Iowa Cornfed
New member
The Possum:
My view is, just because law enforcement is derelict in other areas (failing to go after meth-heads, or letting burgulars skate, etc) doesn't mean the punishment for poaching is too stiff. (If I had my way, it'd be even more pricey) On the other hand, it may mean the punishment (or lack thereof) of the crimes you noted is obviously too leniant. But there's no sense in dumbing down the system. (It's kinda like the argument of how in the world is a pro FB player worth millions while an excellent educator is lucky to make 35k). Like Johnny Carson once said when asked why he thought he was worth what they were paying him. He replied "...I'm worth it because I can get it") Besides, I'm sure these state and federal agencies have gotten their marching orders to make the penalties what they are today, maybe in part by all the various hunting orginizations, and/or friends of animals type groups, or otherwise general public outcry. Add to the mix that revenue generated by deer and pheasant hunting in Iowa (And every other state for that matter, though you may want to replace pheasant with the game of your choice) is astronomical. So there's probably a little bit of that hidden somewhere in the equation too. But I'll cast my lot with the stiff penalty people, because even the bad guys on the street get the point eventually. And maybe someday we'll put a stop to it.
My view is, just because law enforcement is derelict in other areas (failing to go after meth-heads, or letting burgulars skate, etc) doesn't mean the punishment for poaching is too stiff. (If I had my way, it'd be even more pricey) On the other hand, it may mean the punishment (or lack thereof) of the crimes you noted is obviously too leniant. But there's no sense in dumbing down the system. (It's kinda like the argument of how in the world is a pro FB player worth millions while an excellent educator is lucky to make 35k). Like Johnny Carson once said when asked why he thought he was worth what they were paying him. He replied "...I'm worth it because I can get it") Besides, I'm sure these state and federal agencies have gotten their marching orders to make the penalties what they are today, maybe in part by all the various hunting orginizations, and/or friends of animals type groups, or otherwise general public outcry. Add to the mix that revenue generated by deer and pheasant hunting in Iowa (And every other state for that matter, though you may want to replace pheasant with the game of your choice) is astronomical. So there's probably a little bit of that hidden somewhere in the equation too. But I'll cast my lot with the stiff penalty people, because even the bad guys on the street get the point eventually. And maybe someday we'll put a stop to it.