That is another real issue, penalties for poaching and violating huning safety laws are so low its almost not worth the man-hours involved in reponding, apprehending and processing paperwork. I would bet most of the costs of the total fine were court fees.

It is very difficult to understand, but when these fines were established ($500.00 for poaching, etc) the amount was really quite a bit of money. Of course, our money has gotten "cheaper" and a $500.00 fine today is more like a $50.00 30 years ago. So the natural response is to raise the fines, which is correct...

EXCEPT

this does require a new law, not just a "fine increase". And we must understand that some of the moonbat politicians would love to tie in losing your 2nd Amendment Rights, having to turn in or have confiscated, your firearms. In NYS, we had a bill that passed the Assembly and Senate last year to increase the fines for poaching from $250 per poached animal, up to $1,000.00 per poached animal, and loss of hunting license for a period of 5 years. ALl this was 1st offense. Second offense fines went up to $1500.00 per animal, and lose hunting license for 5 years. Third offense was at least $2,000.00 per animal and loss of hunting license permanently.

NY Gov. Pataki vetoed this. Why? Because creatively attached to this "new law" was a gun control portion, which stated that you would also lose your pistol permit and firearms. One thing (poaching) had nothing to do with the other (2nd Amendment Right).

Gotta watch these moonbats. Gotta watch what you ask for. You may get more than what you bargained for.....