UT: Wildlife official admits hunting violation, asks to be fined

October 10, 2010

Wildlife official admits hunting violation, asks to be fined

It's one thing to talk the talk. Jim Karpowitz walked the talk.

Karpowitz, director of the Utah Division of Wildlife, struck a blow for hunting ethics recently when he called up wildlife law enforcement officers and asked them to write him a ticket.

He had been hunting sage grouse on a ranch near the borders of Rich and Morgan counties. After his hunt, he discovered that he had killed two grouse in Morgan County. His permit was good only for Rich County. The border was unmarked, and Karpowitz was unaware that he had crossed the boundary until afterward.

When he found out he had crossed the line, literally and figuratively, he asked to be cited for the incident. He also wrote all 500 Division of Wildlife employees to acknowledge his transgression. This week, Karpowitz pleaded guilty to the citation's charges and was fined $138.

In a time when public officials consistently seek to avoid responsibility for illegal, immoral or unethical actions, Karpowitz readily assumed responsibility and accepted the consequences. Good for him.

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