Oklahoma representative asks for stronger poaching laws
This press release came out of the House of Representatives this week. It’s strange to think poaching still happens in America, but it does. Very interesting.
OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation by state Rep. Pat Ownbey would deter poaching by increasing the fine and mandating that poachers lose their hunting and fishing licenses.
“The current minimum fine of $50 for poaching is so weak that there’s not much point in even enforcing it and a repeat offender is treated the same as a first-time offender,” Ownbey, R-Ardmore, said. “I had a constituent whose horse was shot by a poacher who was illegally hunting deer on the property. This might not have happened if current laws provided for a stricter poaching penalty.”
House Bill 2573 would increase the minimum fine for poaching to $100 and mandate the loss of the poacher’s hunting and fishing licenses for one year. The legislation makes the penalty for a second offense a fine of $500-1000, six months in county jail or both.
“Poaching is a big problem across the state and our current law does a poor job of protecting landowners’ rights. It is costing people money and I think repeat offenders should face stiff penalties that might make them think twice about their behavior,” Ownbey said. “It’s time to put a stop to this illegal activity.”
House Bill 2573 will be eligible for a committee hearing when the Legislature reconvenes on Feb. 6.
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