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Selected Articles from our
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The C.A.S.H. Courier
ARTICLE from the Spring 2009 Issue
Poachers – How to Stop Them
Dear CASH:
I want to know how I can address someone breaking the law by killing
deer, turkey and Hawks after they have had their hunting/fishing licenses
taken away. I’m in Wisconsin. I need to remain anonymous for now, at least
until the divorce is final. I found a lot out in the last few months.
While hunters and hunting agencies claim that it is only the “few bad
apples” who are killing animals illegally (whether out of season, in numbers
greater than the allowed kill limits, during hours when hunting is not
allowed, in areas where hunting is prohibited, etc.), C.A.S.H. and those who
are immersed in the world of wildlife protection believe otherwise. In
addition to compiling data on hunting accidents, CASH also keeps an archive
of hunting violations which can be found at
http://www.all-creatures.org/cash/accident-center.html#v.
Hunters kill wildlife illegally for many reasons. For some, killing animals
is a money-making pursuit. Others do so because they have an insatiable
desire to kill and to be violent against those who are helpless. Some are so
overcome by the rush they get when hunting that they will not hesitate to
shoot across roads or trespass upon private property lest they miss an
opportunity to blow off the head of an animal. While wildlife agencies for
the most part do what they can to enforce state and federal wildlife laws,
the number of conservation officers in the field is woefully inadequate to
enforce the law. Given the enormous amount land area that conservation
officers are responsible for covering, the number of violations they
prosecute is the mere tip of the iceberg when it comes to the number of
illegal killings (and woundings) committed.
If you’re aware of illegal wildlife killing, do not hesitate to report it to
your state enforcement agency. Wildlife agencies often pursue illegal
wildlife killers because the fines levied brings the agency much needed
income, and they are quick to quash behavior that makes hunters look bad. It
is important to take detailed notes:
- What was the violation
- When and where did it occur (county, township, road/highway)
- What weapons or equipment were used
- What vehicles or crafts were used (registration numbers are
important if you have access to them)
- How many people were involved (names, addresses, physical
descriptions and clothing)
- What evidence is still at the scene
- Did the violator(s) take evidence of the crime with them
- Which way or where did they go and how?
Providing these details to law enforcement agencies will give them the
best chance possible to track down and prosecute those who illegally kill
wildlife. Regardless of where you live, please visit the C.A.S.H. Website to
see where to report the illegal killing of wildlife.
Keep in mind that the legal killing of wildlife is allowed by law, and laws
can be changed. Please visit: www.lohv.org to join or start a
League of Humane Voters tm chapter or
affiliate
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Joe Miele is the President of C.A.S.H. – Committee to Abolish Sport Hunting.
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