Proposed legislation will criminalize a 13 yr old hunting alone

[bigtex]

And...let's not lose sight of the fact that we're not just talking about a fine or other slap on the wrist here:  We are talking about a kid going to jail for trying to fill his deer tag.  Wow.

You and I know jail time is rarely handed down in fish/wildlife offenses, its even common for big game poachers to not get jail time.

Besides as you know Wader bail forfeitures are not allowed anymore, no more "fines" on tickets.

[lokidog]

And...let's not lose sight of the fact that we're not just talking about a fine or other slap on the wrist here:  We are talking about a kid going to jail for trying to fill his deer tag.  Wow.

You and I know jail time is rarely handed down in fish/wildlife offenses, its even common for big game poachers to not get jail time.

Besides as you know Wader bail forfeitures are not allowed anymore, no more "fines" on tickets.

Kind of confusing with replies inside quotes?

But, even if it is "rarely handed down", what is the point of making underage hunting a criminal offense that even has the POTENTIAL to result in a kid being sent to juvy?  We all know there are liberal judges out there that would do it just to make an anti-hunting point.   

[bigtex]

Would it be better if it was an infraction? Which are non-criminal, only fines.

[lokidog]

Would it be better if it was an infraction? Which are non-criminal, only fines.

YES!

I still think there are issues with it regarding the set age and who can accompany the young person.

[Wader]

Just curious here, bigtex, who are you and where do you work?

I'll go first:

Wade Samuelson
Attorney
114 W. Magnolia St.
Centralia, WA 98531
360-736-1301

[Elkaholic daWg]

  your Not alone on that Wader

[lokidog]

BigTex works, in some capacity (I can't remember), for WDFW.

I just sent this email to my legislators including one who is a sponsor of this bill:

In principal, who could argue with "Ensuring Hunter Safety" as the name of this bill implies?  The reality of this bill, as written, is that it limits hunting participation.  While I agree with parts of this bill as written, a minimum age of 8 to hunt in WA, and a minimum age to hunt alone, the implementation and details as written will only cause a decrease in participation and a subsequent LOSS OF REVENUE for the WDFW.

The making of hunting alone a criminal offense is absurd.  Studies have shown that children that hunt get better grades in school and are, all around, more responsible individuals than those that do not.  Making this an offense that simply accrues a fine would be sufficient.

The minimum age of 14 should also be lowered to 12.  If you look at the statistics of hunting firearm related injuries, other age groups are much more likely to be the "shooter" than these youngsters.

And,finally, the person that accompanies the hunter should not have to, themselves, be a licensed hunter.  Adults can accompany minors in performing all kinds of activities and should not be restricted because they don't have a hunting license.  As an example, a grandfather who no longer wishes to kill a deer or elk would not be allowed to accompany his grandaughter on a deer hunt unless he paid for a hunting license of his own (this is simply extortion to put more money in the State coffers).  A single mother would not be able to accompany her son, etc.

While no sane person could argue against increased safety, let's make sure that what is proposed will actually do that, increase safety, rather than make criminals out of youngsters and even preventing them from accessing a valuable past time.

Please consider these changes before passing this bill, which will as written, simply decrease participation in our sport.

Ed Fisher
Former WI and WA Hunter Safety Instructor

[bigtex]

BigTex works, in some capacity (I can't remember), for WDFW.

I have never said which agency I work for. I will also not publicy divulge that information. Several other LEOs on this site have confirmed with me the agencies they work for, only those people know where I work. For my safety, and family's safety I will not divulge my duty location or agency.

[lokidog]

Whatever.

[christopheri]

Just curious here, bigtex, who are you and where do you work?

I'll go first:

Wade Samuelson
Attorney
114 W. Magnolia St.
Centralia, WA 98531
360-736-1301

Bigtex if I remember works for the WDFW. Possably an enforcement officer but I am not sure. What I am sure of is that he is very helpful with many topics and issues that face us as sportsmen today.
 It sounds like with your knowledge of the law that you will be another person that is a great asset to this forum. Welcome Wade

[grundy53]

BigTex works, in some capacity (I can't remember), for WDFW.

I have never said which agency I work for. I will also not publicy divulge that information. Several other LEOs on this site have confirmed with me the agencies they work for, only those people know where I work. For my safety, and family's safety I will not divulge my duty location or agency.

Your safety and your family's safety? How would letting people know which agency you work for compromise either of those? No one is  asking for your name and address. I think people just would like to know if your knowledge comes from first hand experience or a lot of research. Or maybe your qualifications. Outdoor Guardian has no problem letting us know he is from WDFW. I doubt he's any less safe then you are...

[JimmyHoffa]

Bigtex if I remember works for the WDFW. Possably an enforcement officer but I am not sure.

I think he's a drone controller for the CIA.

[lokidog]

I was just guessing as I thought he had posted that.  I could have been wrong. 

[Bob33]

Bigtex has not disclosed who he works for, and that's his right just as it is for everyone on this forum to disclose what they do and do not wish to.

I respect his privacy and ask that others do as well.

[gaddy]

& appreciate his input.