Conference vmsnet::hunting$note:hunting

      Unfortunately the sort of thing you stumbled upon is rather common.
    I was muzzleloading in Conn. a couple of year ago and my brother
    stumbled upon several (4-5 I forget) deer that had been shot at
    the edge of a field.  All that was taken was the hind quarters.
    It was a pretty depressing sight.  I was told of a similar incident
    that happened in East Derry N.H. a few years back.  Someone killed
    9 deer and only took the hind quarters.  I didn't see this one (thank
    goodness).  I have no sympathy for the people doing this sort of
    thing.  If it were a needy family being fed, the whole carcass would
    be taken..... not just the best cuts.
    
    

    re .1
    
      Those hindquarters aren't even the best cuts!
    
      I have always held fast to the conviction that "even if there's
    a needy family" that "poachers venison" is feeding, it doesn't make
    it right, either in principle or morally to kill deer out of season.
    I've argued this point with a few people over the years. Those deer
    aren't there as a "food source" in this day and age. They are there
    as a natural resource and for sport. 
    
      If there is a needy family that needs a source of food then that
    is where local, state and fed. governments come in for aid to the
    needy. If needy people in this "country of plenty" feel they need
    to poach deer or moose or whatever to survive, then there is something
    wrong with either those folks (not seeking some sort of aid), or
    the government agencies that are suppose to ensure that people have
    enough food...
                  
    
    joe

    I agree with you.  After re-reading .1 I see what was implied.
    There is no excuse for breaking game laws.
    
    As far as "best cuts"...... If you were a poacher and in a hurry
    to get away the "best cuts" would be the hind quarters.
    
    All this aside, I feel that the root of the problem is the attitudes
    of local law enforcement agencies that don't consider poaching a
    criminal act (it's not like shooting a neighbors dog).  It's just
    looked upon as "good 'ol boys out for a little fun".
    The lack of education/understanding of the poacher is a problem
    that will go forever unsolved.

    	Just a question,,is it possible that the deer was "boned out"
    to lighten it?? Some folks do that with Elk out here,although it
    get more dirt on the meat. I think,however,that this too may be
    illegal where you are since this tends to make it difficult to
    determine the sex of the animal. Could it have been a legal but
    ignorant hunter??
    
    	George
    

    I'm not sure what the penalty for poaching is here.  I know some
    of the southern states (Mississippi for one) have gotten pretty
    serious about stopping it.  They confiscate any guns and vehicles
    used.  I read about one guy they caught head-lighting from a
    $50,000 tractor.  Yup, the game and fish took it.
    
    Head-lighting and out of season shooting of deer now carry a
    MANDATORY jail sentence.
    
    Mark,
    

    re .4:
    
    < Note 78.4 by GENRAL::BOURBEAU >
                     -< Could It Have Been "Boned Out"?? >-

>    	Just a question,,is it possible that the deer was "boned out"
>  to lighten it?? Some folks do that with Elk out here,although it
>  get more dirt on the meat. I think,however,that this too may be

    In New Hampshire, you are required by law to bring the entire deer
    into a checking station before butchering it.  If the deer was boned
    out, then it was still an illegal kill.  
    
    BTW the warden left a message at my house last evening.  I have
    to return his call today.
    
    Mark.

As a Mass game warden, I can assure you that local and state law enforcement
officers feel this is every bit as important as you do. The problem exists 
in the courts where they don't consider it a crime unless it is rape robbery 
or murder.  When a man convicted of poaching a deer is fined only 100 dollars 
plus court costs, it shows you the lack of priority put on fish and game 
violations.  

The fines for fish and game violations have not been increased since 1956.  
Only true believers can affect this situation.  The fact of having one of 
these jokers humiliated by arrest or other court action, has as much deterrent 
effect as the amount of the fine.  You can not give up. You have to be 
persistent.  
There are wardens who care and can do.  They need timely information to be 
effective.  

It is impossible to be everywhere at once.  We do respond to information
that is current and accurate.  Don't just call and tell us that you found
three deer carcasses.  We can't babysit your favorite hunting areas.
There is too much that happens in too short of time period.  Timely 
and accurate information is our best ally.  Call 1-800-632-8075 to
report a violation in progress.  Have patience with the officer when
he contacts you.  For the size area that a state police troop has three
officers on each shift, three shifts each day, seven days a 
week, 365 days per year, there is only one game warden for the s
same time period and same size area.  It's like shoveling sh%^%
against the tide, but I assure you there are a few true believers
left out there.  with your help we can make a difference.  thank
you    Tom in MA.

This is one of my friends who happen to see the notes file and wanted
to express the other side of the fence...TX/Neal

    $100 ??? In Mass. ? Our great state of gun laws ?
    
    Colorado DOW charge a guy this year for shooting a deer that had
    2 point instead of the 3 needed during antler restriction season.
    He had a legal buck tag. The fine for that out here is $685. 

    Mark