Target: Jim Fredericks, Director of Idaho Department of Fish and Game
Goal: Support investigations and convictions of poachers responsible for deaths of deer and other wildlife.
The poaching of innocent wildlife is a growing crime, as evidenced by the events detailed in this ForceChange petition. But several cases signal that justice is finally catching up with illegal hunting practices. In Tennessee, a repeat poaching offender, Robert E. Comer, was convicted of killing at least 50 white-tailed deer in violation of the law. He also profited by selling the meat. Comer received a short prison sentence, a fine, and a lifetime hunting ban following his conviction.
In Idaho, a two-day trial resulted in a guilty verdict for Joel Rose, who shot and killed an elk during a period of time when hunters could only use archery weapons. Rose then put an arrow in an elk and posed with the carcass, allegedly as a “bragging right” since the elk had long eluded hunters. In an even more expansive Idaho case, a two-year investigation led to the convictions of 17 men for poaching bobcats, swans, bull moose, and nearly three dozen mule deer. The bulk of the killings were done simply so the men could take the animals’ heads as “trophies.” The charges, which included many felonies, resulted in penalties ranging from hunting bans to jail time.
Sign the petition below to thank the officers responsible for holding many of these poachers accountable.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Director Fredericks,
The recent convictions of Joel Rose, Robert Zeko, and other individuals who illegally hunted Idaho wildlife were a heartening development. The charges – and the multi-year investigation – that preceded most of them indicate that Idaho conservation officers respect and honor the responsibility they have to protect the state’s majestic wildlife. Thank you for never giving up on these animals.
Most of all, thank you for a relentless and ultimately rewarding pursuit of justice.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Pixabay
