too. Based on his personal online and his reputation prior to becoming a UA-camr, I am 100% positive not everyone feels the same way you do. I’m not discounting that I’m completely wrong, I’m just saying, there is a really good chance he rubbed someone the wrong way.
@MattStarkFishing I agree that he's an acquired taste and that not everyone likes him. You are right there. Just knowing what I know about Texas Parks and Wildlife, I don't see it being personal. If it is, it's because it's being pushed from outside, not inside. I have my theories and I'll be doing my research. If I find anything, I will let everyone know.
Thank you, I appreciate that. However, I would say I'm far from being back in the groove. This was supposed to be another week off for me while I recovered from surgery. However, people can't stop doing f-s**t! 🤣🤣
Thank you, I try. One troll has already said that I'm kissing his butt. People just don't understand that facts don't fit their narrative..... doesn't make them any less factual. Lol! I appreciate you being here.
Brother you done it again you're the man that always comes up with the truth unlike other ones which we will not mention names I always wait for your content no matter what it is once again brother thanks and you and the wife have happy holidays
Can't imagine anybody that knows they don't have a fishing license going through the process of having it certified. That's not the actions of a guilty man. Accidents happen, mistakes are made. Total crap. I wasn't a Ben fan for a long time but he grew on me. He's too smart to let this happen. I hope it all works out for him. I really don't think he intentionally screwed up.
He said he had a license and did not at the time of the catch. He renewed it afterwards. That's where the fraud comes in. Texas Parks and wildlife are law enforcement. TP&W game warden.
Mistake made it happens.... just like a pro getting DQ'd after not realizing they didn't have insurance.... no one in their right mind would knowingly let 30 dollars kick them out of legacy fish status when a company they are partnered in gives the amount they do to that program.....
This is a great video. Clear and to the point. My .02 for what little it’s worth. I think the Texas Parks and Wildlife are ruining a relationship with someone who has shown through his platform the amazing things they are doing with the Share Lunker program. Someone has to have it in for Ben. Disqualify him from the tournament and banquet…..fine. Seeking legal penalties outside a fine for a license…unreal.
Seems like this could backfire on Texas Parks and Wildlife. Seems kind of petty. I think once Ben is able to give his side of the story, TPW will look like tyrants.
@@scottdanielson4816 let’s be real, Ben could weigh fish with weights and after he spun it on his UA-cam Channel, there are some fan boys that would side with him. There is probably a lot more to the story we aren’t hearing about, and “fraud” is very different than fishing without a license, and had it been as simple as a license infraction, there is no way the accusations of “fraud” would be used.
CT, great objective, honest review of this incident. Personally, I'm not a big fan of Milliken. I used to subscribe to his channel but unsubsribed. His know-it-all style rubbed me the wrong way. Maybe it's his hubris that prompted the Texas DNR to do this and perhaps the reason this has gone so virally against him. I just subsribed to your channel to see what you have to say. Also, I wonder about this TX lunker program and the mortality rate of those fish they deem to be prime spawning fish for future stock. Do they study that? Thanks for listening!
Actually, it's an amazing program! They take wonderful care of the fish. They have a wonderful success rate not only with the fry that they spawn but also in returning the donated fish back to its home waters. Glad to have you here!
Ben does not live in Nacogdoches he lives in Conroe. Sounds like he forgot to renew his license in September. You have to list all your info when u start filling out paperwork to submit. This is when he probably realized he had not renewed. His best move would have been to withdrawal the fish instead of purchasing new license and then submitting fish. The big smile is because he knows his next video is going to get 10 million viewers and more than cover cost of ticket.
@@cerebraltackle how would it qualify as class A in this case? Because of the amount of the potential dollars he may have won? He didn’t get the money though, did he?
@BassSlayer2448 it's because of the offense. It's one level below a state jail felony. The way it's written, it's either an A or a B, depending on possible amount of winnings. The person does not need to win, just show the intent.
Well, I don’t think it’s a big deal. I still do have to question. How are you Gonna be a professional fisherman and let your fishing license expire? It’s literally what you do for a living. Why wouldn’t you just buy a lifetime license at this point and just write it off?
States which are part of the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact may not issue a fishing license to anyone who has violations of fish and game laws in another state. Usually it depends on whether the person is prohibited from buying a license in the state where the violations occurred. That is not the case here so perhaps he doesn't have to worry but if other states refuse to sell him a license it would effectively end his tournament fishing career. That would be WAY over the top considering the nature of his initial violation. The tournament fraud charge seems to be a reach but perhaps there's more to the story.
I have reported on the compact numerous times on this channel. I have very intimate knowledge. You are not wrong. This could cause real issues. Just look at my work on Josh Stracner.
It happens all the time. I know lots of people who forget. Why do we have to pay minimum $30 every year for a fishing license? I already pay $10k a year in property taxes and sales tax out the wazoo on everything. Why the Hell do I have to pay $30 for a license to go fishing? That’s insane! When I turned 13, I bought my first license. It was 1984. A fishing license was $6!
No matter what , it is everyone’s responsibility to make dam sure they have a license, fish , hunt , drivers . Go get the paper and have it on your person , irresponsible will get your azz , you’re on fault , not the state of TEXAS
Hello CT. Thanks for your reporting however many timelines are ambiguous. A few questions. Whom discovered his license was invalid on February 5th? What steps were taken retroactively from date of discovery for any tournaments or other contests? Did Ben report himself? Are the dates of app submission and invalid license the same? Date, infraction and amount of fine? Date he purchased valid license? Date it’s was “ Quickly caught and rectified “ The TPW rediscovered this in October and didn’t DQ him in February? Good grief. Was the replica and prize package withdrawn in February for a Legacy submission? It’s more than the prize drawing, a Legacy includes other prizes automatically granted. Did he receive those? Apparently everything should have been removed except the genetic value of his submission in February. Please address the timeline with finer details as you’re able. As a former Publisher I always enjoy your work. Thank you. Scott From iPhone expect TyPo’s
@@scottehrlich6653 I am on all of the above! 😉 I'll get it out as soon as it's available! I have many of the same questions as well as some others. I already have calls into some folks and have plans for others.
@ curious to know if he had to purchase a 2023 license to bring it current? Does the Texas period expire 1-1-24? If he wasn’t valid longer than 30ish days then other events might be problematic.
@@scottehrlich6653 Texas has two options for a yearly fishing license. The standard runs from August 31st to August 31st. The second option is fairly new and is Year from date of purchase, it can be purchased for a couple of extra bucks. There's no such thing as getting a license retroactively. So that would cause him some issues.
Texas is protecting their bass and making an example to the public. I didn't get to fish much this year because I'm not a resident of Kansas and they want $75 for half a year of ice
I was waiting on this video to get the real truth. My wife even asked me if you had dropped a video about it yet. I never expected to see it tonight. Thank you!!!
@@robertlane370 it's cute that you don't think that I , a journalist, and they don't have the same sources. I happen to know the author of that story. But, you keep on not knowing what you're talking about. You've had five comments on my channel. Each has been slightly dumber than the one before it. 🤣🤣
ShareLunker has a prize package of $5000. If he knowing lied about a license to win the prize that is considered a felony in Texas based on the dollar amount.
Not true. The way this statute is written makes it a Class A or Class B depending on the dollar amount. Dollar amounts are NOT uniform! That's Dunning-Kruger crap. It's determined by the specific statute.
It’s a witch hunt. He made a simple mistake by not renewing a year to date license. He paid a fine and his catch was disqualified from the Program. That should have been the end of it. Shame on TPWD.
@@Mags120fish1 I absolutely agree with that. There's only one way he could be guilty of more...but I seriously doubt he is. But, as usual, I'm looking into every option.
I fished a local tournament one time and the game warden checked us. I would have sworn my license was valid but it went out the week before. I got a ticket and went to my truck and drove to the store and got a valid license. Finished the tournament and got 10th out of 11 teams!!! 😂😂😂 Sometimes you just make mistakes!!!!
My app showed I was "active" last year on a fishing trip but if you drilled down on the past purchases and selected the year it was clearly expired. Since then TPWD has changed their app.
That sounds like the most likely scenario. Hopefully, that can be resolved without conviction if it was an honest mistake. I think if conviceted he could lose his license for a year and that could affect his ability to fish Lake Fork. Thanks for the info.
Provably mot the nest of looks to poje the bear by changing your Insta photo to the mugshot . Funny for us but Texas officials not so much and judge will think hes a pompous ass
So, a young man I once met, said he wanted to be a Game Warden. One day he was riding along with a current game warden and was told, to catch hunters, you find a place where they are feeding dear. You put a log on top of some of the feed, when hunting season comes about, and all the feed that is visible is picked up by the hunter or eaten by the deer, you simply show up, turn over the log with feed under it and write a ticket (confiscate everything the hunter has). Lets just say the kid didn't want to become a game warden after being shown this tactic and other things. Game wardens can be very corrupt, just to make themselves look good.
Just stupid of the state to try to go after him like that. I can understand if they disqualify him from the big bass banquet thing. But to go after him for fraud. If u like Ben or not he has been in ambassador to the sport and Texas for that matter. They always try to make an example out of people it's stupid
Well safe to say unless Texas delays the court hearing until 2025 he can forget about Classic because they will suspend his ability to get a license for at least a year.
@@J.L.ScottFishing Not necessarily. There are a MILLION ways this could go! It wouldn't be at a hearing, unless there's a plea. It would have to be at the sentencing phase at the end of a trial or acceptance of a plea deal. The sentence isn't a hard stop. It totally depends on a million factors.
@cerebraltackle Hearing or day in court depends on how the state refers to it but same thing. He has been summoned to court as it stands already to appear as part of his release from county after turning himself in. Likely he then gets a court date for trial unless Texas permits waving initial appearance and go straight to trial
@J.L.ScottFishing I worked Loss Prevention and delt with everything from class c clear to Felony crimes. Unless there's a plea, there will be several hearings JUST to deal with discovery.
Guess 6th Sense might just give them no thanks, next year. I doubt Ben knew that 6th was donating anything to the program as he seems to be not even involved in the front office. Not like they are going to call him and ask if they can donate. As for a license I just go to the local Walmart, they seem to be in every state and get my PAPER license.
@@KD0LRG ask Baron how that worked out for him. He was forced to try to get his online because no one was in Walmart to help him. Seriously, look up the story.🤣
This is a guy who is always pushing 6 sense fishing gear and is fishing daily my problem is how many other days did he fish without a license and some of that could be proven thru his videos and should be see BEN and his mullet crooks talked crap while catching these big fish how they were just so much better then others yea breaking law heck I wonder if he even had a License while Toledo Bend tournament was going on
Great reporting. (TRUTH) . Disqualify him & go on. Corrective Action was taken immediately. Done, OK- Don't smear someone’s name after the fact months later. On a headline MISDEMEANOR??? Just release the fish back to the lake. However…. Don’t keep the fish for spawning & benefit etc .. (if it was caught illegally) can’t have it BOTH WAYS. Just drop the charges. THEN keep the fish for spawning & genetics. Use the fiberglass replica mount anonymously for show . (My Opinion)
The state isn't going to pass up the opportunity to keep those Prime genetics though. LOL I can't say you're wrong though! You're right! Thank you for the kind words!
I don't understand how you don't know you do not have a license. Every online application has a confirmation. I have purchased online license in multiple states and there is always a confirmation page to save. No confirmation, no license.
Milliken just gives off the vibe of kind of a shady guy. He talks like a used cars salesman and just seems like a snake. He never strikes me as a genuine person.
@@scarecrow6741 no shit a fishing license is state law ass asswipe, but the fact they came back with a whole new charge 10 months after the fact he had already paid a fine on a charge for that one misdemeanor crime, and was removed from the banquet and prize opertunities. You want to be a smart ass but try to hide under the radar. I'm an asshole to those who play you kind of bullshit. Weather you like the guy or not he was charged and fined, anything else months later should fall under double jeopardy. The fist charge was right and if they wanted to charge him with more they should have then, not later. The later charge is just wrong. What's right is not always legal and what legal is not always right.
They just need to have licenses like Iowa, starts 1-1-202? To 1-10-20next year. Gives you 10 days to get legal. Not a hard concept, every state should be the same to make it easy.
Who lives in a state, fishes for UA-cam and the Bassmasters doesn't understand that when a license expires in August...you gotta buy a new one...maybe he is that simple, but as an internet star its a quick google search, for a resident its just common knowledge.
@@patriotsunited8947 you do know that they also have your today licenses in Texas, right? They don't all expire in august. How does someone fish in Texas and not know that?
Strange! You would think a guy of his calibur would have his license...? But like u said maybe for whatever reason it didnt go through? Happened to my brother once and i was there when he purchased it. We got stopped by DEC and he didnt have it on him and it didn't show up in the system. Even with a witness their was nothing he could do?.. weird! 🐟🎣
It was an accident. I’ve been on my boat before where it occurred to me, wonder when my license expires? I then dig it out and sure enough, it had an expired. I think it was an accident.
@@donnieshelton591 I fished an entire year without my license 🤣. I totally spaced it, I have a lifetime license and for some reason my yearly wasn’t mailed out.
@ i don’t know about that, the guy is super busy and travels a lot. Plus it’s not like he lacks the money. One thing for sure, I bet he doesn’t forget again.
You want TX game wardens to follow Ben around and wipe his ass for him also? His license had been expired 6 damn months, that’s pure laziness on his part.
@@bobbytommaselli9733 True, that just like in any case of termite fraud, the person arrested never received the prize. I see where they're making it the same principle. Although I don't like the fact it's a raffle, random draw, instead of a tournament.
I don’t know who is more stupid! Ben submitting a share lunker with no license or Blaukat with 50 years as a tournament angler getting him and his co-angler DQed for being late because he didn’t realize his kill switch was off ! 😂😂😂
Complete bs . Tons of jealous people in texas of ben and josh jones . This would of never happemed to anyone else . Plenty people still pissed off over the oh ivie deal
You do realize that all Texas licenses expire on august 31st right? No matter when you bought it. Coming from another state that rolls over on the date purchased, it’s real easy to let it lapse and not realize. Expired august. Caught fish September. Is it that hard for people to put that together? Get your clicks dude. But be real about it. This is a crap citation and anyone with eyes can see that.
@@Whyyousomadbruh this is 100% incorrect. You can buy a year-to-date license for a couple of bucks extra. Look into that. They started that a few years ago.
Video says this all started in February of this year, did Ben wait 5 months to turn the fish in? I dont know as this is the first Im seeing about this but foilage in the picture of Ben and his fish looks like its later than September considering there arent many leaves anywhere. Either way, if youre fishing without a license then you deserve a citation regardless of who you are. Charging him with fraud instead of simple fishing without a license is a bit much in my opinion.
@@joemachismo6594 he caught the fish in February. It was turned in the same day he caught it, that's how it has to work. The fish are taking a life. The citation for the license happened shortly thereafter. It was when the program Was preparing for their banquet that they were doing auditing of all the awards. That's when it was found.
No such thing as bad publicity, just publicity. Dude has well over a half million views on his channel (yesterday). That’s why he’s smiling in the mug shot. Let’s get real. It probably wasn’t a big deal, but there was opportunity there just the same!
I’m not a big fan of his but us fisherman need to stick together…. I blame most of this kinda crap on the new technology and how the states are pushing more online bull crap on everybody!! I miss the old days when you went to the old hardware store and bought your licenses and there was no question whether you had bought them or not…..you could simply look in your billfold and check. Our state of Alabama now requires you to get online at the boat ramp and pay a launch fee and guess what….there is no service at the boat ramp to use the stupid qr code they provide! This new and improved easier way ant so easy!! Bring back the old days please!! 🙏🏻🎣
@@rickyreynolds9056 I don't disagree with you there! The online stuff does make it easier for us disabled people, however, I do miss the good ol days! Those little hometown hardware stores really bring back the memories!
Wasn't he a citizen of Texas at the time also? I find it extremely odd that he would not have a fishing license for anywhere he fishes in the country. Tell me the Texas Parks and Wildlife is not run by woke weirdos...
It's not. You have no idea how many people screw up getting a license in Texas. It's the way in which its Run August to august. If you want a year today you have to pay more money and specify. It's always been backwards and jacked up.
Sorry brother, if I start burning sources...I won't have any sourcez. Old school journalism has to be based on trust. I CAN say that I believe that it's a trustworthy source who has never steered me wrong.
@@cerebraltackle I get it. I do a political podcast @bossierwatch and have an outdoors channel @theoutdoornewsmedia both on youtube and Facebook. However, there would be a very limited number of folks who would be privy to that information - a VERY limited number of folks. If, in fact, what you are reporting is true, then Ben should have an easy defense for the contest fraud charge. We'll see. My stance / opinion / 2 cents is that once Ben realized his license was not valid at the time he went fishing that day - he should have withdrawn from the SL contest. Of course, innocent until PROVEN guilty. ps: While I've watched a few of your videos before, I just subscribed to your channel. You have nice insights and questions that you ask.
Born and raised here. I recall 3x I fished in September, and totally forgot about my License expiring. Fished 3 days in September doing it this year. When it hit me in the brain, I renewed on my phone while in the boat. It happens. I know numerous people who’ve gotten the expired license deal checked. None of them were arrested. They just paid the expensive fine.
Finally, a clear, concise and fair report of what occurred. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful, thank you!
Lol Texas a free state.. I dont personally care for the guy but this is ridiculous. Fine him for fishing without license and kick him out of banquet should of been end of story.
@@allenr6687 agreed!
Same here. We pay out the ass in property taxes and sales tax. We shouldn’t have to pay for a fishing license if we live here. Been here my entire life. $30 min every year to be legal to fish is BS.
Texas enforces the law.
@@jgringo5516 It’s $30 that goes back into the state to help the lakes and overall fisheries manpower. You’ll probably spend that on beer this weekend. I did 😎.
Im not sure about TX, but you might pay property tax to the town not the state.
@jgringo5516 contrary to popular belief your property taxes do not pay for everything that allows you to get to and from work and put food on your table. Sorry, that's not enough money. Common sense.
Thanks for your unbiased opinion. The other videos so far have been about people who clearly don't like him...
@@seantuck542 it's my pleasure, thank you. I'm going to follow this through to the end. 💯👊
thank you , I always wait, and have been waiting to see what YOU found out about this!!! keep us all knowing what's really going on.
Thank you for another well informed video! Always great content!
@@adrienneam143 thank you very much, I appreciate that! 👊💯
Not a “Big Ben” fan, but your reporting as always is “spot “on . Your often deadpan delivery adds a flair that keeps me watching. Great job, again!
@@archiejr6728 thank you, that truly means a lot. That's the kind of encouragement that keeps me going. Very appreciated!
If Ben wasn’t such a abrasive character, F&G would have left it alone. My guess is Ben will “milk” it for UA-cam views and sympathy.
You couldn't be more wrong. That's not how Texas Parks and Wildlife works. I'm thinking you didn't watch the whole video. His company has an awesome relationship with Texas Parks and Wildlife and donates thousands of dollars of tackle to this same program every year. You're wrong on every account.
Muslims say their God is the best too. Based on his personal online and his reputation prior to becoming a UA-camr, I am 100% positive not everyone feels the same way you do. I’m not discounting that I’m completely wrong, I’m just saying, there is a really good chance he rubbed someone the wrong way.
@MattStarkFishing I agree that he's an acquired taste and that not everyone likes him. You are right there. Just knowing what I know about Texas Parks and Wildlife, I don't see it being personal. If it is, it's because it's being pushed from outside, not inside. I have my theories and I'll be doing my research. If I find anything, I will let everyone know.
@ it’s an interesting case regardless. Thanks for the post and open dialogue
@MattStarkFishing thank you!
This entire situation is ridiculous.
awesome reporting as usual CT... glad you are getting back into the groove after your absence 🙂
Thank you, I appreciate that. However, I would say I'm far from being back in the groove. This was supposed to be another week off for me while I recovered from surgery. However, people can't stop doing f-s**t! 🤣🤣
Good video. Glad to see you reported the details and didn't take a stance against him like some others have.
Thank you, I try. One troll has already said that I'm kissing his butt. People just don't understand that facts don't fit their narrative..... doesn't make them any less factual. Lol! I appreciate you being here.
Brother you done it again you're the man that always comes up with the truth unlike other ones which we will not mention names I always wait for your content no matter what it is once again brother thanks and you and the wife have happy holidays
Thank you so much! I hope you and yours have a beautiful holiday season as well! Sincerely, thank you! 💯👊
The Mf'er knew what he was doin . Wasn't an over sight .
He's always been cocky .
Never have liked or watched him after i saw a few of his videos !
@@allenwilson9656 jealously or hating on a person you don’t know with no reason seems silly.
Sounds like you are envious ....
Can't imagine anybody that knows they don't have a fishing license going through the process of having it certified. That's not the actions of a guilty man. Accidents happen, mistakes are made. Total crap. I wasn't a Ben fan for a long time but he grew on me. He's too smart to let this happen. I hope it all works out for him. I really don't think he intentionally screwed up.
He said he had a license and did not at the time of the catch. He renewed it afterwards. That's where the fraud comes in.
Texas Parks and wildlife are law enforcement. TP&W game warden.
That would be true if he wasn't a professional fisherman.
Mistake made it happens.... just like a pro getting DQ'd after not realizing they didn't have insurance.... no one in their right mind would knowingly let 30 dollars kick them out of legacy fish status when a company they are partnered in gives the amount they do to that program.....
It's pretty a basic requirement for a professional fisherman, I bet he never leaves his live scope at home.
@@scarecrow6741 right
This is a great video. Clear and to the point. My .02 for what little it’s worth. I think the Texas Parks and Wildlife are ruining a relationship with someone who has shown through his platform the amazing things they are doing with the Share Lunker program. Someone has to have it in for Ben. Disqualify him from the tournament and banquet…..fine. Seeking legal penalties outside a fine for a license…unreal.
Thank you very much! 👊
This sounds like the most plausible explanation yet!
Like I say, people usually know the truth when they hear it. 👊💯Glad you're here!
Seems like this could backfire on Texas Parks and Wildlife. Seems kind of petty. I think once Ben is able to give his side of the story, TPW will look like tyrants.
"Tyrants"...have you gone SovCit? 😁
He has no side. He was 100% wrong.
They ALREADY look like "tyrants."😂
@robertmceuen3630 so we're clear - this channel is allergic to SovCits. 🤣
@@scottdanielson4816 let’s be real, Ben could weigh fish with weights and after he spun it on his UA-cam Channel, there are some fan boys that would side with him. There is probably a lot more to the story we aren’t hearing about, and “fraud” is very different than fishing without a license, and had it been as simple as a license infraction, there is no way the accusations of “fraud” would be used.
CT, great objective, honest review of this incident. Personally, I'm not a big fan of Milliken. I used to subscribe to his channel but unsubsribed. His know-it-all style rubbed me the wrong way. Maybe it's his hubris that prompted the Texas DNR to do this and perhaps the reason this has gone so virally against him.
I just subsribed to your channel to see what you have to say. Also, I wonder about this TX lunker program and the mortality rate of those fish they deem to be prime spawning fish for future stock. Do they study that? Thanks for listening!
Actually, it's an amazing program! They take wonderful care of the fish. They have a wonderful success rate not only with the fry that they spawn but also in returning the donated fish back to its home waters. Glad to have you here!
Texans forgetting to renew their fishing license is a meme now 😂
I completely agree with this! 🤣
Thanks for straightening it out Cerebral. Ole Randy got info drunk and had to be first with zero info. 😂
@@TheAverageAngler par for the course! 🤣 Everyone wants to race me...I'm not fast, but I have my s*it together. 🤣🤣
@ I remember the incident. He had a video at one time. May be removed currently but I didn’t look.
You goof Randy never judged him....keep being a clown ...im sure you have all googan stuff as well .. 😂
@markhamblin8195 coming from the guy who said "ben is a idiot"...first, it's "an". You know, I don't have to explain myself any further than that. 🤣🤣
Great breakdown - thank you!
Thank you for being here!
Ben does not live in Nacogdoches he lives in Conroe. Sounds like he forgot to renew his license in September. You have to list all your info when u start filling out paperwork to submit. This is when he probably realized he had not renewed. His best move would have been to withdrawal the fish instead of purchasing new license and then submitting fish. The big smile is because he knows his next video is going to get 10 million viewers and more than cover cost of ticket.
It won't cover the class A misdemeanor if he is convicted.
@@cerebraltackle how would it qualify as class A in this case? Because of the amount of the potential dollars he may have won? He didn’t get the money though, did he?
@BassSlayer2448 it's because of the offense. It's one level below a state jail felony. The way it's written, it's either an A or a B, depending on possible amount of winnings. The person does not need to win, just show the intent.
If he is a professional Fishman he should know the laws in every state he works in.
@@cerebraltackle whoa a class a misdemeanor…lol…for a millionaire 🤣
Well, I don’t think it’s a big deal. I still do have to question. How are you Gonna be a professional fisherman and let your fishing license expire? It’s literally what you do for a living. Why wouldn’t you just buy a lifetime license at this point and just write it off?
States which are part of the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact may not issue a fishing license to anyone who has violations of fish and game laws in another state. Usually it depends on whether the person is prohibited from buying a license in the state where the violations occurred. That is not the case here so perhaps he doesn't have to worry but if other states refuse to sell him a license it would effectively end his tournament fishing career. That would be WAY over the top considering the nature of his initial violation. The tournament fraud charge seems to be a reach but perhaps there's more to the story.
I have reported on the compact numerous times on this channel. I have very intimate knowledge. You are not wrong. This could cause real issues. Just look at my work on Josh Stracner.
thank you for the update
@@bigmikefishingchonicles9950 thank you for watching!
Ol randy is loving this
@@jason6325 without question! 🤣🤣
He is just hoping no one remembered him showing his ass in a magazine years ago..... great representation of BASS.....
“I’m from the government and I’m here to help you “ 🙄
Why would anyone knowingly risk the loss of prize money and damage to their reputation for the cost of a fishing license? They wouldn't.
I like Ben but can't believe that someone who makes his living by fishing wouldn't be more responsible in keeping up to date with his licenses.
@@russ350r you'd be shocked how common it is. I know several people who have made a serious honest mistake.
They fishing 20 different states a year and all have year to date licenses. Pretty hard to keep up on all of them
@@phill-6000 yet, hundreds if not thousands of anglers do every year so…
It happens all the time. I know lots of people who forget. Why do we have to pay minimum $30 every year for a fishing license? I already pay $10k a year in property taxes and sales tax out the wazoo on everything. Why the Hell do I have to pay $30 for a license to go fishing? That’s insane! When I turned 13, I bought my first license. It was 1984. A fishing license was $6!
@@cerebraltackle well if they would have fished legally....
This was probably the most surprising news story I’ve heard all year…..
We agree! 😁🤣
No matter what , it is everyone’s responsibility to make dam sure they have a license, fish , hunt , drivers . Go get the paper and have it on your person , irresponsible will get your azz , you’re on fault , not the state of TEXAS
Hello CT.
Thanks for your reporting however many timelines are ambiguous. A few questions.
Whom discovered his license was invalid on February 5th?
What steps were taken retroactively from date of discovery for any tournaments or other contests?
Did Ben report himself?
Are the dates of app submission and invalid license the same?
Date, infraction and amount of fine?
Date he purchased valid license?
Date it’s was “ Quickly caught and rectified “
The TPW rediscovered this in October and didn’t DQ him in February? Good grief.
Was the replica and prize package withdrawn in February for a Legacy submission?
It’s more than the prize drawing, a Legacy includes other prizes automatically granted. Did he receive those?
Apparently everything should have been removed except the genetic value of his submission in February.
Please address the timeline with finer details as you’re able.
As a former Publisher I always enjoy your work.
Thank you.
Scott
From iPhone expect TyPo’s
@@scottehrlich6653 I am on all of the above! 😉 I'll get it out as soon as it's available! I have many of the same questions as well as some others. I already have calls into some folks and have plans for others.
@ curious to know if he had to purchase a 2023 license to bring it current?
Does the Texas period expire 1-1-24?
If he wasn’t valid longer than 30ish days then other events might be problematic.
@@scottehrlich6653 Texas has two options for a yearly fishing license. The standard runs from August 31st to August 31st. The second option is fairly new and is Year from date of purchase, it can be purchased for a couple of extra bucks. There's no such thing as getting a license retroactively. So that would cause him some issues.
@@cerebraltackle thank you very much.
@@cerebraltackle when you said “ caught quickly and rectified “ was that a quote or opinion?
Thanks CT.
Texas is protecting their bass and making an example to the public. I didn't get to fish much this year because I'm not a resident of Kansas and they want $75 for half a year of ice
@@nancyzipperer8819 Damn! That's steep! 😳
I was waiting on this video to get the real truth. My wife even asked me if you had dropped a video about it yet. I never expected to see it tonight. Thank you!!!
@@nic_harden09 that's awesome of you, THANK YOU! You made my day! Please tell your wife I said thank you to her as well! 💯👊
The real truth was posted by the local newspaper.
@@robertlane370 it's cute that you don't think that I , a journalist, and they don't have the same sources. I happen to know the author of that story. But, you keep on not knowing what you're talking about. You've had five comments on my channel. Each has been slightly dumber than the one before it. 🤣🤣
ShareLunker has a prize package of $5000. If he knowing lied about a license to win the prize that is considered a felony in Texas based on the dollar amount.
Not true. The way this statute is written makes it a Class A or Class B depending on the dollar amount. Dollar amounts are NOT uniform! That's Dunning-Kruger crap. It's determined by the specific statute.
It’s a witch hunt. He made a simple mistake by not renewing a year to date license. He paid a fine and his catch was disqualified from the Program. That should have been the end of it. Shame on TPWD.
@@Mags120fish1 I absolutely agree with that. There's only one way he could be guilty of more...but I seriously doubt he is. But, as usual, I'm looking into every option.
The problem is he knew his fish wasn't eligible and submitted it anyway. That is fraud.
@@dannylamb9041 how do you know that?
@@dannylamb9041 how do you know that?
@dannylamb9041 not necessarily, if he had his old license, the new document # would be the same. Others have made the same mistake.
I fished a local tournament one time and the game warden checked us.
I would have sworn my license was valid but it went out the week before.
I got a ticket and went to my truck and drove to the store and got a valid license.
Finished the tournament and got 10th out of 11 teams!!! 😂😂😂
Sometimes you just make mistakes!!!!
My app showed I was "active" last year on a fishing trip but if you drilled down on the past purchases and selected the year it was clearly expired. Since then TPWD has changed their app.
Good work.
Thanks!
There on line is a pain.I was in Ohio last year took me 3 minutes for a temp.Not Texas
Bingo!
Nice job brother.
Thank you, I appreciate that!
Great information bro
Thank you! 💯👍
Well it couldn’t happen to a more likable guy, I wonder just how expired his license was? Interesting video.. appreciate ya guy.
@@F14AB thank you very much. I'll keep my ears to the ground and see what I can find out. I'm sure there's a lot more to come.
That sounds like the most likely scenario. Hopefully, that can be resolved without conviction if it was an honest mistake. I think if conviceted he could lose his license for a year and that could affect his ability to fish Lake Fork. Thanks for the info.
I agree and Thank you!
Provably mot the nest of looks to poje the bear by changing your Insta photo to the mugshot . Funny for us but Texas officials not so much and judge will think hes a pompous ass
Did he do that?
@cerebraltackle reportedly
Just looked, yep...he did. 🤣
JL, holler at me via message on insta
So, a young man I once met, said he wanted to be a Game Warden. One day he was riding along with a current game warden and was told, to catch hunters, you find a place where they are feeding dear. You put a log on top of some of the feed, when hunting season comes about, and all the feed that is visible is picked up by the hunter or eaten by the deer, you simply show up, turn over the log with feed under it and write a ticket (confiscate everything the hunter has). Lets just say the kid didn't want to become a game warden after being shown this tactic and other things. Game wardens can be very corrupt, just to make themselves look good.
By all accounts, this was not a game warden that wrote the affidavit. It was someone in the Fisheries Division.
Just stupid of the state to try to go after him like that. I can understand if they disqualify him from the big bass banquet thing. But to go after him for fraud. If u like Ben or not he has been in ambassador to the sport and Texas for that matter. They always try to make an example out of people it's stupid
"we are from the governament and we are here to help"
I've had to buy my license while I was out on the lake fishing. People forget.
Yeah this situation doesn't make a ton of sense. They did him no mercy with that mug shot though lol
Right! 🤣
Pretty sure Randy called up some of his male Karen buddies to get a gotcha on Ben.
I wonder if like Josh Stracner he won't be able to get a license in any other state. It sure did snowball on Josh.
Yeah, the problem with Josh is that he finished in several states without a license in those states. It caught up with him fast!
I don't know a darn thing about it, but... the smile in his mugshot says Ben thinks it is laughable.
Doesn't it though! 🤣
Well safe to say unless Texas delays the court hearing until 2025 he can forget about Classic because they will suspend his ability to get a license for at least a year.
@@J.L.ScottFishing Not necessarily. There are a MILLION ways this could go! It wouldn't be at a hearing, unless there's a plea. It would have to be at the sentencing phase at the end of a trial or acceptance of a plea deal. The sentence isn't a hard stop. It totally depends on a million factors.
@cerebraltackle Hearing or day in court depends on how the state refers to it but same thing. He has been summoned to court as it stands already to appear as part of his release from county after turning himself in. Likely he then gets a court date for trial unless Texas permits waving initial appearance and go straight to trial
@J.L.ScottFishing I worked Loss Prevention and delt with everything from class c clear to Felony crimes. Unless there's a plea, there will be several hearings JUST to deal with discovery.
Always 💯
Guess 6th Sense might just give them no thanks, next year. I doubt Ben knew that 6th was donating anything to the program as he seems to be not even involved in the front office. Not like they are going to call him and ask if they can donate. As for a license I just go to the local Walmart, they seem to be in every state and get my PAPER license.
@@KD0LRG ask Baron how that worked out for him. He was forced to try to get his online because no one was in Walmart to help him. Seriously, look up the story.🤣
Is this another excuse for a different person? Y’all are like fleas on an infested dog. Stick together, they jump…you jump.
This is a guy who is always pushing 6 sense fishing gear and is fishing daily my problem is how many other days did he fish without a license and some of that could be proven thru his videos and should be see BEN and his mullet crooks talked crap while catching these big fish how they were just so much better then others yea breaking law heck I wonder if he even had a License while Toledo Bend tournament was going on
Reports are that he had a license since immediately following the February submission. But yes, many are asking the same question.
No excuses, when you fish in a different state you always buy a license before you fish! Big Mouth Ben gets what he deserves!
GREAT!.. now Jake paul is gonna start fighting bass pros!.. that’s what this industry seems to be now. Entertaining however!.. nice info sir👊
@@JacobBurks thank you! I really appreciate that! 👊💯
Great reporting. (TRUTH) . Disqualify him & go on. Corrective Action was taken immediately. Done, OK- Don't smear someone’s name after the fact months later. On a headline MISDEMEANOR??? Just release the fish back to the lake. However…. Don’t keep the fish for spawning & benefit etc .. (if it was caught illegally) can’t have it BOTH WAYS. Just drop the charges. THEN keep the fish for spawning & genetics. Use the fiberglass replica mount anonymously for show . (My Opinion)
The state isn't going to pass up the opportunity to keep those Prime genetics though. LOL I can't say you're wrong though! You're right! Thank you for the kind words!
Needs to lead by example no excuses hes knows to buy hes dang permit in the state he lives in
Negligence and arrogance will forever get a man in hot water.
I don't understand how you don't know you do not have a license. Every online application has a confirmation. I have purchased online license in multiple states and there is always a confirmation page to save. No confirmation, no license.
Texas has had known glitches. Just ask Baron Adams.
So you and Ben just say “F it, not my problem”…..if you encounter a glitch? The level at which you’ll make excuses for him aren’t biased at all. lol
@@dennisgriffin6742 where is the "me" in that? You really could use some reading comprehension. I'm stating facts, I'm not taking a side. Chill.
Baron Adams didn’t have a glitch. He never hit submit during the purchase process. He admitted that.
His initial comment was that he "thought it went through". Ge was taking the high road and being nice. Good on him.
Appears someone in TPWP trying to make a name for themselves. A good judge will toss this out!
Milliken just gives off the vibe of kind of a shady guy. He talks like a used cars salesman and just seems like a snake. He never strikes me as a genuine person.
I would not doubt that this is a vendetta by someone!
@@TBstr8nsty no, it's state law.
@@TBstr8nsty I've been saying that all along.
@@scarecrow6741 no shit a fishing license is state law ass asswipe, but the fact they came back with a whole new charge 10 months after the fact he had already paid a fine on a charge for that one misdemeanor crime, and was removed from the banquet and prize opertunities. You want to be a smart ass but try to hide under the radar. I'm an asshole to those who play you kind of bullshit. Weather you like the guy or not he was charged and fined, anything else months later should fall under double jeopardy. The fist charge was right and if they wanted to charge him with more they should have then, not later. The later charge is just wrong. What's right is not always legal and what legal is not always right.
They just need to have licenses like Iowa, starts 1-1-202? To 1-10-20next year. Gives you 10 days to get legal. Not a hard concept, every
state should be the same to make it easy.
Who lives in a state, fishes for UA-cam and the Bassmasters doesn't understand that when a license expires in August...you gotta buy a new one...maybe he is that simple, but as an internet star its a quick google search, for a resident its just common knowledge.
@@patriotsunited8947 you do know that they also have your today licenses in Texas, right? They don't all expire in august. How does someone fish in Texas and not know that?
Didn't TPW do something similar to Josh Jones?
I'm not familiar with him too terribly much.
@cerebraltackle Absolutely love your content! Thanks for keepin it reel!
Thank you very much, I appreciate that.
Strange! You would think a guy of his calibur would have his license...? But like u said maybe for whatever reason it didnt go through? Happened to my brother once and i was there when he purchased it. We got stopped by DEC and he didnt have it on him and it didn't show up in the system. Even with a witness their was nothing he could do?.. weird! 🐟🎣
Misunderstanding maybe but I don't know any hardcore bass fisherman that would forget to get their license!
For anyone who lives in Texas, they know that Texas Wildlife is an absolute joke when it comes to this stuff.
It was an accident. I’ve been on my boat before where it occurred to me, wonder when my license expires? I then dig it out and sure enough, it had an expired. I think it was an accident.
Agreed!
@@donnieshelton591 I fished an entire year without my license 🤣. I totally spaced it, I have a lifetime license and for some reason my yearly wasn’t mailed out.
Fishing for a week or two is an accident…not 6 months!!!
@ i don’t know about that, the guy is super busy and travels a lot. Plus it’s not like he lacks the money. One thing for sure, I bet he doesn’t forget again.
@ you can’t know that and why would he? To save $30? You know he’s wealthy now right?
BS! Bad on Texas!
You want TX game wardens to follow Ben around and wipe his ass for him also? His license had been expired 6 damn months, that’s pure laziness on his part.
Content creation at it best by Ben !😂
He may have ambitions to run for office. He is starting to check all the boxes.
Thats crazy he got arrested for a raffle that he didnt even get to enter!?!?
@@bobbytommaselli9733 True, that just like in any case of termite fraud, the person arrested never received the prize. I see where they're making it the same principle. Although I don't like the fact it's a raffle, random draw, instead of a tournament.
I don’t know who is more stupid! Ben submitting a share lunker with no license or Blaukat with 50 years as a tournament angler getting him and his co-angler DQed for being late because he didn’t realize his kill switch was off ! 😂😂😂
Wow. Looks like ol Randy lives rent free in your head LOL
Wow, talk about overblowing a situation.
@@sapper3082 it depends on several factors that we don't have yet.
Complete bs . Tons of jealous people in texas of ben and josh jones . This would of never happemed to anyone else . Plenty people still pissed off over the oh ivie deal
Lots of people without licenses fish only on private property. Nothing wrong with that...
He should have been on private property then, he wasn’t.
Very true.
You do realize that all Texas licenses expire on august 31st right? No matter when you bought it. Coming from another state that rolls over on the date purchased, it’s real easy to let it lapse and not realize. Expired august. Caught fish September. Is it that hard for people to put that together? Get your clicks dude. But be real about it. This is a crap citation and anyone with eyes can see that.
@@Whyyousomadbruh this is 100% incorrect. You can buy a year-to-date license for a couple of bucks extra. Look into that. They started that a few years ago.
Video says this all started in February of this year, did Ben wait 5 months to turn the fish in? I dont know as this is the first Im seeing about this but foilage in the picture of Ben and his fish looks like its later than September considering there arent many leaves anywhere. Either way, if youre fishing without a license then you deserve a citation regardless of who you are. Charging him with fraud instead of simple fishing without a license is a bit much in my opinion.
@@joemachismo6594 he caught the fish in February. It was turned in the same day he caught it, that's how it has to work. The fish are taking a life. The citation for the license happened shortly thereafter. It was when the program Was preparing for their banquet that they were doing auditing of all the awards. That's when it was found.
Perfect combination of an incompetent state and obnoxious personality.
well done
Thank you!
I guess Ben can just use the next 13 pounder for a fish fry.
No such thing as bad publicity, just publicity. Dude has well over a half million views on his channel (yesterday). That’s why he’s smiling in the mug shot. Let’s get real. It probably wasn’t a big deal, but there was opportunity there just the same!
No, he could lose his fishing license in the state for 5 years. There's precedent for that. It's a big deal and he knows it.
I’m not a big fan of his but us fisherman need to stick together…. I blame most of this kinda crap on the new technology and how the states are pushing more online bull crap on everybody!! I miss the old days when you went to the old hardware store and bought your licenses and there was no question whether you had bought them or not…..you could simply look in your billfold and check. Our state of Alabama now requires you to get online at the boat ramp and pay a launch fee and guess what….there is no service at the boat ramp to use the stupid qr code they provide! This new and improved easier way ant so easy!! Bring back the old days please!! 🙏🏻🎣
@@rickyreynolds9056 I don't disagree with you there! The online stuff does make it easier for us disabled people, however, I do miss the good ol days! Those little hometown hardware stores really bring back the memories!
This is ticky tacky...Texas just getting paid. Making a power move....weak!
He was obviously railroaded by someone or some people with a personal beef. 👎🏼
Wasn't he a citizen of Texas at the time also? I find it extremely odd that he would not have a fishing license for anywhere he fishes in the country. Tell me the Texas Parks and Wildlife is not run by woke weirdos...
It's not. You have no idea how many people screw up getting a license in Texas. It's the way in which its Run August to august. If you want a year today you have to pay more money and specify. It's always been backwards and jacked up.
@@cerebraltackle Well, that's good to know anyway.
Finally someone with intelligence talks on this topic.
Thank you!
What is your source on the reporting that Ben was instructed to pay a fine and told to purchase his license?
Sorry brother, if I start burning sources...I won't have any sourcez. Old school journalism has to be based on trust. I CAN say that I believe that it's a trustworthy source who has never steered me wrong.
@@cerebraltackle I get it. I do a political podcast @bossierwatch and have an outdoors channel @theoutdoornewsmedia both on youtube and Facebook.
However, there would be a very limited number of folks who would be privy to that information - a VERY limited number of folks. If, in fact, what you are reporting is true, then Ben should have an easy defense for the contest fraud charge. We'll see.
My stance / opinion / 2 cents is that once Ben realized his license was not valid at the time he went fishing that day - he should have withdrawn from the SL contest.
Of course, innocent until PROVEN guilty.
ps: While I've watched a few of your videos before, I just subscribed to your channel. You have nice insights and questions that you ask.
@RexMoncrief thank you, I very much appreciate that. Welcome aboard.
Born and raised here. I recall 3x I fished in September, and totally forgot about my License expiring. Fished 3 days in September doing it this year. When it hit me in the brain, I renewed on my phone while in the boat. It happens. I know numerous people who’ve gotten the expired license deal checked. None of them were arrested. They just paid the expensive fine.
Doesn't him turning in the fish also help the rest of the fishery? By spawning the fish and using it's offspring? If so, I'd eat the damn fish.
Coming in hot! 🤣
not having a fishing license??????????????????
Someone needs to be fired over this and sued. This is supposed to be a ticket.
nevermind
What's up?
Hi
Fine him. And move in.Good God
6th sense is owned by Casey Sobczak not Ben..
Ben Milliken is part owner of the company.
@@cerebraltackle
Ben is minority owner. The founder , owner and president is Casey. He is also who painted the baits.
I don't care for Milliken at all, but I think this is completely overreacting and its being done to make an example of a "big" public name.