[dshort]

He just shot the elk and left it laying there? So his motive wasn't food or even that he just wanted a set of antlers for his wall. He just wanted to kill it. That's just pure meanness.

I do hope they throw the book at him.

[Silvercreek]

Originally Posted by Scud

I'm not sure it would do any good, but after he gets out of jail, he should never be allowed a hunting /fishing license. He does not deserve the privilege.

Unfortunately, that won't stop a poacher. The worst poacher in Wisconsin was finally caught in my county about 10 years ago. He was not only poaching deer out of season but sandhill cranes, wild turkey, and all other out of season and protected species. He even forced his young son to shoot and kill sandhill cranes.

When asked by the warden how sandhill crane tasted he said "bald eagle". He may still be in jail. I hope so.

[BelAirSteve]

I agree...make an example of him. Maximum fine, maximum jail time, take his guns, take his truck, ban him from parks, ban him from ever holding a hunting and fishing license.

[narcodog]

Originally Posted by FFNC

I think the stupidest part is the fine he will get...$5,000....that would even cover the transporting of this Bull from where it came from originally. How much do you think it cost from the time they captured it to the time that idiot killed it, to keep that bull? I would say far more than $5,000. I would sue him also for damages and revenue lost due to the idiot killing that bull. That would seem fair.

One thing to remember is that is just the fine. In all likely he will also be assessed the cost of the Elk, which will add a considerable cost.

[EFudd]

Just read the article and I too have some pictures of ol' #21. According to the article, this guy has charges stacking up against him. His possible 6 month vacation in the Gray Bar Hotel may end up being an extended stay. The 5K and 6months are maximums for the poaching...then there is the big ol' but....all the other numerous charges that can go along with it will hopefully wear him out!!! Thank you officers for doing a great job!

[JOHNKIES]

Amen EFudd! We see a lot of grumble around here about our game law enforcement officers but this stands as a great example of the work they do!

[Noonan]

I have never had the pleasure of seeing one of those beautiful animals, only the chills of hearing them bugle while I was fishing...which was just incredible. This makes me both sad for the people that wont get to enjoy him and angry at the low life people that exist in our world. I just cant imagine what a crappy human being you would have to be to kill such a rare and protected animal just for the sake of killing it.

I wish it was appropriate to cuss like a sailor on this board...my comments would have been a lot different.

[saltyfly]

that's why it is important for us to try and help the DA's and judges realize that poaching of whatever is a crime against the public (think public trust doctrine) vs just a crime against another person/business.

[saltyfly]

One example of a judge that has gotten this is US district Court Judge Terrence Boyle, Eastern NC.

He has handed out some stiff penalties for Fed wildlife cases such as duck hunting. He also was the judge that resided over the Navy's attempt to put an Outlying Landing Field within a few miles of Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge where it may disturb the birds but would also put pilots at danger of encountering not just ducks and geese but even tundra swans which are larger than what brought the plane down in the Hudson. They even foraged in the fields where the strip was proposed.

Others may not like him due to his involvement in the Cape Hatteras Seashore driving case which is a big mess for more reasons to get into. If you are interested there was a thread on here a year or so ago with discussion.

[Creek_Rat]

I don't know the particulars of the suspect, but before you complan that $5,000 is a wimpy fine, keep in mind that it might be the entire take-home pay for his family for 2-3 months. If so, it will hurt plenty. It will hurt more than him. I disagree with poaching, especially of animals which are used to being watched and not bothered in parks, but there are crimes which are a lot worse.

Yes, I think that the act was is wrong, even despicable. Yes, I think that the guilty should be punished. Yes, I realize that most people were just venting in this thread. But I don't really want to see the guy, and especially his family, suffer for life because of this. Restitution is appropriate. I have little respect for what was done, but I don't want to see hatred over this. There is plenty enough of that in this world. Just a thought.

How 'bout them Titans, 3 wins in a row.
;)

cr