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Armstrong seeks alternative
fine for simple hunting mistakes
Lawmaker says he'll fight for bill, even though
chairman says it won't move
So you are hunting deer
and accidently shoot a two-point buck in an area where three-point is
the minimum. Do you remove the deer and hope no one finds out? Or do you
report it to the Washington
Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW)?
It was a mistake made by a
citizen from
Rep. Mike
Armstrong's 12th District,
but when the man decided to turn himself in to WDFW, he received a hefty
fine.
"The game officers told
this man they had no choice but to fine him five hundred dollars, even
though he voluntarily reported his mistake. They told him he could try
to fight it in court, but he would probably lose and the fine might be
raised even higher. He could also lose his rifle and his vehicle,
because it involved an illegal act, even though it was an honest
mistake," said Armstrong, R-Wenatchee.
"I thought this was very
harsh," added Armstrong. "This man got hammered, even though he was
forthcoming about what he did. And when he asked why, Fish and Wildlife
told him they are required by the Legislature to issue the large fines."
Under
House Bill 2493, prime-sponsored by Armstrong, Fish and Wildlife
enforcement officers would be authorized to issue a $150 civil natural
resources infraction in lieu of larger criminal fines for unlawful
trapping, use of dogs, hunting of wild birds, and unlawful second-degree
hunting of big game and wild animals.
During a public hearing on
the measure Tuesday evening, Armstrong told the
House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee that his measure
would give Fish and Wildlife officers additional options, just like
other law enforcement officers have when issuing tickets.
"This person was trying to
do the right thing. So my bill would allow Fish and Wildlife a little
bit of flexibility in cases like that so they are not required to write
a five-hundred dollar fine," said Armstrong. "This individual made a
mistake and should be penalized. My legislation would bump it down
to one-hundred fifty dollars."
Two Fish and Wildlife
enforcement officers who testified against the bill Tuesday said they
were concerned it would promote poaching because of the smaller fine.
"With all due respect to
these officers, that's baloney! This does not remove the five-hundred
dollar fine. Fish and Wildlife would still be able to impose the full
penalty when it is appropriate," said Armstrong. "I want them to enforce
the law as they see fit. But I also want to give them an option for
people who make an honest mistake and report it."
Following the enforcement
officers' testimony, the committee chair said he would not move the bill
this session.
"I am very disappointed.
Fish and Wildlife officers say it is the Legislature that forces them to
issue these large fines. Yet when we have an opportunity to give
enforcement officers additional options, Fish and Wildlife Department
officials fight against it. So now we really know who's behind these
larger fines, right?" Armstrong asked. "They may have tried to kill this
bill, but I will continue fighting for it so we can give honest people
the break they deserve."
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For more information, contact:
John
Sattgast, Public Information Officer: (360) 786-7257
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