We were using three kayaks from Spring Creek where Dan works...used previously and for sale.  He picked them up the day before we left and didn't look at the tags on them, so some were outdated and some didn't have any tags.  It was our fault.  Both the DNR and CO were USA.  They were kind to us but couldn't overlook the problem completely.
We always hang our pack and if we can't we tie it to a tree trunk with two separate ropes.  I use sailboat pulleys too.