Columnist Barb Henderson: Poachers ruin outdoors fun for everyone

Barb Henderson

Friday, Oct. 31, 2003 | 10:18 a.m.

Barb Henderson is an outdoors enthusiast, freelance writer and producer/host of outdoors radio television programming. Her column appears Friday in the Sun.

Poachers don't need an excuse -- not even on a holiday like today -- to masquerade as hunters.

During hunting seasons, poachers will trick everyone by disguising as hunters. These criminals will unlawfully treat themselves to prime big-game wildlife.

Poaching is an unlawful act that can take away from everyone's outdoor experience.

The 2003 Legislature raised the penalty for poaching a big-game animal from a gross misdemeanor to a category E felony.

The change raised the maximum fine for poaching an animal to $5,000 from $2,000 and increased maximum prison terms from one to four years. Besides the criminal penalties, civil fines of up to $5,000 remain in effect for unlawfully killing or possessing big game. All vehicles and equipment used in the unlawful taking of a big-game animal are subject to forfeiture.

Before 1980, poaching was causing concerns and the Operation Game Thief (OGT) program was implemented and approved by the Legislature in 1981.

OGT is a stop-poaching program.

In 1982, OGT began taking telephone calls reporting possible poaching incidents. There are citizens boards throughout the state who provide visibility to the public about utilizing the toll free number (800) 992-3030, which can also be found on your hunting/fishing license.

The OGT program was set up to keep callers anonymous -- remember, officials need your help, not your name.

The OGT boards provide a reward system, upon conviction of the poacher. Rewards are offered to those individuals who report information regarding something they have heard or observed.

This confidential information often leads to the arrest and conviction of poachers.

This year approximately 150 potential incidents have been reported.

"The largest poaching concern currently in Nevada is the unlawful killing of elk," said chief game warden Rob Buonamici. "As elk populations expand, Nevada is becoming known for trophy class elk. This provides opportunities for both hunters and poachers. Poachers by their very nature don't play by the rules. As a result they often rob sportsmen and women of legal opportunities.

"For example, charges have recently been filed in Elko County for the unlawful killing of a large bull elk. This particular bull is no longer available to the law-abiding citizens of the state."

With a huge portion of Nevada being rural, and with only 35 field game wardens working the entire state, law enforcement relies on assistance received through the OGT program.

Officials remind the public never to approach a potential poacher. Leave that responsibility to law enforcement

For more information on the Operation Game Thief program click on the Internet at: www.stoppoaching.org.

The workshops will include Big Game Tag Application Process; Firearm Safety and Marksmanship; Field Dressing; Processing and Cooking Wild Game; Camping/ Backcountry Skills; Dutch Oven/Camp Cooking; and Four-Wheel Drive Vehicle Use, among other topics.

The last workshop in 2003 will be Thursday, Nov. 13. For more information and/or to register call NDOW at 486-5127 Extension 3501.

Wood may be cut by permit only.

For more information on wood permits, call the U.S. Forest Service at 515-5400.