USA VS Eric Hanson: The Crazy Consequences for My Mistake in a National Park

[@DanBecker]

Eric doesn’t want to ruffle feathers up and have this happen to him again so I’m gonna instead. Was he ignorant to the crime? Yes. Is ignorance a defense? No. BUT the situation that we were all faced with (near death, extreme exhaustion, extreme emotions, and doing our BEST to comply). Those attorneys are COMPLETE TRASH. They should utterly be ashamed of themselves. This is a complete abuse of power and if you are a taxpayer, you should be infuriated. There are literal, KZbin channels… several… That are completely dedicated to stealth camping in illegal places. They are publicly posting this online! And here’s, Eric, One of the most dedicated and honorable outdoor people I have ever met, and extremely respectful to the environment, doing everything he can to camp legally, after one of the most emotionally draining experiences, we have all been through, and these complete losers try to make an example a out of him by almost utterly destroying his life. They are pathetic, and should be embarrassed of themselves.

[@srenhalsgaard1638]

Also pathetic language from you man. The attorneys and judge just did they’re job as they should, otherwise the case would be corrupt. The ones who filed the case are the ones who should be ashamed. Don’t blame the legal system.

[@silasstrathmann2066]

@@srenhalsgaard1638calling someone out on language and messing up spelling in the process….

[@vzmichael]

Dude is a self-appointed word policeman. The situation is absurd and he calls out Dan's WORDS?One of the men who was actually involved and Eric's friend. Maybe taking just a little too much moral ownership of your KZbin heroes? 😂

[@scottysgarage4393]

@@srenhalsgaard1638 Does stupidity hurt? It should be painful. You'd be in agony.

[@madcolor]

To be fair, you and Eric should mention how much revenue you've made from your content regarding this poorly planned trip. No way I'm doing a rim-to-rim-to-rim without an insane amount of physical prep (6 months min). You were clearly not prepped for this jaunt. Nat parks have to try to manage millions of people every year. Millions! Everyone here should read Over the Edge: Death in Grand Canyon for a good dose of the reality Nat. parks has to deal with.

[@billbarrett7772]

There's letter of the law and the spirit of the law. I spent 25 years in law enforcement and this is the most ridiculous thing I've ever seen or heard about. I'm embarrassed for the federal criminal justice system.

[@haydenedwards5740]

This is what they taught me in the academy too!! Letter of the law Vs Spirit of the law.

[@jchristian8214]

Retired LEO here and I 100% agree. With everything that is happening in the US right now I think we can all agree that government resources could be used in a more effective manner. Apparently common sense is no longer a requirement to become a law enforcement officer or officer of the court.

[@cgriggsiv]

Please remember that as humans we have the right to roam on God's green earth for our own peace of mind and mental health That means private land as well As long as you are respectful of that property By simply by passing through There is so much in the United States that has so much beauty you have the right to see it

[@ranger14-64]

Current LEO here. This is one of the most ridiculous things I have ever heard of. Not only is there the spirit of the law and the letter of the law. But there is also officer discretion. This should have never even been brought to charges. You have to look at intent and the totality of the circumstances. Not just the letter of the law. Sorry this happened to you.

[@Rays_Bad_Decisions]

Did any of you ex and current Leo's ever learn about authoritarianism and the rise of fascism or their economic system??? I'm curious if you see the correlation and what you should do as cops??

[@seedmole]

I'm a lawyer who has to spend ungodly amounts of hours to get even a single clear answer on where I can and can't do things. I can't imagine how confusing it must be for people with no legal training. In a broad systemic sense, it's arguable that this stuff is intended to intimidate and prevent people from seeking to use public space for its intended purposes. These are career hall monitors who have no understanding of the multitude of limitations that our system of constitutional law places on the executive branch (and when judges are part of it, the judicial branch). Also while courts have significant leeway in sentencing, there are limits on that discretion, and abuse of discretion is one of the easiest ways to win an appeal and get a judge's decision overturned. Sadly those processes are insanely lengthy, especially considering misdemeanors are supposed to be small offenses. Punishment should fit crimes, but it doesn't. It fits the motives of those who camp in the judicial system as if it's their frontier to abuse.

[@boomersoutdoors8898]

Very well stated!

[@Gizziiusa]

sure sounds to me its getting close for an "upheaval" of decent magnitude. I had no idea the system has become so tyrannically predatory upon any hapless person who isnt "toting their line".

[@AllThingsConsidered333]

Yeah let’s give max punishment in a situation like this yet my niece’s killer walks free, never even got arrested when all evidence points to him.. and two people I know arrested for dark web child porn also never spent a day in jail and served minimum probation even though there was an abundance of evidence… our “justice” system is so f’d…

[@born2bwildne744]

@@Gizziiusawe don't need to over-exaggerate this incident into some justification for "an "upheaval" of decent magnitude." This was a one off - and as stated in the video, it seems that it was because of some minor celebrity status, not just "any hapless person". I agree this result was wrong and idiotic - but to extend its impact to "an upheaval of decent magnitude" would be way way worse than this situation calls for.

[@Gizziiusa]

take a good look around bud, we are practically 1/2 way there as it is domestically...unless something else big comes down the pike (as in WW3, which looks more and more possible with the new turn of events in gaza). good day.@@born2bwildne744

[@hughbrown8290]

That’s so unfair. You were 200 yards away in a snow storm at night. It’s horrible the world is going to hell in a hand basket these days. Bless you man.

[@REB4444]

He was WARNED to get back in bounds, and as a PROFESIONAL he should have taken the, "I'm going to MAKE SURE I get back within the boundaries of the law because I just got a second chance" attitude. Instead he took the SAME lackadaisical approach that got them in trouble in the first place and said, well this should be "close enough". That's complete contempt for the law. This is why every year more & more people are having to be recued when they go our of bounds & us innocent taxpayers have to foot the bill.

[@uuuultra]

Typically you get a warning first, then a charge 😂

[@REB4444]

@@uuuultra He did.

[@eddydewilde4958]

It is quite clear that you are more concerned about judging than listening to the story. You are just as bent as the attorney. Ruling for the sake of ruling @@REB4444

[@BigTrees4ever]

@@REB4444that’s unreasonable to expect people to be precise to that point at night in a blizzard.

[@YTMegiddo]

I was involved in a misdemeanor (that was thrown out after many months and several court appearences) that carried a 10 year prison sentence. And I can tell you the stress I was under was unbelievable. So Eric, I understand... it's completely crazy what is going on with the non-violent offenses.

[@uuuultra]

Tell us the story, if you aren't too ashamed 😂

[@geometerfpv2804]

And yet somehow people are being let off for violent offenses, at least in CA where I live. Different rules for different folks these days.

[@chrisfabian-maceda8754]

@@geometerfpv2804yup look at Epstein in florida he got sweet heart deal in a red state when they claim to hate pdf.

[@toddkanhai3164]

That is ridiculous. I am sorry that happened to you. That is not justice. No intent....no criminal history...helped save a friends life...the judge should have thrown it out....200 yards? Shame.

[@SeanTheEvans]

yeah, if only we all got to drive just 200 yards off the road. Things would be fine.

[@toddkanhai3164]

Yeah....those are exactly the same thing....great comparison.

[@uuuultra]

😂

[@SeanTheEvans]

Remember when they saved their friend's life by camping in the wrong location? Yeah, me neither. @@toddkanhai3164

[@MalcolmLangille]

They made an example of how broken the justice system is.

[@kevinstarski1598]

Welcome to America

[@phishermonjon]

Exactly! Look at how many people are in jail over pot!

[@KB-ql8cx]

They made an example of people breaking the law. I get that people like you are fine with crime, but not everyone is. There’s a reason why there’s dedicated camping areas. It’s hard on the ecology and the wildlife

[@kevinstarski1598]

Oh please...@@KB-ql8cx

[@SeanTheEvans]

but youtubers need to be treated with special kid-gloves. Not like they made a choice to camp in winter and then blamed the snow for their issues..... @@KB-ql8cx

[@TheGomer321]

I have been a seasonal park ranger with the NPS for about 4 seasons now at about 3 different parks. This sadly does not surprise me at all and is just another classic example of the NPS wasting the little funding they have on things that could easily be fix with small fines and mainly verbal warnings. Im sad you had to be the person to deal with this mess...

[@Bryan-gt2nz]

Your a coward that never stands up that is why internal iniquitous corruption rises. You just as they have no excuse for your treason, I was just doing my job duhhhhh.

[@dewdude]

I am letting all my representatives know if the NPS has money to waste on this kind of needless enforcement and behavior then they clearly have too much money and can do with a budget cut.

[@jwfinley7808]

​@@dewdudefact

[@jwfinley7808]

Little funding is a joke!

[@uuuultra]

Just go to a state park

[@RichardSpeights]

The phrase is, "I acted in good faith to the Ranger's instructions." I was driving in Oklahoma during an early snow. It covered the ground in a four-inch blanket of white. A car ahead of me was driving between 24 and 45 miles-per-hour. This insane mane could not make up his mind. At the first opportunity, I passed him and promptly got pulled over. The cop came up to my window and said, "You passed on a double yellow line." I leaned out my window and looked back at where I had come. He too looked back at the snow-covered road. I didn't not state the obvious. Didn't nee to. He didn't say much but simply let me go. I had made my decision to pass in good faith, according to the rules I could understand at the time as I understood them. I think he was somewhat embarrassed for not having thought of this before pulling me over.

[@naturemusic88]

I'm so sorry this happened to you. As a teen, my parents took me on my dream backpack Yosemite's glacier point to little Yosemite valley to camp 4., my first ever. We were camped 20 feet from the boundary, 1976. & middle of the night the ranger came along and moved us. My mom was 58, my dad 60 and being exhausted we did our best. I'll never forget. Your story doesn't surprise me.

[@BURRITOBOB2]

The justice system is really a mess. I’m sorry for such a bad experience. Good to hear you didn’t have to spend any time behind bars or deal with probation. Not like the event with Dan wasn’t bad enough. Keep on hiking!

[@medicus5565]

I agree! I'm reminded of a statement a judge told us jurors in a criminal trial, "There is no such thing as a court of justice - it is a court of law." Sad state of a court system.

[@ImperiumLibertas]

​@medicus5565 Any judge that says that should be impeached. The court is part of the JUSTICE system. It is a court of law in pursuit of justice. What a hack.

[@lynn465]

This really pisses me off on so many levels. The stress must have been relentless. I assumed our park system would be saving their energy for people who trash, write graffiti, hunt illegally, and abuse the land. I'm so glad you're able to continue with your platforms.

[@uuuultra]

Classic example of only believing one side of the story

[@movieboy6]

​@@uuuultraHow's the government boot taste?

[@UGA.D]

I would appeal your case to the Department of the Interior. The Constitution gives the executive branch the power over pardons, reprieves, and amnesty. They can expunge your record. If they are really interested in using you as an example, you could offer to make a PSA about camping out of bounds for the national park service. Seems a more appropriate use of your "celebrity."

[@beach4me2007]

He admitted guilt. Pretrial . There is no appeal in a plea bargain where he agreed to a fixed fine/ term. The sad part is that he may have had a winnable case but hiring a lawyer to win it would cost tens of thousands of dollars. Many lawyers are very lazy and do not work any harder than the absolute minimum to keep their license

[@sdhlaw1]

@@beach4me2007 You're right about the lack of an appeal in this case. You're also right about the cost it would take to win the case. You are wrong that "many lawyers are very lazy and do not work any harder than the absolute minimum to keep their license." My experience over 40 years in the private practice of law is that while there are certainly "some lawyers" who are lazy or marginally competent, the advice given to Eric was the type of advice a lawyer would be remiss not giving. If he reasonably believed this would be the cheapest way out of the case while preserving what was most important to his client, as this appeared to be, then the choice was the client's and Eric needed to be advised of the lawyer's professional opinion. All good attorneys would have explained this option. Many clients who want to move on would take the advice. But it was Eric's choice and a reasonable one to make. The bad guys in this story were the bureaucrats at the NPS who decided that they needed to "make an example" of Eric and the lawyer who didn't push back hard enough with his client. Hard to say, from the little said about the judge's role, whether the judge was acting improperly or not.

Lawyers do work hard...for clients who can afford the fees. People who can't get short shifted. @@sdhlaw1

[@pulkpuller]

How will this effect the ability to travel still ?

[@rock-t3d2k]

Good luck with that. What most people do not know is that the Federal government must give you permission to sue it. Make it make sense. The DOI has become very political with the current administration (Biden), even more so than any other administration under which I worked, and I worked within one of the agencies (not the NPS) for well over 30 years. So very sad. The upper levels of all federal bureaucracies are all political appointees. Plus all federal prosecutors are political appointees - certainly the federal DAs are. They select their staffs and those are politically slanted. I'm not sure when this all transpired but I can sort of see why somebody in the NPS wanted to throw the book at any youtuber, content creator because of all the stupidity and intentional disregard for the natural world (going off the boardwalks in Yellowstone, getting up close and personal with bison, elk, moose, bear, with intent to see if they could actually touch one of these creatures, and knocking down balancing rocks, arches, defacing pictographs) that the NPS is charged with preserving. I hike in one of the national parks almost weekly and I can tell you that the attitude of many of the visitors has changed from enjoying the nature that they are seeing and being careful to watch their steps, to videoing themselves doing something crazy (IMO) like climbing to the edge of a precipice that has been clearly guardrailed (rope or metal rails) just to get that perfect scary selfie, going off-trail because they just don't want to follow that boring trail or they want a more gnarly hike/climb than the trail can provide, jumping into a clear high alpine lake usually coated in sunblock - again to pose for selfies, and bringing their dogs everywhere.

[@villagelightsmith4375]

After a 40 year career in the Park Service, the late Charles Peterson ,(my wife's father) said he was glad to have gotten OUT of the Park Service when he didm BEFORE it became what it is today. Asked what that may be, he said "The Park Service has become a Police State."

[@WRC-FAN]

That would have been one jury trial I would have LOVED to be selected for! I am so sorry this happened to you.

[@philsmith2444]

So let me see if I have this correct - the convenience store where you camped is in the protected area? The building and all the foot & vehicle traffic isn’t harming the protected area, but your feet and tents did?

[@DiminutiveFlower]

Politicians are shown more leniency. Millionaires and billionaires are shown more leniency. Different set of rules for them. Disgusting.

[@Warrior_Resisting_Colonialism]

Who do you think MAKE the rules? lol

[@MEw650]

Very disgusting.

[@Bryan-gt2nz]

​@Warrior_Resisting_Colonialism Don't forget it's the idiot order following loser that carries out the evil of tyrants, they won't be getting a free pass.

[@contentofcharacter]

As a millionaire several times over I can tell you it all depends on who you support/vote for and what the prosecutor’s agenda is. I’ve been fighting a clerical error on my record in Fulton County Georgia for 5 years now with no end/resolution in sight.

[@skippylippy547]

@@contentofcharacter Excellent point. Thank you for making it.

[@barbarapaine8054]

One of the things most maddening about bureaucracy is its randomness- and I say that as someone who used to work for a government agency. People are singled out for minor transgressions (or none at all), while others thumb their nose at the system for years. And once government gets its hooks into a person or a situation, they are very reluctant to let go.

[@BradRitterhouse]

And they have an unlimited budget to destroy you.

[@R65-j5k]

Sorry for your troubles friend. Thank you for having the courage to share your story.

[@briangc1972]

After the friend was rescued by the rangers, the proper thing to do would be to break camp. Instead, you left your tents where you knew they did not belong so you could do some sight seeing. You knew the tents were not allowed at the trailhead. You broke the rules, man up and pay the fine. Those 4 hours you spent snowshoeing to the lookout point would have given you plenty of time to relocate to the correct area for dispersed camping.

[@Winnie122459]

I would think our government has more important things of the docket than this. Sorry this happened.

[@CaseyWatchin]

As someone who has been a victim of violent and sexual crime that was never prosecuted… yes our government has WAY better things to do.

[@1HappyHatter]

They don’t

[@TruthHurts907]

The government have nothing higher on their list than restricting your movement and basic freedoms. Your government is ALWAYS your greatest enemy.

[@steelfloor10]

Apparently not, our government is known for stupidity

[@dawnhoughton4533]

Welcome to the 4the Reich police state

[@sk-wx1cf]

It is sickening to me that white collar criminals bilk the US government out of 100's of millions in tax-payer funds etc and get a pass, while the US government wastes resources prosecuting petty offenses like this one. I believe that a person should be prosecuted for camping out of bounds, but there were extenuating circumstances here. If they want to make an example of someone, pick someone who egregiously violated the law, not someone who accidentally committed an inconsequential infraction.

[@jamesrohner3792]

Camping behind a gas station is really hardly out of bounds and should at worst be a 50-100 dollar fine. To threaten prison time and upto 5k in fines is hitting excessive.

[@MichiganHiker]

20 years ago I drove 6 hours to a national park and I would not be able to get a permit until the next morning. The ranger who was leaving when I arrived said I would have to hit a campground. I said well I could just sleep in my car in the parking lot and I was told if I did that I would be arrested. This is ridiculous what they did to you, but they've been doing it for a long time we just don't hear about it and I'm glad you brought it to the forefront. You were dealing with a life and death emergency. You had to evac out Dan, it was extenuating circumstances why they told you to move in the first place I don't know and he should have said, you can camp anywhere near the general store, not the gas station, the general store which is about 200 yards beyond that. It reminds me of a story I covered where a man had a medical emergency and pulled off the side of the freeway. EMS got there, had him on the stretcher taking him to the ambulance and a sheriff walked up and put a ticket on his chest saying he was parked too close to the road. Then they towed his car. I was able to help the guy out and got the sheriff to drop the ticket but this is typical of jerk law enforcement.

[@drdr76]

Maybe we need to defund the national park rangers?

[@wj7867]

20 years ago, you refused to pay the what, $10, for a campsite? And you're holding a grudge because they wouldn't let you camp in a parking lot. Hell, if you don't want to pay, drive out of the park and park in the national forest and it's free. I've had plenty of rangers help me find free campsites outside a park. There are plenty of places to camp for free and 20 years ago it was even easier. You arrived late. That's on you, not them. It's not unreasonable to charge a few bucks for the campground.

[@MichiganHiker]

​@@wj7867I did go to a campground but you totally miss the point. First I don't hold a grudge about it. Very simply had the ranger told me you'll get a ticket that's one thing. But being told I would be arrested that's just seems to be going over the top. There has to be reasonable response to different situations.

[@MichiganHiker]

​​@@drdr76it seems you have such a narrow view of comments that I made. I'm not talking against law enforcement, but that's where you have to turn this conversation to. For the past 12 years I have worked with a small private security group in parts of Detroit where you probably wouldn't even go, alongside Detroit police who are some of the best in the country. And if one of the cops there was being stupid, I would have said the same thing. But because I mentioned one law enforcement officer who was rather insensitive by laying a ticket on someone, or a park ranger who tells me I'll be arrested for parking in a parking lot you think I'm anti-law enforcement? Wow I'm glad that you have such a clear view of the world.

[@andymytys]

27 years ago I was caught sleeping in my car at Yellowstone. I was going to get a ticket, but showed the ranger that the AAA travel guide posted that the nearby campground was still open, when it was closed for the season. I arrived at the park at 2 am and would have fallen asleep at the wheel if I drove further. He decided to make an exception.

[@ditchcomfort]

I’m so glad we have the Allemansretten (Freedom to Roam) in Norway 🇳🇴

[@Lori1Cor15]

We do, too. BLM land.

[@charlespierce3647]

My opinion on national parks has changed over the years. As a frequent visitor to The Smokey mountains National Park, I and my family always enjoy our time there. That said, I am disgusted by the way this and other parks were established. The government forced dirt poor people off their property paying them almost nothing for the privilege of losing their homes and land. Not once were they given a choice. Too poor to fight, they took the cash pittance and left. There were, of cource, exceptions. A few were allowed to remain in their homes for the remainder of their lives, at which point the park received their land. The point is this, once the government takes private land, it almost never returns to private ownership. Tree huggers love this, those who belive in property rights do not.

[@thisbeem2714]

Kind of like what our forefathers did to the Native Americans. Only without giving them anything. It is what our country was founded on, taking from those we can bully.

[@sledgerend]

You'd get in less trouble if you robbed a CVS in San Francisco. Backwards world we live in

[@skippylippy547]

That's so true sledge. Thanks for making a great point!

[@geometerfpv2804]

This was exactly my thought...let off the literal criminals and prosecute well-meaning productive people. Great.

[@christophercarroll7315]

This is an intense story. I'm sorry you experienced this. The court system certainly isn't perfect, and this is an example of why. Thank you for sharing.

[@ChrisHufnagel_Polymath]

Shame on the prosecution and the judge. Someone had an axe to grind.

[@Sam89365]

This reminds me of a time when I was moving out of an apartment a couple years ago. I spent the whole day packing up my trailer and the next day my plain was to head out. I asked the apartment complex where I could park for the night and they said “oh there’s an empty stretch in the back, just anywhere out of the way back there, it’ll be fine.” So I go and park my trailer in what’s technically a fire lane (marked by the red curb) but I figure it was only a few hours and the complex told me it was fine so I parked there. The next day my truck and trailer were gone - they had been towed and the apartment complex acted like they hadn’t told me to park there. I can’t prove it but the complex and the tow company seem to be in bed with each other.

[@PatrickSmeaton]

This makes me sick. The ability of the government to extort people like this using plea agreements is disgusting.

[@daveb5991]

Now that this is over, could we know what USAG's office this came out of so we can complain to our reps in congress to have them removed? This sounds like a massive waste of tax dollars and we need to set an example and have them removed. I don't think a 1k fine was rediculous, but you shouldn't have had to negotiate to get there. Additionally there is a component of reasonability to the law which shouldn't have been takin into account here and wasn't.

[@sstrongman1667]

Agreed that $1,000 fine probably cost him another $10-20k on lawyer/court fees

[@timtt9818]

Our legal system is broken. I sat on jury for a man that car jacked a driver by gun point and was facing 5 years in prison after we convicted him. This man camped outside an invisible line and was facing the same imprisonment. A successful KZbinr can make a modest living. No need to make an “example” out of you. At worst a simple fine would have been warranted. Maybe $500 max. Should have been 0.00… There was no ill intent, circumstances at there worst, and you slept on the ground in a national park we pay taxes for!!!!! For 1 night!

[@dougbourdo2589]

Many , many folks ought seek FOIA request of the hearing transcripts when the discussion of heavy penalty & "Making an example" of Eric was done, Then expose that to the masses to show the utter disregard of fair jurisprudence.

[@warrenjansen7096]

Similar thing happened to Bobby Uncer almost died when he was lost in a blizzard and his snowmobile broke down in a protected federal area. Almost died in the snow just to be crucified in court!

[@sherrierifenberg2199]

Good grief, Eric…I already checked out Dan’s video months ago…what a journey…glad you posted this video…totally outrageous on the part of the park system…this was an emergency for Pete’s sake under 10’ of snow!!!🤦‍♀️

[@michaeld2958]

I’ve heard of other similar stories of people meeting aggressive rangers and being treated terribly in national and state parks. Makes me think they’re hiding something in the parks. It’s the only reason they’d get so upset and treat people harshly for things like ‘camping out of bounds’.

[@paulfranklin9771]

Eric, you provide a valuable service teaching others to be self sufficient, safe, and conservationists. Our current political climate frowns upon that. I canceled a trip to Glacier this past summer because getting into the parks now is a challenge and not worth the risk. You saved a man’s life under extreme conditions. And I’m sorry, but I’m disappointed in the rangers as well.

[@bped8790]

Saved a man's life? Did you watch the full video? This was one of the most irresponsible excursions I've ever seen. Three of the four participants were completely exhausted and wiped out when they reached the bottom of the canyon. Rather than stopping there and turning back the following morning, Eric pushed them on into the snowfield on the North Rim. They were all lucky to survive. I dont support the federal government treating the unauthorized camping like it was the crime of the century. However, they were right to issue some form of citation for the danger Eric put everyone in, including the rescuers.

[@BradRitterhouse]

@@bped8790 I'll post again. It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; . . . who at best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly. Theodore Roosevelt

[@zachcherry8221]

This is a travesty. Some may think this is a small deal and lessened learned, but until you live through it you have no idea what stress this puts on a person and those around them. Everyone involved here should be ashamed (but they are not of course)

[@filmic1]

I wonder how Parks Canada would handle that? That was an emergency situation. I'm ticked that they didn't 'drive' you to a legal camping location to help reduce the stress and show compassion for these serious extenuating circumstances. You pretty much saved Dan's life.

[@woodchip2782]

Parks Canada would do exactly the same. Rangers are like the military. Severe.

[@christianmartel5247]

​@@woodchip2782 Not at all l checked and in Canada it's not criminal,you could risk éviction from the park worse case scénario you would get finned

[@jadasakura]

Such a great point

[@filmic1]

Thanks,@@christianmartel5247I didn't think that Parks Canada's Warden Service would be so harsh. My experience with them has always been a 'teaching' encounter, rather than them having a punitive mandate. Different if you're poaching though. That's when the Warden Service can get rough.

[@striknein]

I think it's pretty clear that the "out of bounds" law is intended to preserve sensitive sites from environmental harm. Not sure the backyard of a gas station qualifies. It's too bad you didn't have that ranger on tape when he told you where to go.

[@jadasakura]

Facts

[@JDavidG.700]

Growing up camping, welcome to the new generation of park rangers.

[@rreeser3271]

"don't mess with me, I might camp out of bounds again" lol having a sense of humor about it is about all you can do. way to not let them get you down.

[@richardcliff3510]

Sorry to see this happen. It is a great shame to see TV advocate of responsible wilderness behavior be made an example of. We all make mistakes with good intent. In a decent world that should have mitigated the legal infraction.

[@jbinnix01]

Crazy when you can go to a campsite and trash is everywhere. The people who trashed the campsite probably do not have to go through what you did.

[@jurgschupbach3059]

It depends who is doing the litterimg..........

[@mtminded4498]

Dang bro, really sorry to hear you had to go through this. Makes me sick seeing true criminals getting charges dropped for biased reasons but they come down this hard on someone like you. Our society is so unjust. Makes me ashamed to be an American with stuff like this going on.

[@warsurplus]

Shame on the NPS and assistant U.S. Attorney for failing to uphold the spirit of the law through this petty prosecution.

[@uuuultra]

Sounds like something a criminal would say

[@PiceaSitchensis]

​@@uuuultraYou sound like something a boot licker would say.

[@Calatriste54]

Plenty of shame to go around in this "out of control" Public agency.

[@aw1008]

The NPS should be ashamed!! After hearing this, I think we should all boycott the national parks.

[@worldwidestuff5567]

That is EXACTLY what they want. They do not want anyone visiting National Parks.

[@auswalker7865]

It's a great shame that this has happened to you Eric. For such a minor and harmless misdemeanor, I would expect that in Australia the case would have been thrown out at the first hearing. I will continue to watch your channel and Dan's channel enthusiastically and with great interest. Keep up your good work and tasteful promotion of the great outdoors and how to care for it.

[@paulellsworth7679]

I'm so glad you posted this. Some of my freinds and I were planning a trip there. And I would have spent much more than $1000 in the local economy. I figure since they got your money they don't need mine. There are plenty of other places in the world for me to explore. Being an asshole is expensive. To bad they are too ignorant to understand that. Between my freinds and I, this cost them at least 10k. I hope that makes then feel good about they way they treated you!

[@tmitchellis]

Park Rangers regularly reassign to other parks. To be safe, I suggest you stay away from all National Parks forever, and vacation instead in Palm Beach. Makes for fewer crowds in the National Parks, too.

[@ronwolfe9292]

Our fine legal system on full display......what I waste over a harmless error under stressful conditions. In so many of your videos and several that focus specifically on the "leave no trace" principles, you always highlight the importance of being respectful. Thank you for sharing and sorry for your completely unnecessary troubles......you bad person you!......By the way, love your videos and content.

[@D.M.S.H-z2z]

was just noticing that most consumer-grade GPS receivers can determine your position with an accuracy of about 3 to 5 meters (10 to 16 feet). In real-world conditions, including snow storms

[@1BJM]

Kyle sent me here! Glad to know you made it to the other side 😊

[@travelclimb]

That’s insane that happened. Such a bummer! Makes absolutely no sense they decided to continue with the charge. I hope the ranger watches this.

[@RichardDavies79]

Wow, I'm speechless. I can't believe this happened to you. I'm so sorry for you and livid that this was allowed to happen to you.

[@yvonnesmith8245]

I am so sorry you had to go through such an utterly ridiculous ordeal over an absolutely outrageous miscarriage of justice. You have my sympathy. The district attorney should be ashamed of himself for putting you through all that nonsense. What a shame. I wish you all the best. Take care and be well.😔

[@chopperskier]

This has been getting out of control for years! 15 years ago, in the Adirondacks, my gf was experiencing a medical emergency where we needed to camp "right now, right here" type of situation. I explained it to the ranger the following morning when she found our camp, but she did not care! She cared more about the grass that we trampled than a human being's life. They care more about their ego of power, than doing the right thing for a fellow human in need. One of my favorite places from growing up, (Adirondacks) I refuse to go to now because of this KGB like enforcement: Heck I try to avoid NYS entirely if I can, but that's another conversation on this same topic. In Yellowstone 2 years ago, we had a ranger yell at us because we stepped onto the grass while trying to avoid a motorist that nearly hit us because they were unhappy with people in the road... How about you go after the aggressive driver with California tags blaring his rap music for all of Gardner and the Paradise Valley to hear, instead of the pedestrian trying to avoid getting hit, who then "HAPPENS" to step on the sacred grass (apparently is there for the elk, according to this ranger)... I am sorry, but jumping onto the grass to avoid getting hit by a car is NOT threatening wildlife, F OFF! This power hungry government we have is OUT OF CONTROL!

[@GoneUraling]

I have learned, there is no justice in our "justice" system. "Justice" goes to the one who lies the best and pays the most.

[@ATOutsider]

Eric, thank you for sharing your experience with this matter. I am terribly sorry to hear that this has happened to you and how awful they have treated you and tried to penalize you to the fullest extent. I don’t think you did anything wrong especially with the situation that you had just went through with Dan and everything. I truly am upset and mad for how the legal system has treated you. I think you have been a great influence to the park system the hiking and camping system and you’ve proven over and over time and time again how your knowledge and what you want to do is teach others and I think it’s terrible that they took advantage of who you are to try to make a point . Best of luck to you, you’ll get through this and I am 100% on your side! I think you’re a great guy, and they should all be ashamed of themselves!

[@BeedeeEx]

What a complete joke!!! How awful Eric. You're a gem of a person. Thank you for sharing this story with the channel and shining a light on the bozo's that thought it a good idea.

[@2HennaHands]

OMG!! I’m so sorry this happened to you! So much stress on to of everything else going on. I’m glad you didn’t end up in the slammer. I, for one, would miss seeing you on the regular. Best wishes for your upcoming wedding. ❤

[@Guroji]

"We wont put you in jail, we just want your money." All i needed to hear. Mistrial

[@michaeld2958]

It sounds to me like the ranger set you up and took advantage of your predicament.

[@natashabugarin140]

This is NOT justice. This is honestly disgusting. I’m sorry this happened to you guys. And Dan is SO right!! There are literal channels dedicated to illegal camping!! I’m just … shocked.

[@overwatchxrescue]

Sorry that you had to go through all this! But definitely an insightful experience for us to learn from.

[@skippylippy547]

I learned never to trust the government. We are now the enemy.

[@saundrajohnson1571]

When I think of all the time and money spent on pursuing an absurd, ridiculous case such as this, when there is so much more that law enforcement and prosecutor’s time would be better spent doing, it is absolutely infuriating!

[@kiparue]

This will cause more of a problem if you need to go to Canada in the future than in the US. But, there’s a process for filing for a pardon in advance of your upcoming trip to prevent you from a Double Jeopardy situation. Canada will stop you on your way in and either turn you around or make you pay a fine.

[@johncooksey79]

Same happened to me with the national park. Filming and hiking in a supposedly off limits area. MY charge could bring up to 5000 and a a year in Jail. I did not get a lawyer because I wanted to save money and suspected that the prosocuter would rather deal with another lawyer , instead of me. I read the laws on the internet. I started poking around in the national park for what is called a compendium, By law they have to have this set of rules availble at the administration office. THey didnt even know where it was. and sent me to three other buildings. I was getting ready to do a deposition of the troopers etc, and the proscutor called the next day and said , "how about we settle for 300 dollars. I said yes, but im not going to wait three hours in cournt,and i want "no lo contendri"- no admission of guilt. .

[@JennieKnapp-qn6kf]

Although I guess you never know, I'm inclined to believe that if this had gone to a jury trial you would've been acquitted. The circumstances are certainly totaly understandable and no harm was done to the environment. The judge and prosecutor seemingly had an agenda which I think would have been a lot less likely with a jury. Sorry this happened to you, a real waste of everybody's time and resources.

[@kathylangin686]

Eric, I know the North Rim well, as I've hiked Rim to Rim and R2R2R, N Rim to river, etc many times. There are maybe 5 people on the entire North Rim in winter! Or maybe 3!.... Highway 67 from Jacob Lake is even closed during the winter! What the HELL is wrong with the NPS?!!!! And the courts?!!! My tax dollars are paying for this????!!! Thank you for sharing your story. And I thought the BLM was bad. Shame on the NPS!!!!!!!!!!!

[@GatorReeves]

Eric, I love this country, and 99% of the people I've met in law enforcement and the judicial system try their best. That said, you had the misfortune of finding some of the 1%. While I know nothing can give back the time, emotion, and stress of all this (on TOP of what happened with Dan), I'd be honored to fully pay your fine. It's my way of standing against this sort of miscarriage of justice, and standing up for what I believe in. Hit me up if you'd like.

[@gcookz86]

The real misfortune here is anyone believing that only 1% of law enforcement is tyrannical.

[@worldwidestuff5567]

National Park security guards are the worst of the worst -they are the butts of jokes from all other law enforcement even Corrections.

[@eegarim]

WOW! I had no idea, at least not during my bicycle ride from Scotty’s Castle to Furnace Creek in Death Valley National Park. Even though it is all downhill, the strong headwind and 94° heat got to me. At the sand dunes, I pulled off the road and spent the night. In the morning, I packed up my panniers, and continued on to Furnace Creek. My only problem with extending the ride was running out of water. I’ve never been so thirsty. I am so sorry for what the NPS is doing to you!😢

[@billwaterhouse5894]

I am so sorry you had to go through this insanity. As a 33 year combined, now retired LEO, I am so embarrassed that things like this can even happen.

[@Ecylram]

That really, really sucks… on so many levels. And my taxes paid for that prosecutorial fiasco.

[@mdwiseman89]

Hopefully the Ranger has seen this or will see it. 200 yards is ridiculous. Sorry this happened, Eric. Embarrassed for the prosecution and judge.

[@doggonenomads]

I'm sure the Ranger was the primary cog in this wheel......

[@chadwells7562]

@@doggonenomads100%. He was annoyed that they left their tents and took it as an insult when they seemingly didn’t listen again.

[@tmitchellis]

Especially after snowshoeing 3 miles to remind them again. How many warnings should an idiot get?@@chadwells7562

[@Kenbur]

I wrote several paragraphs of disgust about the results of this miscarriage of justice by a couple of stupid lawyers (both sides) and a judge who should not be a judge. BUT what good would it do - so I will simply comment I am truly sorry Eric that the system is broken to the point that it is. Judges and lawyers are more focused on making money and examples of people who didn't do anything wrong than putting those who willfully and purposely do harm and destruction to people and things. As an OLD guy who has lived more than 7 decades and probably camped in several places I shouldn't have - unknowingly - it shows what happens when the system is used for selfish, unwarranted abuse as it is now, rather than for true justice and equality of applied law application. Thanks for sharing, It is sad information but at least I know what to expect if I am confused, cold, and been through extreme trauma and a ranger lectures me instead of helping me. Hopefully, the lawyers (again both sides) and the judge will find themselves in that exact situation so they can experience what you did. NOW that would be TRUE justice.

[@yourejustjelley]

I am glad to have found you. Wy husband and I just got back from a 17 day adventure in southern Utah and northern Arizona. We are from Montana, right by Glacier National Park. Spend countless time in that park. While we were down south, i asked my husband what would happen if we did this. It was extremely hard to find somewhere available as the recent eclipse brought so much traffic to that area. We did our best to research and find BLM land for wild camping. Not in parks, as they freak out over it. Which i understand why. Thank you for the great info, and I am sorry this happened. There was so much snow, you couldn't see.. also, nobody else could see... which means your hurt nothing. Then after the extremely emotional and exhausting situation prior... How could they hold this against you? Theres no way you could think straight after that. You did try, and followed the rangers orders to the best of your ability. So messed up.....! I will be a subscriber forever now.

[@JobKaper]

You camped out of bounds, you're a bad boy. *I subcribed to the channel now. Don't ever stop making videos Eric!

[@Anon90210]

Eric, you are now the Jean Valjean of backpacking. Sorry, you had to go through this after what happened with Dan. It makes you more of a hero in my eyes.

[@MEw650]

That is insane!!! There’s “genuine criminals” walking the streets, and the decide to make an “example” out of you. A lot of those in authority these days have lost their minds. We live in a sad world.

[@patricktompkins5704]

As an outdoor professional and someone who works rescue this is mind blowing. The admin probably felt some embarrassment amd wanted to settle a score. This definitely could have and should have been a slap on the writst at most. Punishing people for calling for rescue makes the jobs of rescue workers infinitely harder.

[@chrislrob]

What does the admin have to be embarrassed about? I think they were frustrated with the trip itself. I'm not defending why they did it, but I think that had something to do with it, and I'd be shocked if it didn't come up in all of these discussions between counsel and the court appearances.

[@rootstorising7348]

I watched the video way back when you did the hike. I agree with Eric that is was an impressive video packed with intense good lessons and also portrayed the rangers and hospital in a good light. It was comforting to know that people are out for our best interest. Dang what a let down to hear what happened after and taking such a stressful unjust turn. I miss the days when humanity and logic came first.

[@JosephCoates]

Screw the National Parks.

[@0666onb]

I freely admit that I have spent far too much time watching KZbin hiking, backpacking, and gear reviews ideos the past few years. Anyone who has done this knows that often times things can get a little redundant. As terrible as this experience has been from Dan not being well to the charges filed, i must say you did produce some original content that I have not seen before. I hope these videos produce good things for you!

[@Alex-and-Joker-Hikes]

I'm thinking an entire merch line with the mug shot to recoup the $$$😂

[@AllThingsConsidered333]

Yeah the mug shot would be great but they’d probably get him for that too, using federal property to make a profit or something stupid…

[@HeyKMO]

I would buy it all Hat Sun hat Hoody Shirt Long sleeve shirt

[@Olyphoto7]

I can understand being fined, but imprisonment and probation, total bs. I would expect for camping out of bounds to have a maximum fine of $50- $100, wow!

[@photographybya7602]

I am so sorry you had to go through all of that. It must have been incredibly stressful.

[@littlemas2]

Federal / government bureaucrats are unaccountable. No one on their staff or the prosecutors will have any negative consequences. We need to figure out how to hold those who went forward with this case accountable.

[@littlemas2]

I'm not a huge fan of WhistlinDiesel, but his case with Tennessee is similar. Some official made a decision and simply will not back down. On a personal level, they face no accountability for using their power inappropriately.

[@dankle46]

How ridiculous is this! Have a team member needing rescued because he was dying then charge you for resting and regrouping...... totally uncalled for

[@Bassandbackpacks]

From experience I know our court system is so messed up.

[@archiestanton]

The DOJ is out of control. A moral prosecutor would not do this to someone. And it’s also disturbing that the park rangers decided to do this to you as well. They seemed friendly during the rescue.

[@brandondriscoll845]

Absolutely ridiculous. This is what happens when we get people in office with either, no common sense, or they are motivated by something other than the good of the people. Glad you do have some street credit now, never know who you might meet on the trail. Wishing you the best on your channel.

[@frankgrant4784]

Well the good news is they have shoplifters stealing big screen TV's out of Walmart but because its less than $900 they don't press charges. When dealing with the feds, state or local government it always comes down to the $$$$$$

[@sjfanning7711]

So,so sorry this happened to you. The world is upside down right now. You absolutely did not deserve the charges. I pray that you can let it go, put it in the past, and move forward with the same positive attitude and confidence that we’ve seen from you in previous videos. ♥️

[@doug7399]

What A CROCK! It seems common sense has gone out of our Judicial system. Eric so sorry you had to go through all this. Peace Out guy your new found dilemma may be to your benefit. P.S. Thanks for taking care of Dan I've been in Dan's shoes same situation and it's not fun.

[@robertknowles2699]

Whose car insurance is higher? Who is wearing shoes conserving nartural resources like gasoline ? “ They’ve got the gun (goons) but we’ve got the numbers.” Quote from Jim Morrison. Forgive our trespass as we forgive them who trespass ( & do no unlawful harm ) against us.

[@markwilliams1680]

Why didn't they just have you do a quick public announcement of what happened and why it is not okay to camp out of bounds (by a few feet). Basically a public apology knowing you can reach an audience that they never could on their own. You could have been a valuable asset to them. So sorry you had to deal with this Eric!

[@chadwells7562]

They’re rightfully pissed about all the social media, TV, etc. morons that come and trash the place, and decided to take the opportunity to set an example. I understand the reasoning, but this guy was the wrong target. Plenty of genuinely malicious personalities they can target.

[@Kingyayaa]

While the government went way overboard, you had no business out there. Every local calls you a moron. I remember when the calls went out and the first thought in the room was "what idiots are out there".

[@dougbourdo2589]

Wow. Just Wow. Retired LEO of 28+ years. Absolutely unconscionable. I am aghast that the judge didn't throw this out at the first hearing. He & the prosecutor must be the biggest pricks of all time in their circuit.

[@carolineludwig789]

Total empathy for your situation you guys! It seemed like a super hard situation all around out there. Exhaustion can make situations even harder. Thanks for continuing to be a steward of the outdoors!

[@rickmc73]

Government vs it’s own citizens for enjoying the outdoors without malice intent. That is crazy. I am sorry they pressed you under their thumb. Land of the free and home of the brave? Does not seem like it so often. Thanks for sharing the experience.

[@kriswibbenhorstermeister9885]

Well Eric, I worked for 10 years in corrections in California. Not as a “Cop,” but still in a law enforcement capacity. I saw tens of thousands of cases while I worked as a CO. I saw some pretty serious crimes get dismissed for the “Furtherance of Justice,” which basically means, the case doesn’t serve the taxpayers as it would cost more money than it was worth. The $1000 dollar fine basically goes to repaying the wasted time of the courts for working on this BS. These cases seem scary because the penalties aren’t mild, but for those who have experience with the system, they would have told the attorney they wanted to “Take it to the box.” A lot of times, that’s when you’re calling their bluff. It’s now going to cost them a small fortune to pick a jury, the attorney’s have to build a case for trial, the judge has to set aside several days for the process, there has to be other intervention hearings with probation, etc. They got lucky you took the deal and they got paid back for some of their time. I don’t live in Arizona and not a taxpayer in that state, but if I were, I’d be contacting everyone I could about this waste of resources and filing a formal complaint. The time and energy wasted for this is not excusable in my opinion. A victimless crime, a simple misunderstanding, a mistake that lacked malice and intent, and although a law may have been broken, it was broken by someone without a criminal background. What a shame to have to realize the system of Justice really isn’t balanced. There is an unjust agenda for some cases. Not to get political but a mugshot is taken just in case later down the line, the police may be able to locate an individual and may not be familiar with what the person looks like. Trump had a mugshot taken and is one of the most familiar faces in the known world. Some things are political, some people get made an example of, and some things that happen just aren’t fair. Everyone involved in your case should be ashamed of themselves. In my opinion the ranger may have done what he thought was right, but never thought it would go that far. Tough lesson to learn, but you have a lot of followers. All of them should write to the Arizona representatives and express their distaste for such a response to a frivolous situation.

[@Andy-x3i8y]

So I just finished reading the book Ranger confidential. I suggest you read it too. They’re throwing the book at you in the attempt to dissuade others from risking their lives and giving the park a bad name. I’m not saying it’s right but that’s exactly what they’re doing. They feel, personally, that you risked your lives, their lives and encouraged others to do the same.

[@patrickcarpenter6258]

What speaks louder is that you were punished for being free out in the open where you are not reliant on the government. Meanwhile, there's actual criminals and cities that are doing heinous crimes and walking free