My son was recently given a summons to court for possessing clams under two inches. The state warden gave him the summons about two hours after he had sold his clams. The warden showed him the clams and a tag which had my son’s name on it. The tag was not my son’s, and the name on the tag had been forged.

A local buyer in Machiasport said he had never heard of the wardens doing that before. He further stated that once he buys the clams they become his property and he is responsible for any fines. I have been digging clams for 40 years off and on, and I believe this is underhanded by the state wardens. I have always thought that possession was nine-tenths of the law. I have no problem with a warden checking me face to face, but two hours later? If the state clam wardens are allowed to continue this practice, then no clam digger is safe. What is wrong with confronting a digger face to face?

Some may think I am outraged just because this happened to my son. Partially yes, but I would feel the same had it happened to the worst outlaw. I would appreciate some feedback from clam buyers, or diggers, who have had this happen to them. Tom Sprague Machiasport