More effort, DNA analysis thrown into battle-
Poachers love winter when deer, elk and other animals become visible, but in Utah and elsewhere modern science is allowing officials to track even a piece of venison. Utah is also putting more enforcement in the field this winter, and they have reportedly made some significant arrests.
Although arrests can be made, the system also requires some tough judges. Whether these scofflaws will get big punishment remains to be seen. They haven’t come to court yet.
See: Utah wildlife officials step up patrols in deer winter range in effort to nab poachers. The Associated Press. Reported in The Republic.
Ralph Maughan
Dr. Ralph Maughan is professor emeritus of political science at Idaho State University with specialties in natural resource politics, public opinion, interest groups, political parties, voting and elections. Aside from academic publications, he is author or co-author of three hiking/backpacking guides, and he is past President of the Western Watersheds Project and the creator of The Wildlife News.
All states should be doing this. In fact they should tack on a fee to all hunting/trapping/fishing/parks/camping licenses to make this an all year endeavor. These poaching scum take not only from the hunters, they take from the rest of us who enjoy the wildlife as well. Lifetime bans and significant jail time should be the result of these charges along with zero tolerance. Maybe the Rex Rammells of the world might actually learn a lesson, but I have my doubts.
The punishment convicted poachers receive should not be left up to the discretion of a Judge. It should be mandatory and it better be severe. This should be true also with trespassing and any other laws that are broken regarding game animals.