A long ago deceased Cdn. fishery officer (conservation guy) told me a story of stake out of a group of big-league lobster poachersm in the 1950's. They had a illegal canning operation that would move from house to house, and they had good look outs, so could never catch them.

They got word that one of their sons was getting married and a big poached lobster feed was planned during the boys stag party at the poachers house. On the day of the big party, they sat in the sourrounding woods, watching and waiting for the lobsters top arrive.

The main poachers elderly father was a gent who could not handle booze. Each time he drank any significant amount, it drove him wacky, and he eventually attempted suicide (normally by rope). So, they kept a close eye on him.

Well, seems like that day the old gent sneeked a few brew on the side, without any of the party-folk noticing. Through their field glasses, the officers were surprised to see the grandfather walking directly their way. They feared they would loose their cover. He walked nearer. Not far from where they were staked out the old fellow looped a rope around the limb of a big tree. He then climbed it, wrapped the rope around his neck, and jumped. He was was dangling and turning blue. They rushed over and cut him down, and took him to the party house, where emergency help was called. The ambulence arrived and took him away.

The poachers warmly thanked them for saving the old guys life. There was no mention on either side as to why the officers happened to bet in the woods, by this house. Both sides just knew what was up in this cat and mouse game.
:)