The unethical hunter gives fuel to anti-hunting organizations. Tunnel vision.
A few of my neighbors party-hunt and are offended if I suggest they are not playing fair. Some feel all is fair in getting their game. The cheating hunter has no respect for the life he or she takes, doesn't think it's "fair" if the game wins its freedom to live another day.
Some hunters feel they are entitled to break the rules because they own the land. Others who've hunted an area for years fully intend to ignore a new "No Hunting" sign. Some feel God meant for them to do as they please with the earth's bounty. Some feel entitled to poach game because they are poor. Some see nothing wrong with taking advantage of a situation. They run into a huge flock of turkeys - and think, "What does it matter if I kill this turkey the day before the season opens?" It was not that turkey's time to die.
Making your own hunting rules upsets the balance, the management of the species. We have agencies trying to be wise stewards of our game. Help them do their job. It's the better fight.
"Like father, like son." A family of poachers breeds poacher-kids. Twisted Teachers.
Not too long ago, an Idaho hunter killed a bear for his friend to tag, (party hunting; he'd already tagged a bear) then he changed his mind. "It's a trophy bear! I want it after all, and I'll just take the head and hide, leave the rest. This will make me famous, this will make me a hero, this will make me a man!" This made you a fool. You became such an ass about it, even your poacher friends turned on you and called the Citizens Against Poaching Hotline.
You know these hunting renegades. They are your neighbors, your friends, relatives, work-mates¡¦ You try to deafen your ears to their braggidocio, blind your eyes to that extra bird they kill, and you do not speak up. When you realize the damage they do - make that call. 1-800-632-5999
ATV use for hunting big game this 2003 season?
ATVs are now being restricted in Idaho and you know why. Those of you who were considerate in your use of off-road vehicles - tough! We all get screwed because of the slobs.
Call the Citizens Against Poaching Hotline at: 1-800-632-5999 to report violations of Idaho game laws, trespass or other crimes against wildlife and "legitimate hunters."
More Recent Restrictions:
Idaho Dept. of Fish and Game News Release
August 27, 2003 - Citing the need to protect spawning adult kokanee, the Idaho Fish and Game Department closed a portion of the Deadwood River to all fishing. The closure is effective immediately. "We've received reports of people snagging kokanee and driving ORVs through the river," Oneale said. "We're hopeful that the closure and an increased enforcement effort will put an end to these activities." Idaho has no snagging season for kokanee.
USA Today
August 28, 2003 - The Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge banned hunting around the Lake Lowell dam. The ban follows complaints that motorists and pedestrians on Riverside Drive in Canyon County were getting hit by shotgun pellets.
Copyright 2003, Spring Creek Communications
Other Resources:
Idaho Wildlife, Fall, 2003