I would think the defining issue would be intent. When a WCO investigates a case the overall intent of the person should have a bearing on the outcome. It is the WCO's duty to decide if the action taken was within the parameters of the law or a poaching violation. I have known quite a few wardens over the years and they are among the most dedicated outdoors men and women around. They all love to hunt but are dedicated to their jobs and give that up to protect the public domain for all of us. IMO putting a mortally wounded animal out of it's misery is far different than playing around with tags to keep one person hunting. MRBB it looks to me like you are playing the devil's advocate here and just arguing for the sake of it.