Hunting Ethics & Poaching

By Audrey Fergel

                What does ethical hunting mean to you? By definition, ethics is a system or rules of conduct recognized in respect to a particular class of human actions.  In regards to hunting ethics is very important, not only to other hunters but for all animals being hunted.

                Jason Scott, district game warden in the Cass and Barnes county area, stated in a phone interview, that he receives calls about illegal activities year round.  Scott said, “If people see any illegal activities they can be reported to Report All Poachers, which will reach the state hotline and the district game warden will be notified or you can call the office directly.”  If they find the person or persons and they are convicted of the charge, the person who reported the crime can receive up to $1000 reward, but it depends on the crime.  The reward is funded by the Wildlife Federation.  Scott explained that the latest trend has been is thrill killing, not only the killing of animals but shooting up people’s property. He described a thrill killing incident that occurred a few years back in northwestern North Dakota where several people made up a game giving each player so many points for killing specific animals.  Scott said, “They got so many points for a moose, antelope, deer, or whatever else they could kill, and they just left the animals to rot.”  Many of the cases unfortunately go unsolved, since there are usually no witnesses, and the animals cannot say who did it.  Scott said, “When we do catch the guilty party the punishment depending on the severity of the crime, the convicted person can receive a fine all the way up to forfeiting of equipment used and can lead to having their vehicle and trailers confiscated.”  He explained further that some charges carry mandatory fines, depending on if it is a class A or B misdemeanor, as well as, suspension or revocation of their fishing and hunting license or traffic license, and restitution for the animal.  Scott said, “The confiscated item are auctioned off about every three yrs and the money is put back into the Report All Poachers program.  The meat is donated to several groups, like hunters against hunger and the Salvation Army, if the meat is already processed and packaged. We have also donated meat to the Fargo Red River Zoo for the wolves because it was not able to be salvaged for human use.  We really try to do our best so there is no waste.”

Poached birds found at Hamiltion WMA.  Phote taken by Audrey Fergel

                Teaching future hunters the proper rules and regulations, as well as proper ethics is something Scott hopes to achieve in his presentations to young people.  Scott stated that all his presentations end with ethics because he feels that while the rules and regulations are important, proper ethics are invaluable.  The hunter education courses are mostly taught by volunteers that are trained and get certified to teach the course.  The presentations are aimed at reaching as many kids as possible.  Scott explained there is also an outreach program for kids who don’t come to from a background of hunting.  In a e-mail interview Dr. Bob Anderson, professor at Valley City State University, explained, "Students are educated in the importance of hunting ethics in all courses and the impacts of poor thical decisions.  Impacts of poor ethical decisions not only impact the individual but, also affect society as a whole."  People of all ages have a responsibility to teach and uphold ethics when it comes to our natural resources.
          Ethical hunting should not only include hunting rules and regulations but also the respect for nature and all animals alike.  Everyone should be able to enjoy nature and animals in their own way, from the hikers and animal watchers, as well as the hunters.  We have been given a wonderful natural resource in nature that without our respect can be gone, not only for us, but for the future generations also.                

Garbage bag full of poached birds found at Hamilton WMA. Phot taken by Audrey Fergel