Idaho 2015 record mule deer poached

[jackelope]

I agree with Idahohntr- not the crime of the century. They DID have a tag. I think the fine was excessive. I also do not condone this but I don't consider it "poaching." Honestly if the dad wants his son to fill his tag that he drew, I almost don't see a reason why it shouldn't be legal. As long as the father is with him it seems like it doesn't make much difference who pulls the trigger. I'm also curious how this case was solved, they only had to deny it unless there was a witness.

I agree. Don't ever go to Minnesota or any of the other Midwest states. Party hunting is pretty normal.

normal, maybe it's legal??
It's not in this case.
If it's legal, have at it. If it's not, don't have at it. Pretty straight forward, no-slip slope. The Idaho hunting regs are the traction aid on this potentially slippery slope.

[jackelope]

Rainier10- I totally agree with that analysis as well. It's just like I said though, this particular incident doesn't seem to me like the crime of the century, I wouldn't call that guy a poacher, and I think losing his hunting rights for three years along with a $2,200 fine, plus losing the deer, was excessive.

Are you good with questionable party hunting in a completely illegal scenario?

[bobcat]

Rainier10- I totally agree with that analysis as well. It's just like I said though, this particular incident doesn't seem to me like the crime of the century, I wouldn't call that guy a poacher, and I think losing his hunting rights for three years along with a $2,200 fine, plus losing the deer, was excessive.

Are you good with questionable party hunting in a completely illegal scenario?

No.

[jackelope]

Rainier10- I totally agree with that analysis as well. It's just like I said though, this particular incident doesn't seem to me like the crime of the century, I wouldn't call that guy a poacher, and I think losing his hunting rights for three years along with a $2,200 fine, plus losing the deer, was excessive.

Are you good with questionable party hunting in a completely illegal scenario?

No.

Pretty sure this case is THE definition of party hunting, isn't it?

[bobcat]

Rainier10- I totally agree with that analysis as well. It's just like I said though, this particular incident doesn't seem to me like the crime of the century, I wouldn't call that guy a poacher, and I think losing his hunting rights for three years along with a $2,200 fine, plus losing the deer, was excessive.

Are you good with questionable party hunting in a completely illegal scenario?

No.

Pretty sure this case is THE definition of party hunting, isn't it?

I don't know. I don't know exactly how it went down. I'd say a lot depends on their intent. But we'll never know that. I'm done with this thread. Basically all I wanted to say is that I feel the penalty was more than necessary. Some people it sounds like would give him the death penalty, while the Green River killer gets to live.

[Rainier10]

Rainier10- I totally agree with that analysis as well. It's just like I said though, this particular incident doesn't seem to me like the crime of the century, I wouldn't call that guy a poacher, and I think losing his hunting rights for three years along with a $2,200 fine, plus losing the deer, was excessive.

I agree there are certainly worse crimes.

So your comments were more about how steep the penalty was for something that was illegal but just not as bad as it could have been?

I guess I can see that a little.  I think many have continued to hunt after filling a tag under the premise of "I still have a cougar or bear tag".

At this point in my hunting life I am beyond the kill and more into the hunt and sharing the experiences with friends and family.  I can do that without breaking the rules and it just makes it more enjoyable for me.

[Gringo31]

Honestly if the dad wants his son to fill his tag that he drew, I almost don't see a reason why it shouldn't be legal.

The issue comes down to Can you transfer your tag to someone else?

The answer is no. 

IF this was legal, people would be selling their tags.  I drew a sheep tag.  I'm certain if legal, I could have taken bids and made a good profit.  This state is so goofy the other way, that it was made clear that anyone in the field with me sheep hunting couldn't carry a weapon.  It is for the reasons in the buck story....that is why.  At the time, I would have loved to have my brother pack my rifle or bow (one or the other).  It is the law that made me pick one and not have both as options on the hill.  Or...cuz I'm lazy and didn't want to pack both of them myself 

[idahohuntr]

Honestly if the dad wants his son to fill his tag that he drew, I almost don't see a reason why it shouldn't be legal.

The issue comes down to Can you transfer your tag to someone else?

The answer is no. 

Actually, in Idaho - the answer is YES.  You can transfer any controlled hunt tag to a child/grandchild under 18 years old.  I vehemently opposed this rule for the reasons JDHasty brought up...while I like the idea of Grandpa giving his grandchild that coveted bull tag he drew...I don't like the idea of people putting mom, dad, grandma and grandpa on both sides of the family in for hunts - thereby increasing their odds 6-fold. 

[OutHouse]

It would be interesting to take a look at the publicly available documents behind that case.

I was thinking the same thing. The article says they ended up pleading guilty. I would think the evidence would have to be pretty good to cause them to plead in this situation. Like most people confronted by police, they may have simply told the truth after being read their rights. Must have been a confession for them to give up in such fashion. And if they told the truth, I applaud them for that.

[Rainier10]

It would be interesting to take a look at the publicly available documents behind that case.

I was thinking the same thing. The article says they ended up pleading guilty. I would think the evidence would have to be pretty good to cause them to plead in this situation. Like most people confronted by police, they may have simply told the truth after being read their rights. Must have been a confession for them to give up in such fashion. And if they told the truth, I applaud them for that.

The best advice for their defense would have been to say nothing and let the lawyers handle it all.  If they did just come clean when questioned that is great.  It saves everyone a bunch of time and money trying to prove it.  Just come clean, take your lumps and move on.

[Forks]

Here is a photo of a living Idaho legend that didn't need his kids or grandkids to put down the #1 and #3 Muley's in the state. His grandson Jared, who is a close friend, gave me this.

[Timberstalker]

Greed.

There are a lot of words, thoughts and opinions in this thread.  This one is the best descriptor.

[huntnphool]

The fine and punishment is a joke.
Should be a minimum 10 year license yank IMHO.

And there are those on this site that believe it's no big deal if the poacher simply buys back the antlers.

[JDHasty]

Remember this guy? 

https://www.gohunt.com/read/news/breaking-story-bull-elk-scam-DIY-backcountry-hunt-or-high-fence#gs.18waIYM

Well, well, well.... lookie what I got in my email.  Maybe these guys were on the radar already.   

[huntnphool]

What am I missing?